Overview
- The Detroit Pistons overcame a 22-point deficit to beat the Boston Celtics 121-113, capped by a 23-0 fourth-quarter run and big contributions from Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren, who each scored 22 points.
- LeBron James made his Philadelphia 76ers debut in Madison Square Garden as the Sixers beat the defending champion New York Knicks 106-100 with James posting 14 points, nine rebounds and seven assists while Tyrese Maxey led the team with 28 points.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder opened with a 116-104 win over the San Antonio Spurs, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s 32 points and a role appearance from German center Isaiah Hartenstein, who recorded four points, three rebounds and three assists.
- These games are early impressions that will test new lineups after a busy offseason, highlighted by LeBron’s move to Philadelphia and the high-profile Paul George–Jaylen Brown swap that reshaped Boston and Philadelphia.
- The NBA’s 81st season kicked off with broadcast plans on Sky, WOW, Prime Video and NBA League Pass, plus rule and format tweaks such as a changed draft-lottery to discourage tanking and announced international games for 2027.