You've got that Sunday itch for hoops, and honestly, the calendar for January 18, 2026, is pretty stacked. Whether you’re nursing a coffee in the morning or looking for a reason to ignore your laundry tonight, there’s a game with your name on it. We’re talking a weird London matinee, a Luka Doncic masterclass in Hollywood, and a few college matchups that might actually shake up the rankings.
Basically, if you have a screen and a couch, you're set.
The NBA Schedule for Sunday, Jan 18
The NBA is doing that thing where they spread games across time zones like butter on toast. We start international and end on the West Coast.
Breakfast in London: Grizzlies vs. Magic
First up, we have a literal morning game for us in the States. The Memphis Grizzlies are taking on the Orlando Magic at The O2 Arena in London.
- Tip-off: 12:00 PM ET
- Where to watch: Amazon Prime
It’s part of the league’s global push, and it’s kinda cool to see the Grit-and-Grind crew across the pond. Expect some tired legs but a high-energy crowd.
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The Evening Slate
If you aren't an early bird, the meat of the schedule hits right around dinner time.
- Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls: 7:00 PM ET. This one is at the United Center. Chicago fans are always loud, and the Nets are... well, they're the Nets.
- New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets: 7:00 PM ET. A Southwest Division battle at the Toyota Center.
- Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets: 8:00 PM ET. Nikola Jokić doing Jokić things in the altitude.
- Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings: 9:00 PM ET. Light the beam? Maybe.
The Nightcap: Raptors vs. Lakers
This is the one everyone is talking about. Luka Doncic—yeah, he’s a Laker now in this 2025-26 season—is putting up stupid numbers. We’re talking 33.6 points a game.
- Tip-off: 9:30 PM ET
- Channel: SportsNet LA / TSN
- The Vibe: The Lakers (24-16) are hosting a Toronto team (25-18) that’s surprisingly gritty this year. Scottie Barnes vs. Luka is worth the price of admission alone.
College Basketball Matchups: What Really Matters Today
College hoops is in the thick of conference play, which is where things get messy and beautiful. If you're wondering what basketball games are coming on today in the NCAA world, it's a mix of ranked heavyweights and mid-major "trap" games.
The Big One: Arizona State at No. 7 Houston
This is the headliner. Houston is currently ranked #7 in the nation and they are terrifying on defense. They allow about 59 points a game. That’s insane.
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- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Channel: ESPN
- Players to watch: Emanuel Sharp for the Cougars and Moe Odum for the Sun Devils.
Other Notable NCAA Men's Games
- Penn State at Maryland: 12:00 PM ET. Early Big Ten clash.
- Florida Atlantic at Temple: 12:00 PM ET (ESPNU).
- Wichita State at South Florida: 1:00 PM ET (ESPNU). Keep an eye on Kenyon Giles; the kid has been on fire from three-point range lately.
- Washington State at San Francisco: 7:00 PM ET (ESPN+). A West Coast battle that usually ends up being a lot more competitive than people expect.
Don't Sleep on the Women's Slate
The women's game is arguably more exciting right now with the talent depth we're seeing.
- Oregon at Wisconsin: 4:00 PM ET on Big Ten Network. Oregon is 14-5 and looking to pile on a Wisconsin team that's struggling to find its rhythm.
- Tennessee vs. Alabama: 2:00 PM ET. SEC basketball at its finest. Two ranked teams hitting each other in the mouth.
- Texas A&M at No. 4 Texas: 4:00 PM ET. A classic rivalry with high stakes.
Why You Should Care About the Mid-Majors Today
Everyone looks at the "Power 5" (or whatever we're calling the big conferences these days), but the real money—and the real drama—is often in the smaller gyms. Take the American vs. Army game at 1:00 PM ET. It’s not going to be a high-scoring affair. Actually, American plays at a snail’s pace. But if you like tactical basketball where every possession feels like a chess match, that's your game.
Then you have UTSA at Memphis at 6:00 PM ET on ESPNU. Memphis has a way of playing up or down to their competition, making every game a heart-attack special for their fans.
Streaming and Watching: A Quick Reality Check
If you're trying to figure out how to actually watch these games without a cable subscription, it’s a bit of a maze.
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- Fubo/YouTube TV: Good for the local channels and big ones like ESPN.
- ESPN+: You’ll need this for the San Francisco and Valparaiso games.
- Amazon Prime: Specifically for that Grizzlies/Magic game in London.
One thing people get wrong: they assume every game is on the "main" channels. Nope. Half the fun is hunting down that one obscure stream to watch a 2-point game in the final minute.
Smart Moves for Your Sunday Viewing
If you're planning to bet or just want to look smart in the group chat, keep these details in mind:
- Fatigue Factor: The Grizzlies had to fly across the Atlantic. That’s a long trip. Don't be shocked if the first quarter looks like a slog.
- Home Court: Houston is 16-1 for a reason. Fertitta Center is a nightmare for visiting teams.
- Injuries: Check the status of Deandre Ayton for the Lakers; his presence in the paint changes how the Raptors have to attack the rim.
Check your local listings because regional blackouts are still, unfortunately, a thing in 2026. Grab your snacks, sync your fantasy lineup, and enjoy the games.
To get the most out of your Sunday, start with the London game at noon, flip over to the SEC women's matchups in the afternoon, and clear your schedule for the Lakers/Raptors late-night showdown.