NBA releases 2026-27 schedule highlighting Antetokounmpo and Brown returns
The NBA has released its 2026-27 season schedule, headlined by emotional January returns for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jaylen Brown to their former franchises.
The two-time Most Valuable Player will travel to Milwaukee for the first time with the Miami Heat on 28 January.
Having spent 13 illustrious seasons with the Bucks and securing a championship in 2021, the Greek forward’s homecoming at the Fiserv Forum promises to be a momentous occasion.
This highly anticipated fixture also sees Bam Adebayo face former teammate Tyler Herro, following an offseason summer league altercation between the pair in Las Vegas.
Herro, along with Kel’el Ware and Jaime Jaquez Jr, will make their own return to Florida when Milwaukee visit the Heat on 4 February.
Brown and James set for hostile Boston reception
Another major date on the calendar is 21 January, marking Jaylen Brown’s first appearance at TD Garden since joining the Philadelphia 76ers.
The former Finals MVP was controversially traded within the Atlantic Division in a blockbuster deal for Paul George and four draft picks.
Celtics supporters expressed widespread frustration over the trade return, especially after the explosive wing averaged a career-high 28.7 points last season while Jayson Tatum was sidelined.
Adding further intrigue to the January clash, LeBron James will also feature for Philadelphia, bringing his historic rivalry with Boston into a new chapter.
Ball heads to Minnesota as Young faces former fans
In a move that stunned the league, the Charlotte Hornets traded talismanic point guard LaMelo Ball to the Minnesota Timberwolves after narrowly missing the play-in tournament.
The popular playmaker will finally return to North Carolina to play in front of his former supporters on 15 February.
Elsewhere, Washington Wizards guard Trae Young will take to the court in Atlanta on 6 November.
The prolific scorer missed out on playing against his former franchise last season due to injury, meaning this autumn fixture will serve as his true on-court homecoming.
Number one pick Dybantsa prepares for debut
Washington will also showcase number one overall draft pick AJ Dybantsa, who makes his professional debut at home against Milwaukee on 21 October.
The highly touted rookie is then scheduled to face second overall pick Darryn Peterson when the Wizards travel to the Utah Jazz in late February.
Fans will also be treated to a marquee matchup between the last two number one selections when Dybantsa squares off against Cooper Flagg later in the campaign.