Ranking most exciting NBA games in 2026-27, from Jaylen Brown's Celtics return to LeBron vs. Bronny James originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NBA crowned its eighth champion in eight years last season, with the Knicks winning their first title in 53 years.
More teams believe they can compete for a championship, and this offseason reflected that. The Heat, 76ers and Timberwolves were among teams who made major splashes, while other contenders refined the edges of their roster in hopes of making a Knicks-like leap.
With those moves in mind, here are the games to watch on the 2026-27 NBA schedule.
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John Hefti - USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect
10. 76ers vs. Warriors
- Date: TBD
Every matchup between LeBron James and Stephen Curry could be the last, considering James' uncertain future beyond 2026-27 and the reality that both players are likely to miss some games as they continue to age. The first battle of the season between James and Curry, and every one thereafter, will be worth watching, particularly after James passed on the opportunity to play alongside Curry and Draymond Green in the Bay Area.
9. Jazz vs. Wizards
- Date: TBD
While both teams are hoping to take a step forward this season, very few will be watching the Jazz face the Wizards for the result. The attraction will instead be No. 2 pick Darryn Peterson taking on No. 1 pick AJ Dybantsa. The debate surrounding the top pick continued into the Summer League when Peterson impressed, and a head-to-head win over Dybantsa would only add more fuel to that fire.
David Butler II-Imagn Images
8. 76ers vs. Celtics
- Date: TBD
Jaylen Brown's return to Boston is on the calendar as one of the premier games of the 2026-27 season. Brown helped the Celtics win a championship in his decade with the franchise, but he has been open about his frustration with how he was valued at the end of his tenure. Brown, now playing alongside LeBron James, will undoubtedly have a chip on his shoulder as he faces his former team, as will Paul George as he takes on the 76ers.
MORE:Can 76ers win championship with LeBron James?
7. Heat vs. Bucks
- Date: TBD
Giannis Antetokounmpo's reception in Milwaukee isn't a mystery: he loves the city, and the city loves him. While his exit was awkward if only because of how long it dragged out, Antetokounmpo will receive a warm reception after winning a championship during his 13 seasons with the Bucks and could have a career performance in him with the adrenaline flowing.
6. Pacers vs. Knicks
- Date: TBD
With Tyrese Haliburton back on the court and the Pacers looking to compete again, Indiana's first game at Madison Square Garden will be a treat. Haliburton hasn't played in New York since the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, a series that included a miraculous game-winner to sink the Knicks in Game 1, and he will undoubtedly get the Trae Young treatment from a fan base that is riding the high of a championship.
5. Nuggets vs. Timberwolves
- Date: TBD
There might not be many true rivalries in the NBA right now, but the Nuggets and Timberwolves certainly have one after three recent meetings in the playoffs. The Timberwolves got the better of the Nuggets in a playoff series that included some bad blood this past spring, and their first of many meetings in 2026-27 will be one to watch as both squads plan to challenge the Spurs and Thunder in the West.
MORE:Grading the Timberwolves' trade for LaMelo Ball
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
4. Spurs vs. Knicks
- Date: Dec. 25
The first NBA Finals rematch between the Spurs and Knicks will bring the excitement, with Victor Wembanyama seeking revenge against the reigning champions on Christmas Day. The Spurs have bigger goals than just beating the Knicks in the regular season, but Wembanyama knows New York has had his number between the NBA Finals and the NBA Cup.
3. 76ers vs. Lakers
- Date: Dec. 25
Despite speculation, it looks like Bronny James will be staying with the Lakers rather than joining his father in Philadelphia. That adds another layer of intrigue to what would have been an enticing matchup regardless as the elder James returns to Crypto.com Arena as an opponent for the first time and goes head-to-head with his son for the first time on Christmas Day.
Bill Streicher/Imagn Images
2. Knicks vs. 76ers
- Date: Oct. 20
Knicks fans took over Xfinity Mobile Arena in the playoffs, and the 76ers' season ended with an embarassing home blowout loss to the eventual champions. True revenge would come in the playoffs, but every matchup between New York and Philadelphia pitst the NBA champions against the potential new beasts of the East in a potential conference finals preview.
The first battle between the squads, coming on opening night, will see LeBron James make his 76ers debut after the Knicks raise their banner. That will be a sight to see.
1. Thunder vs. Spurs
- Date: Oct. 20
Whether the Thunder and Spurs have serious bad blood is debatable, but this is the NBA's top rivalry at the moment when considering the strength of both teams. Oklahoma City dropped back-to-back games to lose the Western Conference Finals to San Antonio, putting revenge on the menu as Chet Holmgren looks to put an ugly finish to his season behind him. Every game between the Thunder and Spurs could be critical in the race for the No. 1 seed in the West, but the symbolic meaning of a win is undeniable for the West's top two teams.