The Philadelphia 76ers have unveiled their 2026-27 regular season schedule marking the beginning of an exciting new era for the franchise. To celebrate the occasion, the team has partnered with artist LJ Rader of ArtButMakeItSports to create a unique and visually stunning representation of the season’s key matchups.
Rader’s artwork pairs iconic moments from Sixers history with famous pieces from Philadelphia’s top art institutions, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts and the Barnes Foundation. The collaboration highlights the team’s deep connection to the city and its cultural heritage.
The season kicks off with a bang
The Sixers will begin their campaign on October 20 at the Madison Square Garden facing off against the defending champion New York Knicks. The team will then return home for their home opener on October 22 at the Xfinity Mobile Arena where they will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers a team familiar to new Sixers star LeBron James.
On Christmas Day the Sixers will travel to Los Angeles to face James’ former team, the Lakers in a highly anticipated matchup. The holiday game promises to be a highlight of the season, featuring two of the league’s brightest stars in James and Joel Embiid.
Key matchups and artistic highlights
The schedule features a number of exciting matchups, including two preseason games against the Boston Celtics on October 10 and October 16 as well as the team’s first regular season meeting with the Celtics on November 10 in Philadelphia. These games will be particularly significant for new Sixers guard Jaylen Brown who will be facing his former team for the first time.
Rader’s artwork also pays tribute to Sixers legends, including Allen Iverson and Ben Franklin further emphasizing the team’s connection to the city and its history. The pieces feature current stars such as Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and V.J. Edgecombe as well as James and Brown, showcasing the team’s exciting new roster.
A record number of nationally televised games
The Sixers will appear in a franchise-record 34 nationally televised regular season games this year, the most the league allows. This increased exposure highlights the team’s status as one of the NBA’s premier franchises and provides fans with more opportunities to watch their favorite players in action.
As the season approaches, the excitement is building in Philadelphia. The combination of a talented roster, a strong schedule, and a unique artistic collaboration promises to make the 2026-27 season one to remember for Sixers fans.
