NBA Tips Off, with Many Contenders in Place to Chase the Champion New York Knicks
A dozen former All-Stars changed teams as the league opens with the champion Knicks trying to repeat against a crowded field.
- The 81st NBA season begins Tuesday with a tripleheader, featuring LeBron James and the Sixers traveling to New York to face Jalen Brunson and the champion Knicks.
- Brunson and the Knicks, who became the league's latest champion last season, were not expected to win the title; they will receive their rings before tonight's game.
- A dozen former All-Star selections changed addresses this offseason, with James and Jaylen Brown joining the Sixers, Giannis Antetokounmpo moving to Miami, and Kawhi Leonard returning to Toronto.
- Western Conference favorites Victor Wembanyama's Spurs and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's Thunder face stiff competition, while Indiana expects to contend again as Tyrese Haliburton returns, saying "the year's successful if you win a championship."
- Multiple new coaches start this season as the NBA Cup moves to Indianapolis and All-Star weekend heads to Phoenix, with teams looking toward the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
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18 Articles
New faces in different places set stage for NBA season
By Ethan Rubio, October 20, 2026 Across campus, students described this summer’s NBA movement as one of the most entertaining in recent years. Giannis Antetokounmpo’s trade to Miami, LaMelo Ball’s arrival in Minnesota and Kawhi Leonard’s return to Toronto drove conversations in study rooms and residence halls. The biggest headline, however, came when LeBron James left the Los Angeles Lakers to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers. James, who decl…
With the Knicks defending the crown of champions, powers such as the Spurs, Thunder, Celtics or Pistons lurk a disputed throne to the limit.
LeBron James moved to Philadelphia. Giannis Antetokounmpo moved to Miami. Kawhi Leonard returned to Toronto. About a dozen of All-Stars, most of them former All-NBA members, also moved home in this low season.
Clarin
LeBron James joins the 76ers, transforming the team with Jaylen Brown and Joel Embiid. The Knicks, current champions, keep their core strong.The Celtics, without Tatum for injury, win the Atlantic Division. Raptors reinforce their staff with Kawhi Leonard, while Nets seek to improve with Randle.
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