What seemed like an absolute lock for the Larry O. Brien after an incredible 180 of a season turned out to be anything but. Fans still feel the pain of the San Antonio Spurs coming up short against the New York Knicks in the 2026 NBA Finals. Several factors may have contributed to the defeat, but ultimately it was a vital learning experience.
With the Finals in the past, the Spurs have their sights on the 26-27 NBA season, and more specifically, revenge. Not only do the Western Conference Champions need to redeem themselves, but they also need to prove that they are not one-hit wonders. With the season less than two months away, here are four matchups that are worthy of marking calendars.
Oklahoma City Thunder – October 20, 2026
Hulk vs. Andre the Giant. The Rock vs. Cena. Rumble in the Jungle. Batman vs. Joker. Next in line is Spurs vs. Thunder on opening night. This game is one of the most anticipated matchups of the 2026-27 NBA season. Not only is this the Western Conference Finals rematch, but it is also a rivalry battle between the two most dominant teams in the West.
Unstoppable would be the word to describe the Oklahoma City Thunder. Dominance. High basketball IQ. This team has it all. That is until they met their kryptonite: the Spurs. San Antonio had Oklahoma City’s number last year, winning four of their five regular-season showdowns. On top of that, the Spurs were able to knock off the then-defending champions in a Game 7 masterpiece. Simply put, this game is beyond worthy of being on opening night.
Minnesota Timberwolves – October 31, 2026
This game is must-see for two reasons. Firstly, it is a Western Conference Semifinals rematch against the Timberwolves. However, in this matchup, Minnesota will have a healthy Anthony Edwards and the newly added LaMelo Ball.
Secondly, it will mark the return of Wembanyama’s Halloween costume tradition. He dressed up as Slender Man in 2023 and No-Face (Kaonashi) from Spirited Away in 2024. Due to the Spurs not having a Halloween game last season, he opted not to wear a costume. This year, though, fans will be waiting to see what costume Wembanyama has in store.
New York Knicks – December 25, 2026
The Spurs will meet up against the Knicks for the first time since Game 5 of the NBA Finals back in June. What makes this game even more must-see is that it will be part of the NBA Christmas Day lineup. Walking into “The Mecca” will be no easy feat for the Spurs. Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are the newest villains amongst the Knicks fans, and New York will be sure to remind them.
The atmosphere is going to be electric. The energy will be on another level. This game has all the makings to be a Christmas classic.
New Orleans Pelicans – January 14, 2027
There’s something special about seeing international players play in front of their home country. This game will be Wembanyama’s next homecoming game. When he plays in Paris, something magical happens.
He put on spectacular performances in the 2024 Summer Olympic Games and in 2025 against the Indiana Pacers in front of his home country. Fans in the States and in Paris are going to tune in to see what Wemby does this time around.
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