Knicks' title defense anchors a calendar of rivalries and marquee dates in 2026-27 NBA schedule

CBS Sports highlights 10 must-watch dates for the 2026-27 NBA season, kicking off Oct. 20 with the Knicks’ championship banner ceremony and an opening-night slate that includes Knicks vs. 76ers and Spurs vs. Thunder, a December NBA Cup final in Indianapolis, a Christmas Day featuring a Knicks–Spurs finals rematch and LeBron James’ return to the Lakers, plus intriguing storylines like Jaylen Brown’s return to Boston, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return to Milwaukee, a Kawhi Leonard mystery bowl, and rookie showdowns between A.J. Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson.