James reunion and East surge highlight the 2026-27 NBA schedule
CBS Sports’ schedule release highlights include Opening Day on Oct. 20 with Celtics–Pistons at 3 p.m. ET and Opening Night featuring the Knicks hosting LeBron James and the new-look 76ers; Christmas Day brings a LeBron family reunion as the Lakers visit the Sixers, who also earn maximum national exposure (34 games) and fewer back-to-backs. The Eastern Conference looks stronger overall, reshaping the league’s balance after recent moves, while Milwaukee’s national standing wanes with only two national TV games following Giannis’ departure. The schedule also includes marquee international games (Paris Jan. 14; Manchester Jan. 17) and an NBA Cup structure that locks in 80 of 82 games.