NBA-ийн 2026-27 оны улирлын хуваарь гарч, анхаарал татах 36 тоглолтыг онцоллоо

Once again, the NBA has released a full schedule for all 30 teams, and we’re here to go over the big matchups. As teams book hotels and insert every itinerary into their smartphone calendars, a minimum of 1,230 regular-season (plus NBA Cup!) games are scheduled and ready to go. It’s always fun when the NBA schedule gets released and we start planning for the most important matchups.

NBA Cup group play begins on Oct. 30. How aggressive will the Cup courts be this time? I’m excited to see! For now, there are three dozen games I’m most looking forward to, so take note! (Inevitably, I probably left a good matchup or two off this list. I promise I left it out because I hateyour favorite team. Still, toss the games you’re most looking forward to watching in the comments.)

(Editor’s note: All times Eastern; national TV info listed when applicable but subject to change.)

Matchups with something to prove

NBA Finals rematch: San Antonio Spurs at New York Knicks, noon, Christmas, ABC/ESPN

We saw genuine animosity build up during the Knicks’ NBA Finals win over the Spurs, and it was a real teaching moment for San Antonio’s young squad. It was also a great coronation for a Knicks team that had been knocking on the door for a couple years. Now, we get to watch them have another go-round at the same scene of New York’s 29-point, Game 4 comeback. The Knicks will want to show this is their league and the Spurs aren’t ready yet. San Antonio should want to disprove that.

There’s also the sub-story of Victor Wembanyama becoming somewhat of a villain. In that historic Game 4 collapse, he had that viral moment of telling Mitchell Robinson he’s in the latter’s head before yielding the biggest comeback in NBA Finals history. Madison Square Garden will be all over Wemby, so he has to manage his emotions. This could bloom into a fun rivalry for the next couple of years, if the collective bargaining agreement even allows that anymore.

West finals rematch: Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder, 9:30 p.m., Feb. 11, Prime Video

The Thunder were supposed to have a stranglehold on the NBA after their 2025 championship, but the Spurs knocked them off the West’s perch the very next postseason. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander wasn’t completely dominant. Chet Holmgren looked ill-equipped to share a court with Wembanyama. And the young Spurs took out the young Thunder in what could be a tremendous rivalry moving forward. Now, the Spurs return to OKC for the first time since Game 7 of the 2026 conference finals (the teams play in San Antonio on opening night). The Thunder will hopefully have a healthy Jalen Williams, but they’ll still be down several key role players.

East finals rematch: Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers, 8 p.m., Nov. 7

Once the Cavs folded in the fourth quarter of Game 1, the writing on the wall developed bigger, more elaborate font. New York owned the East, and Cleveland couldn’t do anything about it. Jalen Brunson wants to reiterate he’s this matchup’s best guard and leader, and Donovan Mitchell and James Harden should want to prove that wrong. The Cavs’ frontcourt should hope to prove it can hang with Karl-Anthony Towns and company. Cleveland isn’t really the challenger to the throne in the East, but this is legally a conference finals rematch. I want to see how Cleveland treats it.

West showdown: Minnesota Timberwolves at Spurs, 8 p.m., Oct. 31

The elbow from Wemby. The trash talk from Anthony Edwards and Jaden McDaniels. The inspired play of Dylan Harper, Stephon Castle and De’Aaron Fox. There is so much talent in this matchup, and the Wolves will have LaMelo Ball to help alleviate defensive pressure from Edwards. These Wolves have a new look and may not have the frontcourt depth to handle Wemby. But they’re hoping the perimeter attack can solve most of the issues the Spurs’ defense presented.

Rivalry renewed: Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets, 10:30 p.m., Dec. 28, NBC

The Wolves completely punked the Nuggets in the first round. McDaniels called out Nikola Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. The Nuggets did nothing about it, except show some faux fight in them when McDaniels scored at the end of a decided game. Beyond that? The Wolves continued owning the Nuggets since the latter’s 2023 title. Denver will want to change that narrative and exploit the Wolves’ lacking frontcourt depth. The teams will also play three days later in Minnesota.

