LeBron James effect gives 76ers historic spot on NBA schedule

The Philadelphia 76ers aren’t going to get many holidays off in 2026-2027. With the arrival of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, the Sixers are a hot ticket this upcoming season, and the NBA isn’t going to waste the opportunity to put them under the spotlight.

Earlier this week, the league revealed its Opening Night and Christmas Day slate. On Wednesday, the NBA Cup schedule, along with other marquee dates, were revealed. The Sixers have hands in everything.

The Sixers will be a part of an NBA first

This year, the NBA is going to hold its first quadruple-header on Presidents’ Day, which takes place on February 15, 2027.

The Minnesota Timberwolves and the Charlotte Hornets will tip off the action at 12 PM ET. The Sixers and the Dallas Mavericks will go head-to-head at 2:30 PM ET. The San Antonio Spurs and the Miami Heat will be the final openers with a 5 PM ET game, before the Indiana Pacers and the Golden State Warriors close out the slate with a 7:30 PM ET game.

Sixers vs. Mavericks is favorable for Philly

Clearly, the league wants to make its Cooper Flagg push. They are likely banking on the Mavs keeping Kyrie Irving in Dallas with the young star forward, and having one of LeBron James’ superstar teammates go head-to-head with the King on a marquee slate.

The 76ers and the Mavs don’t face each other much, but when they have lately, the Sixers have been in a good spot. Seeing the Mavericks 10 times since Tyrese Maxey became a Sixers starter (Texas native, by the way), the Sixers have gone 7-3 against the Mavericks. They haven’t lost a game against them since February 5, 2024.

The 76ers will soon find out the rest

On Thursday, the league plans to announce the 76ers’ full schedule for the 2026-2027 NBA season.

So far, the Sixers are set to take on the New York Knicks on October 20, which marks the league’s opener. While October 22 isn’t considered a marquee slate, it still marks a big night, as the Sixers host the Cleveland Cavaliers for their home opener.

On Christmas Day, the Sixers will pay a visit to the Los Angeles Lakers, marking their first December 25 game in two seasons. For MLK Day on January 18, the Sixers will visit the Atlanta Hawks. The other holiday matchup will be the February 15 game against the Mavs.