NBA Opening Night Odds: Knicks Favored vs. 76ers; Spurs Have Small Edge vs. Thunder

The 2026-27 NBA season is still a few months away, but opening night is officially set now that LeBron James has picked a team.

The newest member of the Philadelphia 76ers will be in action on Oct. 20, as Philly takes on the New York Knicks as one of three matchups to kick off the 2026-27 season.

Triple-header with Detroit Pistons-Boston Celtics in the afternoon on Oct. 20 -- ahead of 76ers-Knicks and Thunder-Spurs. https://t.co/QS0o9Iuggs
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) August 11, 2026

Boston Celtics @ Detroit Pistons
Philadelphia 76ers @ New York Knicks
Oklahoma City Thunder @ San Antonio Spurs

Oddsmakers acted quickly after the league released these three games, setting opening odds for each matchup. There are two postseason rematches on Oct. 20 which has led to all three spreads being set inside four points.

Here’s a look at the opening odds with the NBA season just over two months away.

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Boston Celtics vs. Detroit Pistons Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

Celtics +2.5 (-115)
Pistons -2.5 (-105)

Moneyline

Celtics: +105
Pistons: -125

Total

224.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

Both Boston and Detroit are considered contenders in the Eastern Conference in the 2026-27 season, though Boston has gone through a major roster overhaul after trading Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia in the offseason.

This is expected to be an afternoon tip, which makes it a unique day game in the NBA. Detroit is favored at home after beating Boston three out of four times in the 2025-26 campaign, but it’ll be interesting to see how the C’s look with Jayson Tatum healthy again for a full season.

Detroit didn’t make any major upgrades (to this point) in the offseason, keeping most of its core intact after earning the No. 1 seed in the conference in the 2025-26 campaign.

Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

76ers +3.5 (-102)
Knicks -3.5 (-118)

Moneyline

76ers: +142
Knicks: -170

Total

229.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

The defending champs against LeBron James’ new team? Sign me up!

The Knicks are coming off one of the most dominant playoff runs in league history, winning the Finals in five games over the Spurs. Now, Jalen Brunson and Co. open the 2026-27 season as favorites at Madison Square Garden.

New York swept Philly in the second round of the playoffs in the 2025-26 campaign, but the Sixers look a lot different with James, Jaylen Brown and Dean Wade now all in the fold. This could be a preview of the 2027 Eastern Conference Finals, and it’s a great test for the new Philly core right out of the gate.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs Odds, Spread and Total

Spread

Thunder +1.5 (-105)
Spurs -1.5 (-115)

Moneyline

Thunder: +105
Spurs: -125

Total

228.5 (Over -115/Under -105)

These two Western Conference powerhouses should have a rivalry for years to come, but it was the Spurs who dominated this matchup in the 2025-26 campaign.

Not only did San Antonio win four of the five regular-season meetings, but it also knocked the Thunder out in seven games in the Western Conference Finals before losing to New York in the Finals. The core of Victor Wembanyama, Dylan Harper and Stephon Castle is arguably the most exciting young trio in the NBA entering the 2026-27 season.

Meanwhile, the Thunder made some changes to their roster after their playoff loss, sending out Isaiah Joe, Aaron Wiggins and Lu Dort in trades. OKC is going with a younger group, and it is hoping to have a healthy Jalen Williams and Ajay Mitchell to open this season and provide offensive support to reigning league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Both Williams and Mitchell missed a good chunk of the Western Conference Finals, which certainly helped the Spurs advance.

Odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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