Let’s get physical: Detroit Pistons at Orlando Magic, 7 p.m., Nov. 24

This first-round matchup was historic, with the Pistons coming back from the 3-1 deficit as they reenacted what happened between the Pistons and Magic back in 2003. Orlando ended up firing Jamahl Mosley from the sidelines and hopes Sean Sweeney can lead a charge atop the East. Although Detroit had a mediocre offseason after clinching the East’s No. 1 seed, we know this will be a physical defensive battle.

Delayed rivalry renewal: Knicks at Indiana Pacers, 7 p.m., Nov. 13, Prime Video

The Pacers kept the Knicks from making the NBA Finals back in 2025. Tyrese Haliburton talked trash, hit big shots and nearly led the Pacers to the championship. But his torn Achilles kept the Pacers from shocking the world. During his recovery, the Knicks have become the best team in basketball. Indiana will want to prove New York’s success was about the Pacers having a gap year, though the latter is hoping to rule the East again. This should have plenty of fun and fireworks.

Familiar faces in new places

Tribute Video: Miami Heat at Milwaukee Bucks, 9:30 p.m., Jan. 28, Prime Video

This one has several components. First and foremost is Giannis’ return to Milwaukee. He spent the previous 13 years with the Bucks, making them champions and one of the decade’s more successful teams. Emotions will be high for Antetokounmpo that night, which I expect to include a pretty good welcome by Bucks fans. But there’s also the Bam Adebayo-Tyler Herro dynamic after what reportedly happened in Las Vegas this summer. Every time they match up, drama shouldn’t be far away.

He’s baaaack: Philadelphia 76ers at Boston Celtics, 7:30 p.m., Jan. 21, Prime Video

Jaylen Brown had his favorite NBA season last season. Then, the Celtics tried to trade him for Antetokounmpo, couldn’t reach an agreement with Milwaukee and decided they weren’t interested in giving Brown another massive extension. The Celtics are now hoping Paul George has a couple good years left, and Brown will be there with a stacked Sixers team that already overcame a 3-1 deficit to beat Boston in the playoffs. Except Philly has Brown and LeBron James.

LeReturn Pt. 1: Philadelphia 76ers at Los Angeles Lakers, 5 p.m., Christmas, ABC

Speaking of LeBron, he’ll be back in Los Angeles on a different team for the first time in about nine years. He led the Lakers to the 2020 title and had them trying to contend for years, but things between LeBron and the Lakers ended awkwardly. The latter had to move on to the Luka Dončić era, and LeBron had to move on to his 24th season elsewhere. This should be a fun environment for both sides.

This could happen: Toronto Raptors at LA Clippers, 10 p.m., Nov. 2

This is all theoretical, assuming the Kawhi Leonard trade happens before the season starts. Or at all. The Raptors are hoping to welcome back Leonard after he left in 2019 following the franchise’s only championship. Leonard never took the Clippers to such heights, but any basketball failures or shortcomings in LA are no longer the topic of conversation. Now, it’s about the investigation into alleged salary-cap circumvention by the Clippers.

Back in Buzz City: Minnesota Timberwolves at Charlotte Hornets, noon, Feb. 15, NBC/Peacock

The Hornets surprised many people this summer by sending Ball to Minnesota. He was supposed to be their franchise guy and had just helped them have their best season in a decade. Things were — and still are — looking up for the Hornets. Their plans just no longer include Ball. He’ll return to the only other NBA home he knows and receive a great reception. It’ll be interesting to see how he approaches this night. Will he drop 50? Will he try showing the little things to help Minnesota win?

Ja ruled: Portland Trail Blazers at Memphis Grizzlies, 5:30 p.m., Feb. 6, Prime Video

Speaking of trading away franchise point guards, the Grizzlies moving on from Ja Morant was not at all surprising. They tried to do so during the season but couldn’t find a market. There wasn’t much of a market in the summer either. They got Jerami Grant and Kris Murray in return. Now, Morant returns to where things were so good for so long, only to end quite clumsily. I’d imagine he’s looking for revenge on coach Tuomas Iisalo and the rest of the Grizzlies organization.

