ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins has named the Philadelphia 76ers as the team most likely to dethrone the reigning NBA champion New York Knicks. The Knicks are coming off a difficult 148-98 preseason loss to the Toronto Raptors on October 13, a result that highlights the work ahead for the defending champs.
Perkins made his declaration on Tuesday's episode of NBA Today. "The 76ers are the team to dethrone the Knicks," he said. His confidence stems from Philadelphia's massive offseason moves, which saw them sign LeBron James in free agency and acquire Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade with the Boston Celtics. They join a core featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and rookie VJ Edgecombe.
The 76ers' roster transformation makes them a formidable contender. Adding a superstar like LeBron James and an All-Star caliber wing in Jaylen Brown changes the entire dynamic of the Eastern Conference. Last season, without those two players, Philadelphia still managed to beat the Celtics in the first round of the playoffs. They were then swept by Jalen Brunson and the Knicks in the second round, a memory that will fuel their motivation.
This new-look squad presents multiple matchup problems. James provides elite playmaking and scoring, while Brown adds perimeter defense and athleticism on the wing. Combined with the inside dominance of Joel Embiid, the 76ers have a balanced attack that can score from anywhere on the floor. Their defensive potential with this group is also significant.
The Knicks' preseason has been a mixed bag, serving as a tune-up for the real challenge ahead. Following the heavy loss to Toronto, they also fell 122-104 to the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 12. Their preseason record includes close defeats, like a 111-109 loss to Washington on October 8, and a 120-97 loss to these same 76ers back on October 5.
These games don't count in the standings, but they offer valuable film for head coach Tom Thibodeau. The team is experimenting with rotations and building chemistry after a championship run. Integrating players and managing minutes is the primary focus, not the final score. However, the margin of the recent loss to Toronto will certainly get the team's attention in film sessions.
The Knicks get an immediate chance for redemption against the same Toronto Raptors team. They host the Raptors at Madison Square Garden on October 15 in their final preseason contest. It's a quick turnaround and a final opportunity to sharpen execution before the regular season begins.
The 2026-27 campaign officially starts for the Knicks with a high-stakes opening night matchup. They will face the Philadelphia 76ers, the team Perkins anointed as their chief rival, on October 20. That game will be the first true test of the new NBA season and a potential preview of the Eastern Conference playoff battles to come. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on our schedule page.
Winning the franchise's first title in 53 years last season was an incredible achievement. Now the Knicks carry the weight of being the hunted. Every opponent, especially a reloaded contender like Philadelphia, will bring their best effort. The journey to defend the crown starts now.
