If you’ve ever sat down on a Thursday afternoon ready for some hoops only to realize you have no idea where the broadcast actually lives, you aren't alone. Today, January 15, 2026, is one of those weird, sprawling NBA days that spans across continents and streaming platforms. Seriously. We’re talking about games starting in Berlin and ending in Los Angeles.
So, let's get right to it. What channel are the nba basketball games on today? The answer depends entirely on whether you’re looking for the marquee international showcase, the Prime Video double-header, or the local regional broadcasts for your favorite home team.
The International Opener: Grizzlies vs. Magic in Berlin
The day starts early. Way early.
The Memphis Grizzlies and Orlando Magic are facing off at the Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany. Because of the time difference, tip-off is set for 2:00 p.m. ET. If you’re trying to find this on TNT or ESPN, you’re going to be staring at a rerun of a talk show.
This game is streaming exclusively on Amazon Prime Video for national viewers. It’s part of the league’s continued push to make the game global, and honestly, seeing Ja Morant or Paolo Banchero playing in front of a German crowd is a vibe. If you’re in the Orlando market, check your local listings for FanDuel Sports Network Florida, but for most of us, it’s Prime or bust.
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Prime Video's Nightly Takeover
Amazon isn’t done after the Berlin game. They’ve basically claimed Thursday nights in 2026.
After the afternoon international special, the action shifts back to the States. At 7:30 p.m. ET, the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the Houston Rockets. This is a massive matchup between two of the youngest, most explosive cores in the Western Conference. You’ve got Shai Gilgeous-Alexander going up against Alperen Sengun—it's high-level basketball that you can find on Prime Video.
Later tonight, at 10:00 p.m. ET, the New York Knicks visit the Golden State Warriors. This is the "nightcap" for the national audience. Again, this is a Prime Video broadcast. It’s a bit of a shift for fans who grew up with "Inside the NBA" on TNT every Thursday, but that’s the reality of the current media rights landscape.
The Full Slate: Where to Watch Every Game
Maybe you don’t care about the national games. Maybe you just want to see if the Pistons can actually pull off a win or if the Celtics are going to steamroll the Heat in South Beach.
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Here is the breakdown of the other games happening today and where you can find them:
- Phoenix Suns at Detroit Pistons (7:00 p.m. ET): This one is mostly on NBA League Pass. Local fans can catch it on Arizona’s Family Sports (Suns) or FanDuel Sports Network Detroit (Pistons).
- Boston Celtics at Miami Heat (7:30 p.m. ET): A classic Eastern Conference rivalry. Since it isn't the "Prime Game," it’s tucked away on NBA League Pass and regional networks like NBC Sports Boston.
- Milwaukee Bucks at San Antonio Spurs (8:00 p.m. ET): Giannis vs. Wemby. This is a crime that it’s not on national TV tonight, but you can find it on NBA League Pass.
- Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks (8:30 p.m. ET): Luka Magic is on display here. Watch it via NBA League Pass or KFAA/WFAA if you’re in the Dallas area.
- Atlanta Hawks at Portland Trail Blazers (10:00 p.m. ET): Late-night hoops on the West Coast. Find this on NBA League Pass or local Portland/Atlanta regional channels.
- Charlotte Hornets at Los Angeles Lakers (10:30 p.m. ET): The final tip of the night. It’s on NBA League Pass and Spectrum SportsNet for the LA crowd.
The Streaming Shift: Why It’s Getting Complicated
It’s getting harder to just "flip on the game."
The 2025-26 season solidified a major shift. National TV used to mean just three letters: TNT or ESPN. Now, you have to juggle Prime Video, Peacock, and even Disney+ for certain alternate broadcasts. Today is a perfect example. If you don’t have an Amazon subscription, you are effectively locked out of the three "biggest" games of the day.
NBA League Pass remains the savior for out-of-market fans, but the blackout rules still apply. If you live in Miami and want to watch the Heat play the Celtics, League Pass will be greyed out. You’ve got to have cable or a local streaming package like Fubo that carries the regional sports network.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Today's Schedule
A lot of people assume that because it’s Thursday, they should look for the games on TNT.
That’s usually a safe bet, but the Berlin game threw a wrench into the traditional scheduling. Also, keep an eye on the injury reports. Since the Grizzlies and Magic had to travel across the Atlantic, their rotations might look a little funky.
And don't forget the start times. The 2:00 p.m. ET start for Memphis/Orlando is a workday killer. If you’re planning on watching, make sure you’ve got the app downloaded on your phone or tablet before your lunch break ends.
Actionable Tips for Tonight’s Viewers
If you want to make sure you don't miss a single bucket, do these three things right now:
- Check your Prime Login: Since Amazon has the Berlin game, the Thunder/Rockets, and the Knicks/Warriors, they own the day. Make sure your account is active and you know your password.
- Sync your League Pass: If you’re a superfan, make sure your League Pass is logged in on your primary viewing device. The Bucks vs. Spurs game (Giannis vs. Wemby) is the "hidden gem" of the night that isn't on national TV.
- Local Blackouts: If you are in a local market (like LA or Dallas), verify which regional network is carrying the game. For the Lakers, it’s almost always Spectrum SportsNet.
The league is more fragmented than ever, but the talent on the floor today is insane. From Berlin to the Bay Area, there’s a lot of basketball to catch. Just make sure you're on the right app.
Next Steps:
Go ahead and check your local listings for the specific regional sports network (RSN) in your area if you are following a local team like the Heat or the Lakers. If you are watching from outside those markets, ensure your NBA League Pass or Amazon Prime subscription is ready for the 2:00 p.m. ET tip-off.