Tomorrow is basically a national holiday for basketball fans. If you've been following the league this season, you know that Martin Luther King Jr. Day is always one of the biggest dates on the calendar. This year—Monday, January 19, 2026—is no different. The NBA is rolling out a massive nine-game slate that spans from the early afternoon right into the late-night West Coast window.
It's a marathon. You’re looking at over 12 hours of continuous hoops. From Cooper Flagg making his highly anticipated Madison Square Garden debut to a heavyweight Eastern Conference battle in Detroit, the schedule is packed.
The Full Schedule: What Teams Play Tomorrow in the NBA
If you are trying to plan your day around the couch, here is the official lineup for Monday, January 19. The league has leaned heavily into its new partnership with NBC and Peacock for the national broadcasts, so keep that in mind before you start flipping through your old cable channels.
The Afternoon Window (The Early Birds)
- Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks – 1:00 PM ET (Exclusively on Peacock)
- Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers – 2:30 PM ET (NBC / Peacock)
- Los Angeles Clippers at Washington Wizards – 3:00 PM ET (League Pass / Local RSNs)
The day kicks off in Atlanta, which is fitting since it’s Dr. King’s birthplace. Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks are visiting Jalen Johnson and the Hawks. Interestingly, the Hawks are in a bit of a transition period after the massive Trae Young trade to Washington earlier this season, so the vibe at State Farm Arena is definitely different these days.
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Shortly after, we get a potential NBA Finals preview. The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, head into Cleveland to face Donovan Mitchell and the Cavs. OKC has been a juggernaut this year, sitting near the top of the West with a 35-8 record.
The Evening Slate (Primetime Matchups)
- Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks – 5:00 PM ET (NBC / Peacock)
- Utah Jazz at San Antonio Spurs – 5:00 PM ET (League Pass / Local RSNs)
- Indiana Pacers at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:00 PM ET (League Pass / Local RSNs)
- Phoenix Suns at Brooklyn Nets – 7:30 PM ET (League Pass / Local RSNs)
The 5:00 PM window is the one everyone has circled. Why? Cooper Flagg. The rookie sensation is finally playing at the Garden. Seeing Flagg go up against Jalen Brunson and the Knicks in that atmosphere is going to be electric. Honestly, even if you aren't a Mavs fan, you've gotta see how the kid handles the bright lights of NYC.
Meanwhile, in San Antonio, Victor Wembanyama continues his reign of terror on the defensive end against the Jazz. If you like "alien" basketball, that's your game.
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The Nightcap (The Heavy Hitters)
- Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons – 8:00 PM ET (NBC / Peacock)
- Miami Heat at Golden State Warriors – 10:00 PM ET (League Pass / Local RSNs)
The 8:00 PM game is actually a battle for the top of the East. Believe it or not, the Detroit Pistons (30-10) are currently the No. 1 seed, and they’re hosting the defending-champion Boston Celtics. Cade Cunningham has been playing at an All-NBA level, and seeing if Boston’s defense can solve Detroit’s system is the main storyline here.
Finally, Steph Curry and the Warriors close out the night against Jimmy Butler and the Heat. It’s a classic matchup that usually goes down to the wire.
Why the MLK Day Schedule Matters
The NBA started this tradition 40 years ago. It’s not just about the games; it’s about the platform. You’ll see players wearing special warm-up gear, and many teams host community events or host legendary activists at the arenas.
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For the players, it’s a high-visibility day. Since many people are off work, the TV ratings usually spike. This is where "All-Star" narratives are often cemented. Just tomorrow afternoon, during the NBA Showtime broadcast at 2:00 PM ET on NBC, the league is officially revealing the starters for the 2026 All-Star Game in Inglewood.
How to Watch the Games
Because the broadcast rights shifted recently, you might be confused about where to find the games. NBC and Peacock have the "Quadruple Header" which includes:
- Bucks at Hawks
- Thunder at Cavs
- Mavericks at Knicks
- Celtics at Pistons
If your team isn't on that list—like the Suns or the 76ers—you'll need NBA League Pass or your local Regional Sports Network (like YES Network for the Nets or NBC Sports Philadelphia).
Actionable Tips for Tomorrow’s Slate
If you’re planning to watch, here is how to make the most of it:
- Download the Peacock App early: The first game (Bucks/Hawks) is a Peacock exclusive. Don't be the person trying to remember your password five minutes after tip-off.
- Watch the 2:00 PM All-Star Reveal: If you care about who starts the All-Star game, that announcement happens between the first and second games.
- Track the Pistons/Celtics Line: Detroit is currently a 4.5-point favorite. That tells you everything you need to know about how much respect this young Pistons team has earned.
- Monitor Injury Reports: With so many games, keep an eye on late scratches. In 2026, "load management" is still a thing, though the league's participation policies have made it a bit rarer on big holidays like this.
Basically, get your snacks ready by noon. It's going to be a long, high-intensity day of basketball that will likely shake up the standings in both conferences.