It still might not seem real, but NBA legend LeBron James will finally make his Philadelphia 76ers debut tonight as the Sixers tipoff off the 2026-2027 season against the reigning champion New York Knicks.
Along with James, former Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown also is set to appear in a Sixers jersey for the first time following a shocked offseason trade that sent Paul George and picks to the Celtics.
The two All-NBA forwards will be joined by Sixers stars Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe as Philly looks to ruin the NBA-title banner night for Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns and the rest of the Knicks and their fans.
Here's how to watch:
When is the Sixers first game?
The Philadelphia 76ers will take on the New York Knicks to open the season on Oct. 20.
Is LeBron James playing tonight?
James is set to make his regular season NBA debut with the 76ers tonight against the Knicks.
What time is Sixers game tonight?
The Sixers-Knicks season opener will tipoff at 7 p.m. ET.
What channel is the Sixers game tonight?
The Sixers-Knicks season opener will be broadcast on nationally. Here's how to watch:
- TV: NBC
- Streaming: Peacock
76ers injury report
- Dean Wade: Questionable (ankle)
- Adem Bona: Questionable (foot)
- Anfernee Simons: Questionable (hamstring)
- Tacko Fall: Out (hip)
- Dominick Barlow: Out (Likely to miss two weeks with lumbar spine bone stress response)
Knicks injury report
- No injuries to report
Projected Sixers starting lineup with LeBron James
With James signing with Philadelphia, the Sixers would potentially have one of the most talented starting lineups in the NBA. Here's what it might look it:
Sixers potential starting lineup
- Joel Embiid, C
- LeBron James, PF
- Jaylon Brown, SF
- V.J. Edgecombe, G
- Tyrese Maxey, G
Sixers bench
- Labaron Philon Jr., G
- Anfernee Simons, G
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, G
- Caleb Love, G
- Rayan Rupert, G
- Dean Wade, F
- Justin Edwards, F
- Dominick Barlow, F
- Jabari Walker, F
- Adem Bona, C
- Tacko Fall, C
- Ariel Hukporti, C*
* Out for season
LeBron James helicopter commute with sixers
Fortunately for James, it will be a short commute and he won't have to his a helicopter to commute to the game since it will be in New York. As part of a deal with former 76ers and current Fanatics owner Michael Rubin, James has unlimited access to use a helicopter to take flights back and forth from NYC to games in Philly.
What jersey number will LeBron James wear with the Sixers?
The Sixers made it official on July 27 that James will wear No. 23.
How old is LeBron James?
James is 41 years old and is entering his 24th season in the NBA. He will turn 42 years old on Dec. 30.
When are Sixers on National TV?
The acquisition of James has put the franchise back in the NBA spotlight.
This season, Philadelphia will play a franchise-record and league-maximum 34 nationally televised games. Here's a look at some of the featured matchups:
- Opening night: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, 7 p.m. Oct. 20
- Home opener: Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers, 7 p.m. Oct. 22
- NBA Cup opener: New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30
- Christmas Day: Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers, 5 p.m. Dec. 25
- MLK Day: Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks, 2:30 p.m. Jan. 18
Sixers season tickets
If you're looking for season tickets, you can still get them via the Sixers' website nba.com/sixers/tickets. But those are likely going quickly.
If you're looking for single-game tickets, you'll have to go through Ticketmaster.com, and you'll have to wait until mid-August. That's when the NBA schedule is expected to be released.
For now, the Sixers have announced two preseason games, including a home preseason game against the Celtics on Oct. 16. For that game, tickets on StubHub begin at $318 for upper-level seats. That's as of 3:20 p.m. on July 24. They increase dramatically from there.
Shop Philadelphia 76ers tickets
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: What time is Sixers game tonight? LeBron James, Sixers opener vs. Knicks