ESPN tips off Opening Week presented by Wendy’s for the 2026–27 NBA regular season with back-to-back nights of doubleheaders presented by State Farm on Wednesday, October 21 and Thursday, October 22.
On Wednesday,the Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards and newly-acquired LaMelo Ball, visit the Miami Heat and two-time Kia NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who makes his official Heat debut, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ESPN. Mike Breen will provide play-by-play alongside Richard Jefferson and Tim Legler, with Lisa Salters reporting.
Following the opener, the new-look Los Angeles Lakers and Luka Dončić host the Golden State Warriors and two-time Kia NBA MVP Stephen Curry at 10 p.m. on ESPN. Dave Pasch calls the action with Doris Burke, while Malika Andrews reports from the sideline.
NBA Tip-Off presented by Eli Lilly precedes the doubleheader at 6:30 p.m. on ESPN, featuring Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal. Inside the NBA presented by Eli Lilly airs immediately following the conclusion of the final game. Both shows are produced by TNT Sports.
Thursdayfeatures another star-studded doubleheader on ESPN, beginning at 7 p.m., as the Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell visit the Philadelphia 76ers and four-time Kia NBA MVP LeBron James in Philadelphia’s home opener and James’ regular-season home debut with the franchise. The returning team of Breen, Jefferson, Legler and Salters has the call.
The nightcap features a clash of Western Conference contenders as the Denver Nuggets and three-time Kia NBA MVP Nikola Jokić visit the Oklahoma City Thunder and reigning two-time Kia NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at 9:30 p.m. Ryan Ruocco and Jeremy Lin will call the action, with Katie George reporting from courtside.
NBA Tip-Off presented by Eli Lilly begins Thursday coverage at 6 p.m. with the returning team of Johnson, Smith, O’Neal and Barkley. Inside the NBA presented by Eli Lilly follows doubleheader.
All ESPN NBA games are also available to stream via the ESPN App.
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