New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in the first half during game five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.
Scott Wachter-Imagn Images
For the first time in 53 years, the New York Knicks will start the season as Champions. To make things even more interesting, the Knicks will tip off against the Philadelphia 76ers on Oct. 20 at Madison Square Garden.
Yes, the defending champions will play against LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Joel Embiid.
All of which is wholeheartedly startling to Knicks' shooting guard Josh Hart. He expressed that sentiment on X, formerly Twitter.
“Can’t lie. I’m extremely shocked this is the slate” Hart posted.
Can’t lie. I’m extremely shocked this is the slate https://t.co/EIwolDySyv
— Josh Hart (@joshhart) August 11, 2026
The other game scheduled for Opening Night will be the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs. In June, the Knicks defeated the Spurs in five games in the NBA Finals.
Hart finished last season averaging 12.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. He shot 50.8% from the field and 41.3% from the 3-point line. In the Finals, Hart averaged 7.6 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists.
The Knicks undoubtedly face the prospect of a championship-or-bust season. Plus, they lost big man Mitchell Robinson to the Boston Celtics in free agency. Amid salary cap rules and constraints, Karl Anthony-Towns is eligible for a contract extension. But the question remains whether the front office will pay him a max contract given their conservative approach to money.
Not only that, the Knicks will play in an ever more competitive Eastern Conference. The 76ers and Celtics are a given, but the Miami Heat now have Giannis Antetokounmpo in their mix. Therefore, the Eastern Conference will likely be up for grabs.
Nevertheless, the Knicks will ride on the coattails of the championship throughout.