The NBA's 81st season will tip off on 20 October 2026 with a tripleheader, and the league has released the full schedule, including the NBA Cup final on 11 December and a five-game Christmas slate. The defending champion Knicks open at home against Philadelphia, who added LeBron James in the offseason.
Key dates on the 2026-27 calendar
Opening night features Boston at Detroit, Philadelphia at New York, and Oklahoma City at San Antonio. The Knicks' home game against the 76ers is the marquee matchup, with Giannis Antetokounmpo starting the season in Miami after his offseason move.
NBA Cup group play runs from 30 October through 27 November, with the final on 11 December. Christmas Day brings five games on 25 December. All-Star Weekend is set for 19–21 February 2027 in Phoenix. The regular season ends on 11 April 2027, with playoffs beginning late April and the Finals in June.
Only 80 of each team's 82 games were initially assigned. The final two are determined by NBA Cup group results, so some matchups won't be known until the group stage wraps.
What bettors should know
Basketball spreads don't cluster on specific numbers like football, so buying points matters less. Totals are driven by pace, not just team quality. Quarter and half totals are offered and aren't simply the full-game line divided.
Player props are a primary market in the NBA, with a wide range including points, rebounds, assists, combined markets, threes made, double-doubles, and triple-doubles. Load management is a real risk; players are rested and late scratches are routine. The 65-game rule for awards eligibility (MVP, DPOY) was introduced to discourage resting, but it doesn't eliminate the practice.
For props bettors, it's practical to check availability reports close to tip-off and know the book's void policy. A player listed as questionable can change the entire market.
Dexsport's basketball offering
Dexsport covers basketball with market depth, but has a US caveat. That means bettors in the US need to check local regulations before using the platform.
The schedule release gives bettors a chance to plan ahead, but the final two games per team won't be set until the NBA Cup group stage concludes. That's the next concrete date to watch.