Tribute video: Atlanta Hawks at Thunder, 8 p.m., Nov. 18

Lu Dort was the longest-tenured Thunderman before OKC moved him to Atlanta in one of several salary dumps to get under the second apron. The Thunder and their fans loved Dort. He helped them win a championship in 2025 and trails only Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook for the most 3s in a Thunder uniform. He’ll likely get a tremendous reception before having fun moments guarding SGA.

Big man back: Los Angeles Lakers at Utah Jazz, 5 p.m., Oct. 25

Four years isn’t the longest time, but Walker Kessler was supposed to make the Rudy Gobert trade an absolute theft by the Jazz. Instead, it turned out to be a good deal that acquired ample draft capital and eventually Jaren Jackson Jr. Kessler wanted the Jazz to pay him, but Utah decided the Lakers would be better for that. He should get a nice ovation in Salt Lake City, though.

Fun team showdowns

Watch the thrones: Philadelphia 76ers at New York Knicks, 8:30 p.m., Feb. 27, ABC

For the last eight years, LeBron has made just one trip to Madison Square Garden per season. Now, he’ll get two opportunities as a member of the Sixers. This will be the second. Philly has put together a team to not only unseat the Knicks in the East but to also win its first title since 1983. The Knicks and Sixers will be an instantly renewed rivalry. Will it be LeBron’s last game at MSG? Or will he get more chances in the playoffs?

We could have had it all: Nuggets at Thunder, 9:30 p.m., Oct. 22, ESPN

In 2023, the Nuggets were supposed to rule the NBA after winning the championship, but they haven’t come close to the NBA Finals since. In 2025, the Thunder were supposed to rule the NBA after winning a championship. They got taken down by the Spurs last season before making big cuts to role-player depth. The Nuggets and Thunder gave us a great seven-game series in 2025. They should give us a great battle every time.

2025 finals remix: Pacers at Thunder, 9:30 p.m., Feb. 5, Prime Video

Let’s not forget how close the Pacers were to winning the championship in 2025. Game 7. Haliburton cooking. Then he tore his Achilles. Both teams have very real championship aspirations in 2026-27, and we’re going to go back to the scene of Game 7 in this one. This should be a very high level of basketball, as long as Haliburton is back toward being the player we remember.

LeReturn Pt. 2: Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 6, Prime Video

We’re not going to get the vitriol that happened when LeBron chose Miami over Cleveland in 2010. Those feelings have long subsided thanks to the title in 2016. But LeBron did flirt with coming back to the Cavs before deciding to play with Philly. Cleveland will want to show him he made a mistake. LeBron and the Sixers will want to show the Cavs that Philadelphia is the team in the East.

Coulda, woulda, shoulda: Miami Heat at Boston Celtics, 2:30 p.m., Christmas, ABC

Would the Celtics actually have Antetokounmpo on their team if they were willing to give up Hugo González or Baylor Scheierman? It’s hard to say, but the entire Antetokounmpo trade-rumor debacle is what led to moving on from Jaylen Brown. The Celtics are in a very different place without Brown. Antetokounmpo will get to show the Boston faithful what a mistake that might be.

Fun player showdowns

Alien versus Freak: San Antonio Spurs at Miami Heat, 5 p.m., Feb. 15, NBC/Peacock

Want to know what it’s like to watch basketball in a funhouse mirror? Look no further than Antetokounmpo and Wemby going toe-to-toe and trying to prove who is the NBA’s most physically intimidating player.

En Guards: Timberwolves at Thunder, 7:30 p.m., Nov. 25, ESPN

There was a comment back in the 2025 Western Conference finals about how difficult it is for the league to have OKC and Minnesota from a ratings standpoint. If you can’t sell the public on watching Edwards against SGA, I just don’t think you’re a salesperson. This is always a fun matchup.

Two of the all-timers: Houston Rockets at 76ers, 7:30 p.m., Dec. 23, Prime Video

Over the last couple of years, many of us have wondered when we’d see the last matchup between LeBron and Kevin Durant. Could this be it?

Euro friends: Lakers at Nuggets, 9 p.m., Dec. 19

The friendship between Dončić and Jokić is a pretty fun basketball experience. There are tons of mixtapes of them messing with each other at All-Star practices and in games. We’re going to see these two supernovas play against each other a couple times to try to climb the West standings. They’ll also play again four days later.

