2026 NBA Opening Night Features Key Matchups and Expert Predictions
The 2026-27 NBA season begins with a trio of games on Tuesday, including matchups between the Celtics and Pistons at 3 p.m. ET, the 76ers facing the Knicks at 7 p.m. ET, and the Thunder taking on the Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.
SportsLine's experts are predicting a victory for the Spurs, who are favored at -135 against the Thunder. The Knicks are also expected to cover as 4.5-point favorites against the 76ers, with player prop bets highlighted for the Pistons vs. Celtics game. LeBron James is priced at +173 to achieve a double-double in his debut with the 76ers, while Jalen Brunson's point total is set at an over/under of 26.5.
Madison Square Garden will host a celebration for the Knicks as they receive their championship rings, marking their first title since 1973. The team has retained most of its playoff roster, except for Mitchell Robinson, while the reigning champions return their top nine scorers. The Spurs, fresh off a Finals appearance, have added Tobias Harris to their lineup. The SportsLine Projection Model forecasts the Knicks to cover in 57% of simulations.
