Is Miami Playing Today? Heat and Hurricanes Gameday Guide for January 17

Is Miami Playing Today? Heat and Hurricanes Gameday Guide for January 17

If you're asking is miami playing today, the answer is a big, resounding yes. But it depends on which "Miami" you're actually looking for. South Florida sports fans have a massive Saturday on their hands this January 17, 2026, with both the NBA and college basketball taking center stage.

The Miami Heat are back at the Kaseya Center tonight, and the stakes feel a bit heavier than your average mid-season matchup. Meanwhile, the Miami Hurricanes are hitting the road for a tough ACC battle.

It's a lot to keep track of.

The Miami Heat Take on the Thunder

Tonight, the Miami Heat (21-20) host the Oklahoma City Thunder (35-7) at the Kaseya Center. Tip-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM ET.

Honestly, this is a "measuring stick" game for Erik Spoelstra’s crew. The Thunder have been absolute juggernauts this season, coming into Miami on a five-game winning streak. On the other hand, the Heat are hovering right around .500, fighting to stay out of the Play-In tournament conversation.

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If you’re planning to watch, here is the broadcast breakdown:

  • Local TV: FanDuel Sports Network Sun (formerly Bally Sports)
  • National/Out-of-Market: NBA League Pass
  • Radio: 790 The Ticket (English) or WQBA 1140 (Spanish)

The oddsmakers aren't exactly doing Miami any favors. Vegas has the Thunder as a 10.5-point favorite. That’s a massive spread for a home game in Miami, but it reflects just how dominant OKC has been. The over/under is sitting at 233.5, so expect some scoring.

Can the Hurricanes Handle Clemson?

Earlier in the day, the Miami Hurricanes men's basketball team faces a hostile environment at Littlejohn Coliseum. They are playing the Clemson Tigers at 2:15 PM ET.

This is a critical Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) showdown. Miami has shown flashes of brilliance this year, but winning on the road in this conference is never a given. You can catch this one on The CW, which has become a go-to spot for ACC Saturday hoops.

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If you aren't near a TV, the Clemson Athletic Network and various streaming apps carrying The CW will be your best bet for live updates.

What About the Other Miami Teams?

You might be wondering about the Dolphins or Inter Miami.

The Miami Dolphins season has wrapped up for most of the roster, though the NFL Divisional Round is currently underway. Since the Dolphins finished the regular season at 7-10, they aren't on the field today. Fans are already looking toward the 2026 draft and the newly finalized opponent list, which includes home games against the Bills, Chiefs, and Bears.

Inter Miami CF is currently in the "calm before the storm" phase.
Lionel Messi and the rest of the Herons don't start their 2026 preseason tour until January 24, when they fly to Lima, Peru, to face Alianza Lima. If you were hoping to see a pink jersey on the pitch today, you'll have to wait exactly one week.

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The Miami Marlins are technically "playing" the front-office game. Just yesterday, they claimed right-hander Osvaldo Bido off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays. No baseball yet, but FanFest is coming up on February 7, where they are rumored to be revealing a new teal-heavy Sunday alternative uniform.

How to Watch Miami Sports Today

To make sure you don't miss a single play, keep these details handy:

  1. Check your local listings for FanDuel Sports Network Sun if you are in the South Florida market for the Heat game.
  2. Download the ESPN or Fox Sports apps for real-time box scores, especially for the Hurricanes' road trip.
  3. Check the secondary market like StubHub or Ticketmaster if you're looking for last-minute seats at the Kaseya Center; since the Heat are underdogs, you might find some slightly more reasonable prices than usual for a Saturday night.

It’s a busy day for the 305. Whether you're watching the college kids in the afternoon or the pros at night, the city is well-represented on the court.

Actionable Gameday Steps

  • For the Canes game (2:15 PM): Tune into The CW or follow live stats via the Miami Hurricanes official site to see if they can pull off the road upset.
  • For the Heat game (8:00 PM): If you're betting, keep an eye on the injury report for any late scratches, as a 10.5-point spread often shifts if a key starter for OKC decides to rest.
  • Pre-game Prep: Make sure your streaming logins are active for FanDuel Sports Network, as they’ve had several updates recently that might require a quick password reset before the 8:00 PM tip-off.