The 2026-27 NBA season begins this week with all 30 teams competing in season openers spread across a three-day span, according to a Sporting News report published October 19. The schedule includes a rare Tuesday matinee start and features seven nationally televised games.
Three season openers will air on NBC on Tuesday, Oct. 20, including the Pistons vs. Celtics at 3 p.m. ET, the Knicks vs. 76ers at 7 p.m. ET, and the Spurs vs. Thunder at 9:30 p.m. ET. These games are available via NBC, Fubo, DIRECTV, and Peacock.
On Wednesday, Oct. 21, the schedule includes several matchups. The Heat will face the Timberwolves at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV, and the ESPN app. The Lakers will play the Warriors at 10 p.m. ET, also on ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV, and the ESPN app. Other matchups scheduled for Wednesday include the Wizards vs. Bucks, Magic vs. Hawks, Nets vs. Hornets, Raptors vs. Bulls, Grizzlies vs. Jazz, Pelicans vs. Pacers, Rockets vs. Mavericks, Trail Blazers vs. Suns, and Clippers vs. Kings.
Two games are scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 22. The 76ers will play the Cavaliers at 7 p.m. ET, and the Thunder will face the Nuggets at 9:30 p.m. ET. Both matchups will be broadcast on ESPN, Fubo, DIRECTV, and the ESPN app.
Viewing options for the season openers include national channels such as NBC and ESPN, as well as regional channels. Live streaming is available through services including Fubo, DAZN, Peacock, and the ESPN app.
The upcoming season follows a summer of significant roster changes. The New York Knicks are looking to defend their first championship in over half a century. In other notable moves, LeBron James has moved from Los Angeles to Philadelphia, where he joins Jaylen Brown. Other contenders including the Celtics, Timberwolves, and Heat have reloaded to compete for the title.
