NBA sends a message with Sixers-Knicks opening night matchup

State of play: For a while now, whenever the Sixers and Knicks have gotten together — regular or postseason — Philly has felt like a  "Knicks in 5" afterthought.

• But the additions of James and Jaylen Brown have instantly made the Sixers one of the East's most ballyhooed threats to knock the Knicks from their throne this season.
• The Sixers started the offseason as longshots to make the 2027 NBA Finals, but are now tied with the Knicks with the third-best odds to reclaim their first Larry O'Brien trophy since 1983.

Driving the news: The Sixers have an immediate chance to spoil a celebration for one of their biggest rivals.

• After ending a more-than-half-century championship drought, the Knicks will receive their championship rings before the Oct. 20 matchup tips off at 7pm.
• The game is part of the NBA's star-studded lineup of games, featuring last season's biggest playoff contenders and championship runner-up, San Antonio.

Zoom out: After waiting for James to make his "last decision," the NBA plans to release its full schedule on Thursday.

• But Sixers fans already got another preseason gift: Philadelphia will square off against James' old team, the Lakers, on Christmas.
• Tipoff in LA is scheduled for 5pm, with the 41-year-old James expected to play in his 21st Christmas game.

The bottom line: New York might be the Big Apple of everyone's eye right now, but Philly is no longer Madison Square Garden East.

• Now the Sixers get their first chance to prove it.