ESPN staffOct 20, 2026, 07:54 PM ETMultiple AuthorsOpen Extended ReactionsThe NBA is back with a bang.The 2026-27 season tips off with a tripleheader, beginning with a rare daytime game between the Detroit Pistons and Boston Celtics. That sets up ring night at Madison Square Garden as the New York Knicks host the Philadelphia 76ers. The night concludes with a rematch of the 2026 Western Conference finals between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder.Each game bring its own headlines, starting off in Detroit. The Pistons defeated the Celtics 121-113 after a big fourth quarter from Duncan Robinson who helped Detroit go on a 23-0 run, after being down 22 points.
It marks the franchise’s largest come-from-behind win over the Celtics over the last 30 seasons, according to ESPN Research.The Knicks are raising a banner for the first time in 50 years. Who will look to spoil their night? None other than the new-look 76ers, with Jaylen Brown and LeBron James teaming up with Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe.Five months after defeating Oklahoma City in Game 7 to reach the Finals, San Antonio welcomes its Western Conference rivals in another battle. The Thunder and Spurs return most of their cores, setting up a matchup full of familiar matchups and tension.We’ll have all of the top moments and highlights from the NBA’s tripleheader.
