The defending champion New York Knicks headline 2026 opening day with their ring ceremony and a date with the new-look Philadelphia 76ers, who now have LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Get your popcorn ready.

Catch the game tomorrow at 7:00 AM, Manila time.

AWAY: Philadelphia 76ers (0-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Tyrese Maxey
  • VJ Edgecombe
  • Jaylen Brown
  • LeBron James
  • Joel Embiid

The Sixers didn’t settle for a minor upgrade this offseason. After finishing 45-37 and reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, Philadelphia acquired Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade and signed LeBron James to join Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe. The Sixers also added Anfernee Simons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Dean Wade, giving head coach Nick Nurse a roster loaded with scoring options and championship experience. Maxey is coming off an All-NBA season, while Edgecombe brings the promise of further growth after an impressive rookie campaign.

The talent is undeniable, but making it all work is another matter. With multiple stars accustomed to handling the ball, Philly must find the right balance between individual brilliance and team basketball. Embiid’s availability and the team’s frontcourt depth are also major concerns heading into the season. What better way to test this new-look super team than against the reigning champions on opening night? 

The Sixers have enough firepower to spoil New York’s celebration, but we all know  beating the Knicks at MSG will require more than star power.

HOME: New York Knicks (0-0)

Projected starting five:

  • Jalen Brunson
  • Josh Hart
  • OG Anunoby
  • Mikal Bridges
  • Karl-Anthony Towns

The New York Knicks spent 53 years waiting for another championship. Now, they get to raise their banner at Madison Square Garden with the chance to prove that their title run was the beginning of something bigger. After finishing 53-29 and capturing the 2025-26 NBA championship, New York enters the new season with its championship core intact, led by Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. Andre Drummond is the team’s notable offseason addition, while continuity should give the Knicks an advantage over teams still figuring out their rotations. 

The Knicks will have plenty to celebrate before tipoff, but the Sixers offer a formidable opening-night test. New York must contend with a star-studded Philadelphia lineup while managing the emotions of its ring ceremony and banner raising. 

The good news is that the Knicks already know what it takes to win together, and Brunson remains the steady hand guiding the offense. A repeat championship is never guaranteed, but defending their home court against a revamped Eastern Conference rival would be an ideal way to begin the title defense. 

PICKS:

Spread: Knicks (-4.5)

Over/Under: Under (232.5)