India, Aug. 11 -- The NBA 2026-27 season will open with a blockbuster Eastern Conference showdown as LeBron James prepares to take the court for the Philadelphia 76ers against the reigning champions, the New York Knicks. The meeting at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday, October 20, will combine a championship celebration with one of the league's most anticipated matchups, putting LeBron on centre stage on the opening night of the new NBA campaign.

The Knicks enter the season looking to defend the NBA title they secured last season after beating the San Antonio Spurs in five games in the Finals. NBA Finals MVP Jalen Brunson will lead New York's title defence, while the team is expected to retain its starting five of Brunson, Mikal Bridges,...