Why Celtics vs. Pistons is opening NBA season in rare daytime game

The 2026-27 NBA regular season will open with a rare daytime game on Tuesday, October 20, when the Detroit Pistons host the Boston Celtics at 3 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena. The game, broadcast on NBC, will feature special festivities including 'College Gameday-style activations,' a 'Blue Carpet' experience, and a marching band playing 'Roundball Rock.' The afternoon tip-off is an experiment by the NBA and NBC in Year 2 of their 11-year broadcast partnership, with hopes it becomes an annual tradition.