Honestly, trying to figure out what time is the nba basketball game on tonight can feel like a part-time job. You check one app, it says 7:30. You check another, and suddenly it’s 8:00 because of some "national broadcast window" or a localized delay.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. We’ve got a massive nine-game slate. If you're planning your night around the couch or a bar stool, you need the actual times—not the "pregame show" times that just waste your minutes.
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The Full NBA Schedule for Tonight: January 17, 2026
The league is spread out across the country today. We have early starts in Texas and late-night vibes in the Pacific Northwest. Here is how the board looks for tonight’s matchups.
The Early Window (5:00 PM – 7:30 PM ET)
The day kicks off in Dallas. The Utah Jazz take on the Dallas Mavericks at 5:00 PM ET (4:00 PM local time) at the American Airlines Center. This is a bit of a weird time for a Saturday, so don't get caught finishing errands while Luka is already hitting step-backs.
Following that, we have a cluster of 7:30 PM ET starts.
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- Boston Celtics at Atlanta Hawks: State Farm Arena is going to be loud for this one.
- Indiana Pacers at Detroit Pistons: A classic Central Division grind at Little Caesars Arena.
- Phoenix Suns at New York Knicks: This is the heavy hitter for the early evening, live from Madison Square Garden.
The Prime-Time Slate (8:00 PM – 9:00 PM ET)
If you're looking for the mid-evening games, two matchups tip at 8:00 PM ET. The Minnesota Timberwolves face the San Antonio Spurs, while the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Miami Heat. These are "league pass" specials, unless you're in those local markets.
Then at 8:30 PM ET, the Charlotte Hornets visit the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. It's a cross-country trip for Charlotte, and playing by the Bay is never easy.
To round out this window, the Washington Wizards take on the Denver Nuggets at 9:00 PM ET. Good luck to the Wizards dealing with that altitude.
The Nightcap (10:00 PM ET)
The final game of the night is a big one. The Los Angeles Lakers face the Portland Trail Blazers at 10:00 PM ET. This is the classic "stay up late" game for East Coasters and the perfect Saturday night main event for everyone else.
Where to Watch the NBA Basketball Game Tonight
Streaming and TV rights in 2026 are... complicated. Basically, you've got three ways to catch these games: National TV, Regional Sports Networks (RSNs), and NBA League Pass.
National Broadcasts
For tonight, NBA TV is taking the lead on the national front. They have the Phoenix Suns vs. New York Knicks at 7:30 PM ET. Later, they’ll jump over to the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Portland Trail Blazers at 10:00 PM ET. If you have a standard sports cable package or a service like YouTube TV, you’re likely covered for these.
Regional and Streaming Options
If you are trying to watch your local team, you’re looking at the regional networks. For example, the Warriors/Hornets game is on NBCS-BA (Bay Area) and FDSSE (Southeast).
The Lakers/Blazers game is also being carried locally by SportsNet LA and KUNP in Portland. If you’re outside these markets, NBA League Pass is your best friend, though blackout restrictions still haunt the platform like a bad ghost. For those without cable, Fubo and DirectV Stream remain the most reliable ways to get those local RSNs without a traditional contract.
Why NBA Tip-Off Times are Usually "Lies"
You've probably noticed that if a game says it starts at 7:30, the ball doesn't actually go in the air until 7:41. It's annoying.
National TV games (like the ones on NBA TV tonight) usually have a 10 to 15-minute buffer for player introductions, national anthems, and those "keys to the game" segments that no one really listens to. Local broadcasts on RSNs are usually a bit tighter, often tipping about 5 to 7 minutes after the listed time.
If you're wondering what time is the nba basketball game on tonight specifically to place a bet or catch the very first possession, always add 10 minutes to the official start time to be safe.
Key Player Matchups to Watch
Tonight features some high-level scoring talent.
- Luka Doncic vs. The Jazz Defense: Luka is currently leading the league in scoring (averaging 33.6 PPG).
- Deni Avdija vs. LeBron James: Avdija has been a revelation for Portland this year, putting up over 26 points a game. Seeing him go against the King is worth the late-night caffeine.
- Jaylen Brown in Atlanta: Brown has been clinical this season, averaging nearly 30 points. The Hawks' perimeter defense will have their hands full.
Actionable Steps for Tonight’s Games
To make sure you don't miss a single bucket, here is what you should do right now:
- Sync your clock: If you're on the East Coast, remember that the Lakers/Blazers game won't end until nearly 1:00 AM. Plan your naps accordingly.
- Check for Blackouts: If you're using League Pass, log in 15 minutes early to ensure the game isn't blacked out in your area. If it is, you'll need to find the local RSN.
- Verify the "True Tip": For the Knicks/Suns game on NBA TV, expect the actual tip-off at 7:40 PM ET.
- Update Your Apps: 2026 streaming apps are notorious for mid-season updates. Don't let a "mandatory update" screen stand between you and the first quarter.
The Lakers vs. Blazers at 10:00 PM ET is the game of the night for most fans, but that Suns/Knicks battle at the Garden is a very close second. Pick your favorite, grab your snacks, and enjoy the slate.