NEW YORK – LeBron James begins Year 24 with new scenery as the Philadelphia 76ers visit the defending NBA champion New York Knicks on opening night at Madison Square Garden tonight. This matchup is available on multiple streaming services for free.
How to watch 76ers vs. Knicks today
- What: NBA Opening Night: Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks
- When: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026
- Time: 7 p.m. Eastern
- Where: Madison Square Garden | New York, N.Y.
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming options: DIRECTV (free trial and $35 off your first month), FuboTV (free trial and $25 off your first month), SlingTV and Peacock
How do I watch 76ers vs. Knicks for free?
This NBA Opening Night matchup will broadcast live on NBC at 7 p.m. Eastern. You can take advantage of free trials from DIRECTV and FuboTV, which offer large discounts on your first month.
You can watch this game on Sling TV for $19.99 per month with Sling Select, which offers local channels in select markets.
You can also stream this game and numerous live sports on Peacock for $12.99 per month.
The 76ers begin a new era with James and a newly acquired Jaylen Brown, joining superstar Joel Embiid, All-Star Tyrese Maxey and promising second-year stud V.J. Edgecombe.
Among other contenders, health and depth are projected to be Philly’s biggest obstacles in a stacked Eastern Conference that also includes the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons.
With talent dripping from all angles of the court, the NBA’s most fascinating team will take time to mesh. Anfernee Simmons, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Dean Wade are key bench contributors. Both Simmons and Wade are questionable for today’s game with left hamstring tightness and a left ankle sprain, respectively.
A much different-looking Philadelphia squad was swept out of the Eastern Conference semifinals by the Knicks last year. That was after they stunned the second-seeded Celtics in Game 7 of the first round.
The chips are all in for a memorable season in the City of Brotherly Love.
Watch 76ers vs. Knicks for free with DIRECTV
The Knicks will hang a championship banner for the first time in 53 years. New York defeated the San Antonio Spurs with a gentleman’s sweep in the 2026 NBA Finals.
Many of the same core pieces return, including Finals MVP Jalen Brunson, who averaged 26 points, 6.8 assists and 3.3 rebounds while shooting 46.7% from the field.
Karl-Anthony Towns is looking to build off another stellar season. The versatile big man averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 3.0 assists while shooting 50.1% from the field last season.
Familiar role players Miles McBride, Jose Alvarado and playoff hero Landry Shamet headline New York’s deep bench.
The Knicks have won 13 of their last 16 matchups with the 76ers over the last three seasons. Nine of those victories were by double-digits.
Watch 76ers vs. Knicks for free with FuboTV
Who is announcing 76ers vs. Knicks?
Mike Tirico (play-by-play), Reggie Miller (analyst) and Jamal Crawford (analyst) will be the announcers while Kathryn Tappen reports from the sideline.
What are the latest odds for 76ers vs. Knicks?
Spread: PHI: (-4.5), NYK: (+4.5)
Moneyline: PHI: +150, NYK: -180
Point total: 232.5
Odds courtesy of DraftKings
