Sustaining NBA rivalries over time is quite a challenge. Top players switch teams, coaches get replaced, and maintaining a cohesive lineup year after year is increasingly tough—especially with the changes in salary rules.
For a period, it seemed like the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers were the main rivalry in the league, particularly after they faced off in four consecutive NBA Finals. While Stephen Curry and Draymond Green are still with the Warriors, there isn’t much buzz about new players joining. Unlike in football, rivalries in the NBA can shift frequently, though there are a few exceptions.
With the release of the 2026-27 NBA schedule, let’s delve into some key rivalries as the new season approaches. For additional insights, check out our list of this summer’s most underrated offseason moves, as well as our critique of the least effective moves.
10. New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat
2026-27 game schedule: New York on November 27th, Miami on December 12th, New York on January 14th
The Knicks and Heat faced off in the playoffs four consecutive years from 1997 to 2000, creating memorable moments, such as Jeff Van Gundy hanging onto Alonzo Mourning’s leg during a fight. Their rivalry was reignited in the second round of the 2023 playoffs, when the eighth-seeded Heat upset the Knicks in six games. Pat Riley, now 81, remains influential in Miami, having coached the Knicks during their peak in the ’90s before moving to the Heat. Though Miami might not challenge the defending champion Knicks for the top spot in the East this season, they often exceed expectations and could build a contender around Giannis Antetokounmpo in the coming years. You can explore the full history of the Knicks vs. Heat rivalry.
9. Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors
2026-27 game schedule: Houston on November 11th, Golden State on December 30th, Houston on March 1st, Golden State on March 7th.
The phrase “7 for 44” instantly evokes memories of the Rockets’ shooting woes in Game 7 of the 2018 Western Conference Finals against the Warriors. This playoff series remains one of the most talked-about in recent NBA history, and it’s unfortunate that Chris Paul couldn’t stay healthy that season. These teams met in the playoffs in 2015, 2016, and 2019, with Golden State emerging victorious in a grueling seven-game series during the first round of the 2025 playoffs. As the Warriors seem to be on the decline, this rivalry is likely approaching its end, yet it still holds significant meaning for Houston, keeping it relevant on this list.
8. Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers
2026-27 game schedule: February 28th against Dallas, March 21st against Los Angeles Lakers, April 6th against Los Angeles Lakers
Fans of the Mavs are likely still grappling with the decision surrounding the Luka Doncic trade; it’s understandable. Dallas has tried to bounce back by eyeing a potential lottery pick with Cooper Flagg in the upcoming draft. However, until the front office can construct a contender, the highlight of their schedule might be the games against the Luka-led Lakers. If Flagg lives up to expectations in his second season, he could start nearing Doncic’s level of greatness soon.
7. Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat
2026-27 game schedule: Boston on December 25th, Miami on March 27th, Boston on April 2nd.
This rivalry has shaped the Eastern Conference landscape in the 2020s. Both teams have clashed in the Eastern Conference Finals three times in the last decade, notably in 2020, 2022, and 2023, along with a first-round meeting in 2024. A standout memory was their gripping 2012 Eastern Conference Finals battle, where LeBron scored 45 points in a legendary Game 6. This past season, Boston took a different direction as they aimed for Giannis Antetokounmpo, placing them behind Miami. It wouldn’t be surprising if they met once more in the first round this year.
6. New York Knicks vs. Indiana Pacers
2026-27 game schedule: Indiana on November 13th, New York on November 22nd, Indiana on April 11th.
After Tyrese Haliburton stunned the Knicks with a buzzer-beater in Game 1 of the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals, he infamously referenced Reggie Miller’s legendary 1995 performance when he scored eight points in mere seconds. This latest chapter added a modern twist to the storied rivalry. The fact that the Knicks replaced the Pacers as Eastern Conference champions right after Haliburton’s injury heightens the stakes for the upcoming matches. Each of these games promises to be thrilling.
5. Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
2026-27 game schedule: Los Angeles on January 7th, Boston on February 2nd
Considered the greatest rivalry in NBA history, this matchup remains significant, even in less competitive times. Despite losing Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to the 76ers recently, I still see Boston sitting at No. 6 overall and the Lakers at No. 7 in my updated power rankings. Both are viewed as potential dark horses this season, which isn’t necessarily a bad spot to be in. Historical statistics reflect that these teams have faced off in 12 NBA Finals, underscoring their lasting importance.
4. Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
2026-27 game schedule: Philadelphia on November 10th, Boston on January 21st, Philadelphia on February 7th, Boston on March 7th.
Both the Celtics and Sixers enter this year feeling they have something to prove. The trade involving Jaylen Brown is a significant moment in the analytics era of the NBA, and now that it’s happened, its impact feels definitive. Brown will aim to showcase that the Celtics made a mistake in favoring Jayson Tatum. Meanwhile, Boston wants to affirm that this decision was justified and that they can still succeed without Brown. There’s an interesting off-court narrative alongside the expected thrilling gameplay.
3. Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
2026-27 game schedule: Denver on December 28th, Minnesota on December 31st, Minnesota on January 27th, Denver on March 7th.
Nikola Jokic is likely to go down as the most significant player of his generation, and his narrative cannot be told without mentioning the Timberwolves. The Nuggets took down Minnesota in the first round of the 2023 playoffs, but they’ve struggled to move past them since. The Timberwolves pulled off a surprising upset by overcoming a 20-point deficit in the 2024 playoffs, halting Denver’s winning streak. Following another playoff matchup where Minnesota bested Denver in 2026, there’s speculation about Jokic’s future competitiveness in the league. With LaMelo Ball now in Minnesota, the mix becomes even more intriguing, especially since Tim Connelly knows Denver’s weaknesses inside and out.
2. New York Knicks vs. San Antonio Spurs
2026-27 game schedule: New York on December 25th, San Antonio on March 7th
Not every Finals matchup translates to a sustained rivalry, but Knicks vs. Spurs definitely does. With Victor Wembanyama’s rise as a formidable presence, a last-minute comeback from the Knicks, and even some street rivalry, the 2026 Finals added layers to this budding feud. Although the teams won’t meet again until Christmas, both encounters promise excitement and could pave the way for another chapter in June 2027.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
2026-27 game schedule: San Antonio on October 20th, OKC on February 11th, OKC on March 14th.
The Thunder once seemed poised for a dynasty, but then Wembanyama emerged as a game-changer. San Antonio edged out Oklahoma City in a tight Game 7 of the 2026 Western Conference Finals, igniting what could become a defining rivalry for the NBA. There’s a belief within the Thunder that if Jaylen Williams and Ajay Mitchell had been healthy, they might have captured back-to-back titles. This season will certainly test that theory. Both Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander head into this year as MVP front-runners, with the focus always on their matchups. Chet Holmgren had shown signs of becoming a top-tier player, but Wembanyama’s performance in the Western Conference Finals certainly took a toll on his confidence. Can Holmgren strike back? Can Wembanyama maintain his dominance? It’ll be intriguing to see how this rivalry evolves.
