If you’re staring at your remote wondering do the kings play today, the answer is a resounding yes. But hold on. Depending on whether you’re looking for a puck drop or a tip-off, your Sunday plans might look a little different.
Basketball fans in Sacramento are getting ready for a late-night showdown. The Sacramento Kings are hosting the Portland Trail Blazers tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026. It's a 6:00 PM PT start (9:00 PM ET for those on the East Coast) at the Golden 1 Center. Honestly, if you’ve been following the Kings this season, you know nothing is ever predictable with this squad. They’re sitting at 12-30 right now, which isn't exactly where anyone hoped they'd be after the big moves of the last couple of years.
On the flip side, if you were looking for the LA Kings on the ice, you’re a day late. They just wrapped up a gritty overtime battle against the Anaheim Ducks last night. They don't play today; they're resting up before they face the New York Rangers on Tuesday.
Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers: The Essentials
Tonight’s game is basically a "must-watch" for the die-hards who still believe in the beam. Portland is coming in with a 21-22 record, so they’re fighting for their lives in the Western Conference play-in race. Sacramento, despite the record, has been weirdly competitive lately.
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- TV Channels: You can catch the action on NBC Sports California if you're local. For the Portland crowd, it’s on KUNP.
- Streaming: Fubo is usually the go-to for live regional sports, though NBA League Pass is the move if you're out of market.
- Radio: If you're stuck in traffic, tune into Sactown Sports 1140 AM or Rip City Radio 620.
It’s kind of wild to see how the season has played out. DeMar DeRozan and Domantas Sabonis are still doing their thing, but the consistency just hasn't been there. Tonight is a chance to see if they can catch Portland on the tail end of a back-to-back, as the Blazers just played the Lakers yesterday.
Who to Watch Tonight
Keep an eye on Deni Avdija for Portland. He’s been a thorn in Sacramento's side this year. In their last meeting back in December, he dropped 35 on them in an overtime heartbreaker. For the Kings, it's all about whether De'Aaron Fox can exploit the Blazers' perimeter defense, which has been leaky at best.
Why Today’s Game is a Statistical Oddity
You might not realize it, but the Kings have struggled massively against Portland recently. They’ve lost two straight to the Blazers this season—one by a single point in OT and another 98-93 slog. Tonight is about pride. The Golden 1 Center usually brings the noise, but with the team 18 games under .500, the atmosphere is... let's just say "tense."
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The Blazers are coming off a high-scoring win against the Lakers (132-116), so they might have heavy legs. Sacramento has to run. If they don't push the pace early, they’re going to find themselves in another half-court grind that favors Portland's length.
Looking Ahead at the Schedule
If you miss tonight’s game, don't sweat it. The Kings are staying home for a bit. They’ve got the Miami Heat coming to town on Tuesday, followed by the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday. It’s a busy week at the Golden 1 Center.
For the hockey fans who felt left out, the LA Kings return to the Crypto.com Arena on January 20th. They're currently 21-17-7 and hovering right around that wild card spot in the West. That Rangers game is going to be a massive test for their defensive pairings, especially after the heavy minutes they logged in Anaheim.
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Actionable Steps for Fans
If you're heading to the arena or watching from home, here’s how to handle the night. Check the injury report one last time about 30 minutes before tip-off; in 2026, "load management" and late-game scratches are still very much a thing. If you're a bettor, keep an eye on the Over/Under. These two teams tend to play high-variance games that either turn into track meets or defensive disasters.
Grab your jersey, settle in, and get ready. Whether the beam lit tonight depends entirely on which version of the Kings defense decides to show up.
Check the local transit schedules if you're heading to Golden 1 Center, as Sunday evening service can be a bit spotty compared to weeknights. Secure your tickets through official channels like Ticketmaster or SeatGeek to avoid any last-minute gate headaches.