The wait is over. The NBA opens its 2026-27 season on Tuesday with three games that have it all: the champion celebrating its title, a rematch of a seven-game conference finals, the two best Eastern Conference teams from last season, and LeBron James' debut with his new team. For Spanish fans, the night features two key names: Hugo González, who arrives after an impressive preseason with the Celtics, and Aday Mara, awaiting his official Thunder debut pending litigation with Casademont Zaragoza.
Pistons-Celtics: The East at European Time (21:00)
The night kicks off at an unusual time, 3:00 PM on the US East Coast and 9:00 PM in Spain, with a matchup between the two best Eastern Conference teams from the last regular season. The Detroit Pistons of Cade Cunningham finished first with a 60-22 record, and the Boston Celtics came in second at 56-26, but neither reached the conference finals. Both have rebuilt their rosters this summer and are looking to make a May run.
For Boston, it's also a special game because of Hugo González. The Madrid native is in his second NBA season after an impressive preseason: 14.5 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3 assists in just 20 minutes per game, shooting 63% from the field and 55% from three. With the Celtics undefeated in the preseason and their starters back, the Spanish player's challenge will be finding his place in Joe Mazzulla's rotation. In Detroit, rookie Ebuka Okorie, who shined in the final preseason game, will be one of the new faces to watch.
76ers-Knicks: Championship Rings and LeBron's Debut (01:00)
The main event arrives at 1:00 AM at Madison Square Garden. The New York Knicks will receive their championship rings for their first title since 1973, with Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns leading the celebration, before facing a Philadelphia 76ers team that made big moves this summer. LeBron James makes his debut with the 76ers, and Jaylen Brown, acquired in the trade that sent Paul George out of Philadelphia, makes his official debut in front of his new fans. Alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, they form one of the league's most intriguing starting lineups.
The Knicks, led by Mike Brown, arrive with some adjustments. Andre Drummond and James Wiseman are now the backups to Towns in the paint following Mitchell Robinson's move to the Celtics, and the team cut Bruce Brown over the weekend. For the 76ers, the big question mark is the frontcourt depth following Ariel Hukporti's injury, partially addressed by signing Tacko Fall.
Read also:
- NBA 2026-27 Preview: Boston Celtics, Tatum and Hugo's Second Year
- NBA 2026-27 Preview: New York Knicks, The Champion Defends the Crown
- NBA 2026-27 Preview: Oklahoma City Thunder, With Mara Chasing the West
Spurs-Thunder: Western Finals Rematch (03:30)
The night closes at 3:30 AM in San Antonio with a rematch of last year's Western Conference Finals, which the Spurs won 4-3 over the Thunder. Victor Wembanyama, De'Aaron Fox, and Dylan Harper, who finished the preseason in great form, host an Oklahoma City team hungry for revenge with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander chasing his third consecutive MVP award.
Aday Mara will also be with the Thunder, if the conflict with Casademont Zaragoza doesn't prevent it. The Aragonese center had an outstanding preseason: 13.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.4 blocks per game, shooting 79% from the field. The Thunder, with the NBA's backing, maintain that he doesn't need a transfer after three years in the NCAA. Zaragoza insists he has a valid contract and is opposed. A potential matchup with Wembanyama would be the perfect way for him to make his debut.