The Knicks’ title defense will start against LeBron James.

The reigning champions will welcome James and the 76ers to MSG on Oct. 20 for the start of the NBA season as they are expected to raise their new title banner, ESPN.com reported.

James joined a re-tooled 76ers team after a lengthy free agency that is expected to be among the Knicks’ biggest challengers in the Eastern Conference this season.

Along with signing James, the 76ers traded for Celtics star Jaylen Brown to add to a core of Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe.

The Spurs, who lost to the Knicks in five games in the NBA Finals, will host the Thunder in the other night game on the NBA season’s opening slate.

The Spurs and Knicks will have a rematch of the NBA Finals on Christmas Day at noon at MSG. James will make his return to Los Angeles for a 76ers-Lakers showdown on the same day at 5 pm.

Knicks star Jalen Brunson was asked about by The Post’s “New York Got Game” podcast in an exclusive interview Monday how winning a championship has changed the way he looks at himself.

“Hasn’t. It will be the same. It’s something that I get to walk around with and think about when I’m — when I need to give myself a little confidence, or whatever, just in certain situations.” Brunson said. “But my approach and everything has to be the same. Just because I’ve reached the mountaintop of winning an NBA championship doesn’t mean that it’s over with. I feel like there’s still a lot more to do and a lot more that I can prove. It’s 100 percent always going to be in the mind, I’m just not going to let it define me.” 

The Pistons welcome the Celtics in a matinee clash at 3 p.m. ET to begin the 2026-27 campaign.

Check back later for more on this developing story…