New York Knicks confront tough title defense and limited preseason slate

The New York Knicks enter the 2026‑27 NBA season as defending champions, seeking the league’s first back‑to‑back title since the Golden State Warriors in 2017‑18. History shows repeat championships are rare, and the Knicks will face a strengthened Eastern Conference that includes a revamped Philadelphia 76ers roster featuring LeBron James alongside Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, as well as a persistently strong Boston Celtics squad.

Preseason preparations are already shaping up. Toronto announced that the Knicks will travel to face the Raptors on Oct. 13 and host a rematch on Oct. 15, marking the only confirmed exhibition opponents. The Knicks will not play the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, or other nearby rivals in the preseason, leaving the remainder of their schedule uncertain.