2026–27 NBA Season Preview: Top Things to Know Ahead of Opening Day

The 2026–27 NBA season tips off on Tuesday, Oct. 20, and lots has happened since the New York Knicks ended their long-standing championship drought in June.

There are old faces in new places, future Hall of Famers who hung up the cleats, and an extremely promising incoming rookie class. One can be forgiven if they haven’t kept up with the day-to-day goings-on of the Association, especially during a FIFA World Cup summer, so these are the top things to know ahead of NBA Opening Night.

The Road to Repeat

The New York Knicks are coming off their first championship since 1973, and that 53-year gap is the longest in NBA history. New Yorkers are hoping the next gap lasts just 12 months, but recent history indicates otherwise. The Knicks became the eighth different franchise to win the NBA Finals over the last eight years as parity has never been more apparent than when it comes to the NBA champs.

The 2017 and 2018 Golden State Warriors are the last repeat champs, but the Knicks are running it back with nearly their entire roster from a year ago. New York’s top nine scorers all return from last year’s squad, so the Knicks certainly have continuity in their favor.

Last Stop for the King?

After taking his talents to South Beach, and then back to Cleveland, and then Los Angeles, LeBron James has now landed in the City of Brotherly Love for his record-extending 24th season. The NBA’s all-time scoring leader signed a two-year deal with the Sixers, joining a star-studded lineup along with Jaylen Brown.

By adding James and Brown, Philadelphia is the first team ever to add two Finals MVP winners in a single offseason. Those two, along with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, all averaged at least 20 points per game last year, albeit with them playing for three different teams. If that quartet can replicate that feat, then the 76ers can become the first team in NBA history to have four players average 20 ppg.

Old Faces in New Places

James’s cross-country move wasn’t the only notable player movement during the summer. Giannis Antetokounmpo finally severed ties with Milwaukee and joined the Miami Heat, while Kawhi Leonard went to the only franchise he’s played for that he hasn’t burned bridges with, the Toronto Raptors. Also, LaMelo Ball has a new home with the Minnesota Timberwolves, while Ja Morant will look to revive his career with the Portland Trail Blazers.

New Faces in New Places

The 2026 NBA Draft class has already been hailed as one of the greatest in history, even though none of the players have even stepped foot onto the court yet. AJ Dybantsa of BYU was the top overall pick by the Washington Wizards and thus became the third player since 1966 to go first overall after leading Division I in scoring.

Darryn Peterson went second overall to the Utah Jazz after essentially being load-managed during his one college season at Kansas. But he’s dripping with talent, and his 28 points in his NCAA Tournament debut were the most by any Jayhawk in a March Madness debut since 1971. Cameron Boozer was drafted third overall by the Memphis Grizzlies and will be the first of the franchise from Day One, after Memphis rid itself of Morant, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Desmond Bane over the last year.

Next Stop Springfield?

While the league welcomed in several intriguing rookies, it also said goodbye to a couple of all-time greats. Last year was the final season for Chris Paul, who is one of six players to receive at least 11 All-NBA and nine All-Defensive team nods. He will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, as will fellow point guard Russell Westbrook, who announced his retirement in August. No player in league history notched more triple-doubles than his 209, and he also secured the most rebounds in NBA history by a guard.

Other retirees include six-time All-Star Kyle Lowry and 17-year NBA vet Taj Gibson. Additionally, Nicolas Batum hung up the sneakers, and the Frenchman’s 1,205 games played are the sixth most, all-time, by a foreign-born player.

West Juggernauts or The Field?

While Eastern Conference teams generated headlines this summer—with the Knicks winning it all, LeBron changing coasts, Giannis staying in the East, etc.—the NBA’s two superpowers reside West of the Mississippi. The Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are neck-and-neck in regard to being the title co-favorites, despite them having different offseason approaches.

After becoming the youngest NBA Finals team since the merger, the Spurs kept most of their roster intact. Each of their top 10 scorers from last year is returning, with their notable addition being 16-year veteran Tobias Harris. As for OKC, it saw several wing players depart, including Lu Dort, Aaron Wiggins, and Isaiah Joe. They all ranked in the top seven on the team in minutes, points, made 3-pointers, and steals as the Thunder’s depth—which has been a hallmark of the team over its recent run of success—will be tested this season.