The NBA released its 2026-27 regular-season schedule on Thursday, featuring highly anticipated reunions between star players and their former teams, as well as a star-studded Christmas Day slate of games.
Key developments
- The league scheduled LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles on Christmas Day, when his Philadelphia 76ers face the Lakers.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first return to Milwaukee as a member of the Miami Heat is set for Jan. 28.
- The schedule includes four matchups between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers, with their first game on Nov. 10.
Star power dominates Christmas Day schedule
The NBA’s Christmas Day schedule will feature eight of the league’s biggest names, including LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, Nikola Jokić, and Stephen Curry, across five games. The day begins with the San Antonio Spurs at the New York Knicks (12 p.m. EDT), a rematch of last season’s NBA Finals, followed by the Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics (2:30 p.m.) and the Philadelphia 76ers at the Los Angeles Lakers (5 p.m.)—the marquee game of the holiday.
LeBron James’ return to Los Angeles
James, now playing for Philadelphia after eight seasons with the Lakers, will face his former team on Christmas. The game is expected to feature high-scoring offenses, with James joined by Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and potentially Joel Embiid against Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves. The matchup is billed as a potential shootout, with both teams featuring multiple All-NBA talents.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee homecoming
Antetokounmpo, who won an NBA championship with Milwaukee in 2021, will return to the city as a member of the Miami Heat on Jan. 28. The game is scheduled near the season’s midpoint, allowing time to assess the Heat’s success with their new acquisition. The Bucks’ first meeting with Miami will air on Prime Video.
Celtics vs. 76ers rivalry intensifies
The schedule includes four games between the Celtics and 76ers, with their first matchup on Nov. 10 (Prime Video). The rivalry gained intensity after Jaylen Brown was traded from Boston to Philadelphia in 2025, a move that Brown described as shocking. Brown’s return to Boston is set for Jan. 21 (Prime Video), while the teams face off again on Feb. 7 (NBC/Peacock) and March 7 (ABC).
Other notable matchups
- The Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Minnesota Timberwolves (8 p.m. EDT) on Christmas, featuring LaMelo Ball and Anthony Edwards.
- The Miami Heat and Boston Celtics meet at 2:30 p.m. on Christmas, with the Celtics emphasizing three-point shooting under coach Joe Mazzulla and the Heat relying on defense under Erik Spoelstra.
League strategy behind scheduling
The NBA’s schedule prioritizes star-driven narratives, particularly reunions between players and their former teams. The league has spaced out high-profile matchups to maintain fan interest throughout the season, avoiding early-season fatigue for key games. Christmas Day, in particular, serves as a platform for showcasing the league’s biggest names to a global audience.