Hoops fans, buckle up. Today, Tuesday, January 13, 2026, is one of those mid-winter nights where the schedule is just absolutely loaded with drama. Whether you’re looking for the high-flying pace of the NBA or the gritty, defensive slugfests of Big Ten college ball, there is a lot to track.
Honestly, the biggest story today isn't just about who is playing, but who isn't. We've got massive injury news out of New Orleans that’s going to shift how people view the Western Conference standings. Plus, some of the best rivalries in the WCC and Big 12 are taking center stage tonight.
Let’s get into the weeds of what basketball games are on today so you don't miss a single tip-off.
NBA Schedule Tonight: Stars, Slumps, and Survival
The NBA slate for Tuesday night is tight but heavy on narrative. We’ve got seven games on the calendar, and most of them carry some serious weight for teams trying to claw their way into (or out of) the play-in conversation.
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The Big One: Phoenix Suns vs. Miami Heat
This is the game everyone is circling. The Suns are heading into South Beach for a 7:30 PM ET tip at the Kaseya Center. Miami has been scrappy lately, and the oddsmakers are basically calling this a toss-up, with the Heat sitting as narrow 1-point favorites. If you want high-level execution, this is your best bet for the evening.
The Injury Mess: Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans
You’ve gotta feel for New Orleans. They are hosting the 26-13 Nuggets at 8:00 PM ET, but the Pelicans' injury report looks like a CVS receipt. Herb Jones is out. Jose Alvarado is out. Even the Nuggets aren't at full strength—Nikola Jokic is dealing with a knee bone bruise and is expected to sit this one out. Even without the Joker, Denver is favored by 2.5 points.
The Rest of the Pro Slate
- San Antonio Spurs at Oklahoma City Thunder (8:00 PM ET): OKC is a massive 8.5-point favorite here. Watch out for how the Thunder's defense handles the Spurs' length.
- Chicago Bulls at Houston Rockets (8:00 PM ET): Houston is laying 13 points at home. The Bulls are struggling, and the Toyota Center has been a house of horrors for visiting teams lately.
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Milwaukee Bucks (8:00 PM ET): A potential Finals preview? Maybe. The Bucks are 3.5-point favorites at the Fiserv Forum.
- Atlanta Hawks at Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 PM ET): Late-night hoops at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers always seem to play a different brand of ball when the Hawks come to town.
- Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors (11:00 PM ET): The nightcap. If you're on the East Coast, get your coffee ready.
College Basketball Matchups: The Big Ten and Big 12 Take Over
If you prefer the college game, tonight is arguably better than the NBA schedule. We have a massive Big Ten showdown in East Lansing and some high-stakes Big 12 action.
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Indiana at No. 12 Michigan State
Tom Izzo's squad is hosting the Hoosiers at 7:00 PM ET on NBCSN and Peacock. This is classic January basketball. Michigan State’s defense has been a brick wall lately, and the total for this game is sitting around 145. Expect a physical, low-scoring grind. Indiana needs a win like this to prove they belong in the top tier of the conference.
No. 7 Houston vs. West Virginia
Houston is just a machine. They are hosting West Virginia at 8:30 PM ET (FS1). The Mountaineers are coming off an emotional upset over Kansas, but trying to repeat that magic in the Fertitta Center is a tall order. Houston is a 13.5-point favorite for a reason—their offensive rebounding is just demoralizing for opponents.
Other Notable College Games
- Marquette at St. John's (6:30 PM ET): This one is at Madison Square Garden. St. John's is a heavy favorite, and Marquette is looking to snap a brutal road skid.
- Texas A&M at Tennessee (7:00 PM ET): A massive SEC clash. Knoxville will be rocking for this one.
- Iowa State at Kansas (9:00 PM ET): This is the game of the night for Big 12 fans. Phog Allen Fieldhouse is never an easy place to play, especially when the Jayhawks are coming off a loss.
- Saint Mary's at San Francisco (11:00 PM ET): Don't sleep on the WCC. This is a fierce rivalry, and the Gaels are looking to re-establish dominance after a close loss in their last meeting.
How to Watch: Streaming and TV Guide
Navigating the broadcast rights in 2026 is a bit of a nightmare, but here’s the quick cheat sheet.
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Most of the NBA games are on regional sports networks like FanDuel Sports Network (formerly Bally) or Space City Home Network. However, the Spurs vs. Thunder game is getting the national treatment on NBC and Peacock. If you’re out of market, NBA League Pass is your best friend.
For college hoops, it’s a mix of Peacock, FS1, and the ESPN family of networks. The Indiana/Michigan State game is a Peacock exclusive, so make sure your subscription is active before the 7:00 PM tip-off.
Actionable Tips for Tonight’s Slate
If you're planning your viewing schedule for what basketball games are on today, here is how to maximize your night:
- Prioritize the 8:00 PM Window: This is the "Golden Hour." You have three NBA games and the start of several Big 12 college matchups. If you have a multi-screen setup, this is when you use it.
- Monitor the New Orleans/Denver Line: With Jokic out and the Pelicans' roster decimated, the "Under" on the point total (233.5) looks tempting. Both teams are missing their primary offensive engines.
- Check the Peacock Log-in Early: Nothing ruins a Tuesday like missing the first ten minutes of a Big Ten rivalry because of a password reset.
- Watch the WCC Late: If the NBA games get out of hand, switch over to Saint Mary's vs. San Francisco at 11:00 PM. The atmosphere in those small WCC gyms is incredible.
The mid-season grind is where teams find their identity. Tonight's results will tell us a lot about whether the Bucks are truly back and if Michigan State can sustain their defensive intensity through the heart of the conference schedule.