The New York Knicks, the defending NBA champions, face off against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers in the highly anticipated 2026-27 NBA season opener on Tuesday at Madison Square Garden.

Last season, the 76ers finished with a record of 45-37, while the Knicks boasted an impressive 53-29. Notably, the Knicks swept the 76ers in the Eastern Conference semifinals. Philadelphia struggled on the road, ending the season 22-19, whereas New York thrived at home, achieving a 30-10 record.

Over the offseason, the 76ers revamped their roster significantly, highlighted by the signing of James and the acquisition of Jaylen Brown from the Celtics in exchange for Paul George and multiple draft picks.

Tipoff is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET, with New York favored by 4.5 points and an over/under set at 232.5 points. The SportsLine Projection Model, which has returned nearly $19,000 in profit for $100 players since 2018, has simulated the matchup 10,000 times and offers valuable insights for bettors.

Key Betting Lines:

• Spread: New York -4.5
• Over/Under: 232.5 points
• Money Line: Knicks -178, 76ers +156

Predictions:

• The model predicts the total points will go Under 232.5, hitting 61% of the time in similar matchups.
• The Knicks, known for their strong defense, allowed just 110.1 points per game, ranking fifth last season, while the 76ers’ defense ranked 19th, allowing 116.1 points.

The model forecasts 226 combined points in this clash, suggesting that it may take time for Philadelphia to find their offensive rhythm with a restructured lineup. For detailed predictions and betting advice, check out the insights from SportsLine.