LeReturn Pt. 4: 76ers at Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m., March 24, ESPN

Much like KD and LeBron above, watching Steph Curry and LeBron play basketball has been an NBA staple for 11 years. This time has extra juice with LeBron deciding not to sign with the Warriors this summer. I wonder how upset the Warriors crowd will be with James. These teams will also play a week later in Philly.

The Dukies: Charlotte Hornets at Dallas Mavericks, 8 p.m, Jan. 19, NBC

Last season’s two leading Rookie of the Year candidates were also teammates at Duke. Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel should be a great showdown for a decade-plus.

Rookie showdowns

No. 1 versus No. 2: Washington Wizards at Utah Jazz, 3 p.m., Feb. 27, Prime Video

We’re going to want to see this one for a very long time. AJ Dybantsa was the top pick in the 2026 draft. Darryn Peterson was the second pick. And these two have a history of battling it out going back to high school. There was ample debate about who should be picked No. 1. Regardless, we know they’re going to go at it with the competitiveness we need from a budding player rivalry.

No. 1 versus No. 3: Grizzlies at Wizards, 7 p.m., Nov. 16

There were also plenty of people who thought Cameron Boozer should be the top pick. The Athletic’s John Hollinger had him as this class’ top prospect. He fell to third in the draft and is now the new star of the Grizzlies. We’ll see if he can create some drafter’s remorse for the Wizards when he faces Dybantsa.

No. 2 versus No. 3: Jazz at Grizzlies, 8 p.m., Oct. 21

Seeing Boozer and Peterson face off will also be fun. Carlos Boozer, Cameron’s dad, starred for the Jazz for a long time. It’s safe to wonder if they would have taken him over Peterson if Jaren Jackson Jr. and Lauri Markkanen weren’t already on the team.

No. 3 versus No. 4: Grizzlies at Chicago Bulls, 8 p.m., March 13

We saw a glimpse of this in Las Vegas Summer League, and Boozer versus Caleb Wilson did not disappoint. Wilson will go after all of the top prospects and guys taken above him. He has that competitive fire. Boozer and Wilson also bring the Duke-North Carolina rivalry component. This should be a fun matchup for a long time.

No. 2 versus No. 4: Jazz at Bulls, 8 p.m., Dec. 16

Wilson announced his college presence with authority in his second game against Peterson in a North Carolina-Kansas showdown. He wanted to prove he’s the guy in this draft class. We’ll see how much of that carries over.

No. 1 versus No. 4: Wizards at Bulls, 8 p.m., Oct. 24

If Wilson is going to be one of those guys who calls out his peers and speaks about wanting to kick their butts every night, then this should be yet another awesome matchup from this draft class. Wilson was never considered to be picked ahead of Dybantsa, but he’ll want to prove that was stupid.

Guard battle: LA Clippers at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m., Jan. 29

There was a deep class of lead guards in this draft, and we’re going to start those matchups by highlighting the fifth and sixth picks in 2026. Keaton Wagler against Mikel Brown Jr. could be a bit of a slow burn at times. It’s unclear how much free rein they’ll have in their rookie seasons. But we’ll hopefully get these two matched up quite a bit.

Guard battle: Sacramento Kings at Clippers, 10:30 p.m., Oct. 21

Acuff will be tasked with the immense feat of bringing the Kings back to the positive side of the standings. Wagler is tasked with helping usher in the next era of Clippers basketball. Acuff will have better stats in this matchup (most likely), but we’ll see if that means anything toward a win.

Guard battle: Nets at Kings, 6 p.m., Dec. 31

Plenty of people (myself included) thought the Nets’ next star should be Acuff. Instead, they decided Brown’s athleticism and impact were simply too great to pass up. We’ll see if Acuff takes this personally at all, but these are two very fun competitors.

Guard battle: Kings at Hawks, 1 p.m., Feb. 14

Last one to mention in the lead guard battles is Acuff against Kingston Flemings. They had a fun college battle back in December when Houston beat Arkansas with both players combining for 48 points. Now the Hawks guard will hopefully get plenty of run to try to prove he can still get the better of Acuff.