Game Preview: Sixers open season at Madison Square Garden against banner-raising Knicks

Sixers fans have waited all summer for this one. Philadelphia opens the 2026-27 season tonight at Madison Square Garden against the New York Knicks, who will raise their championship banner before tip.

The Sixers were swept by New York in last season’s second round, and Knicks fans “took over” the arena in Philadelphia during that series. Tonight is the first chance to answer that, and the roster looks nothing like it did then.

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The new Sixers starting five

The Sixers project to start Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James and Joel Embiid. Brown arrived in a trade. James signed a two-year deal in July and made his preseason debut Oct. 8 against Brooklyn. The group has barely played together. The five shared the floor for roughly one half of basketball in the preseason, so tonight is their first extended run.

The talent is obvious. What the Sixers do not have yet is the chemistry New York built over several seasons, and the gap will show most on defense. Nobody should expect polished basketball in October.

Sixers injury report: Wade, Simons and Bona in doubt

None of the five starters are on the injury report. The reserves are the issue.

Three Sixers are out. Ariel Hukporti is done for the season with an Achilles tear. Dominick Barlow will be reevaluated in two weeks with a back issue. Tacko Fall is out with a strain.

Dean Wade, Anfernee Simons and Adem Bona are all questionable. Wade turned his ankle in Friday’s preseason finale and missed practice Sunday and Monday. Simons said Monday he could not confirm or deny whether he would play. Bona missed all of preseason with a foot sprain and called his status day-to-day. With Hukporti gone and Fall not ready, Bona is the clear frontrunner for backup center minutes, so his availability matters most.

Knicks return nearly intact

New York is healthy. Josh Hart sat out the preseason finale with an ankle injury but will play. The expected starters are Jalen Brunson, Mikal Bridges, Hart, OG Anunoby and Karl-Anthony Towns.

The Knicks won their first championship in more than 50 years and the core is still together. The offseason did bring changes. Mitchell Robinson was a cap casualty, Andre Drummond replaces him, and the team has tabled extension talks with Towns and Hart.

What the Sixers need to see tonight

A road opener against the defending champions on banner night is a real test for the Sixers. It counts as one of 82 games, but beating New York in its own building would be a strong start for the new Sixers group.

Watch how Nick Nurse staggers the starters with the bench. Watch how Embiid, James and Brown share the ball. Watch how the Sixers hold up on defense against Brunson and Towns.

The schedule offers no break. The Sixers host James’ former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Thursday in his home debut with Philadelphia, then host the Knicks again Oct. 30 in the NBA Cup.

Game details: Tuesday, Oct. 20, 7 p.m. ET. Madison Square Garden. NBC and Peacock. Radio: 97.5 The Fanatic.

Tonight tells the Sixers where they stand against the team that ended their season.