The NBA home openers schedule 2026-27 fits into just six days: all 30 teams play their first home game between Tuesday, October 20 and Sunday, October 25, 2026. This guide lists every matchup, tip time, city and TV channel, plus the storylines that make the opening week worth watching.
The 2026-27 NBA season tips off with a tripleheader on NBC and Peacock, and the regular season runs through April 11, 2027, with 82 games for every team. Below you will find the full lineup by day and by team, along with tips on where to stream each game.
NBA Home Openers Schedule 2026-27 at a Glance
Start with the key dates on the NBA home openers schedule 2026-27. The table covers the NBA opening week schedule and a few other milestones to circle on your calendar for the rest of the year.
Fourteen teams play at home by Wednesday night, and the final home opener belongs to Minnesota on Sunday. Because each team's first game is not always a home game, some clubs open on the road and wait a few days to host.
NBA Opening Night 2026: Three Games on NBC and Peacock
The 2026 NBA opening night starts earlier than usual. Boston visits Detroit at 3:00 p.m. ET in a matchup of the top two seeds in the East last season, with the Pistons finishing first and the Celtics second. The matinee is followed by the New York Knicks hosting the Philadelphia 76ers at 7:00 p.m. ET, a night that includes the first championship banner raised in New York in 53 years. The Knicks receive their rings at 6:30 p.m. ET, and LeBron James, Jaylen Brown and a retooled 76ers roster arrive to try to spoil the party.
The night closes at 9:30 p.m. ET with the Oklahoma City Thunder visiting the San Antonio Spurs, a rematch of last spring's Western Conference Finals. All three games air on NBC and stream on Peacock.
NBA Opening Week Schedule: What to Watch
The NBA opening week schedule stays busy after the tripleheader. On Wednesday, October 21, ESPN has a doubleheader: Giannis Antetokounmpo makes his Miami Heat debut against the Timberwolves and LaMelo Ball at 7:30 p.m. ET, then Luka Dončić and the Lakers host Stephen Curry and the Warriors at 10:00 p.m. ET.
On Thursday, October 22, LeBron James plays his first home game as a 76er against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:00 p.m. ET, and the Thunder host Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets at 9:30 p.m. ET, both on ESPN. Friday brings the Knicks to Boston at 7:00 p.m. ET on Prime Video, Saturday features the Warriors at the Suns on NBA TV, and Sunday wraps up the home openers when the Raptors visit Minnesota at 7:00 p.m. ET, with LaMelo Ball playing his first home game for the Timberwolves.
Complete NBA Home Openers Schedule 2026-27 by Day
We compiled this NBA home openers schedule 2026-27 from the league's opening-week announcements and national TV listings, then cross-checked tip times and channels. Each table below shows the away team, the home team, the city, the TV network and any notes. Games without a national broadcaster are available on NBA League Pass and local TV in each team's market.
All 30 NBA Home Openers by Team
Looking for one team? This alphabetical version of the NBA home openers schedule 2026-27 shows each club's first home game of the season, the opponent, the tip time and where to watch.
How to Watch NBA Home Openers
Here is how to watch NBA home openers across the opening week. NBC and Peacock carry all three opening-night games, ESPN and ESPN Unlimited show the Wednesday and Thursday doubleheaders, and Prime Video has the Friday doubleheader, including Knicks at Celtics. NBA TV airs the Warriors at the Suns on Saturday and the Raptors at the Timberwolves on Sunday. Every other game is on NBA League Pass for out-of-market fans and on local TV in the home team's market.
This is the second year of the NBA's current media rights deal, so the 2026-27 NBA season again spreads games across broadcast, cable and streaming. Use the NBA home openers schedule 2026-27 tables above to find the right channel for your team, and check the league's official site for any late changes.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2026-27 NBA season start?
The 2026-27 NBA season starts on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and the regular season ends on Sunday, April 11, 2027.
What games are on NBA opening night?
NBA opening night features three games on NBC and Peacock: Celtics at Pistons at 3:00 p.m. ET, 76ers at Knicks at 7:00 p.m. ET and Thunder at Spurs at 9:30 p.m. ET.
When do all 30 teams play their home openers?
Every team plays its first home game between October 20 and October 25, 2026. Detroit, New York and San Antonio host on opening night, and Minnesota is the last team to open at home on October 25.
How to watch NBA home openers this week?
Games appear on NBC, Peacock, ESPN, Prime Video, NBA TV, NBA League Pass and local channels. The schedule tables list the network for each home opener.
How many games does each team play?
Each team plays 82 regular-season games. Under the NBA home openers schedule 2026-27, clubs host their first game within the first six days of the season.
Can tip times or TV channels change?
Yes. Networks and the league can adjust start times, so check the official NBA site close to tip-off.
