Finding the right stream is a nightmare lately. Honestly, you'd think in 2026 it would be easier to just sit down and watch a game, but the new media rights deal has turned finding what channel is the game on tonight nba into a bit of a scavenger hunt. Remember when everything was just on TNT or ESPN? Yeah, those days are mostly gone. Now we’re bouncing between Prime Video, NBC, Peacock, and the usual local regional sports networks (RSNs).
If you’re looking to catch some action tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, the schedule is spread out across a few different platforms. The big one to note is the international showcase. The Orlando Magic and Memphis Grizzlies tipped off early from The O2 Arena in London. If you missed the noon ET start, that one was exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. It’s part of the league’s massive push to make Prime a primary home for "event" games.
Where the Rest of the League is Playing
The evening slate is a bit more traditional but still requires you to check your local listings depending on where you live. Most of tonight's games are landing on NBA League Pass for out-of-market fans, but local viewers will need to hunt down their specific RSNs.
Take the Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets game at 7:00 PM ET. If you’re in Chicago, you’re looking for the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN). Out in Brooklyn? It’s on YES. It’s a classic home-and-home situation after the Nets squeaked out a win on Friday night. Michael Porter Jr. has been on a tear for Brooklyn, and seeing how the Bulls respond at the United Center is probably the highlight of the night.
Then you have the Southwest Division clash. The Houston Rockets are hosting the New Orleans Pelicans at the Toyota Center. This one is also a 7:00 PM ET tip. You can find this on Space City Home Network or Gulf Coast Sports. Honestly, the Pelicans are struggling right now—they’re massive underdogs—but watching Kevin Durant in a Rockets uniform still feels a little surreal to some of us.
Breaking Down the Late Window
As the night rolls on, the games shift West. Here is how the late-night viewing looks:
- Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets (8:00 PM ET): This is mostly a League Pass game, though local Denver fans have it on Altitude.
- Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings (9:00 PM ET): Catch this on NBC Sports California if you're in the area or KUNP in Portland.
- Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Lakers (9:30 PM ET): The nightcap. This is on Spectrum SportsNet for the LA crowd and TSN for the North.
It’s worth noting that tonight doesn't have a "big" national cable broadcast like a Thursday night on Prime or a Wednesday on ESPN. It’s a heavy RSN and League Pass night. This is basically the reality of the 2025-26 season. You’ve got to be nimble with your apps.
Why Finding the Channel is Suddenly So Hard
The NBA’s new $77 billion media deal changed the landscape. NBC is back in the mix, and they’ve been taking a lot of the Sunday slots for "Sunday Night Basketball," but that usually doesn't kick into high gear until later in the season (think February through April). For now, Sundays are a mix of local broadcasts and the occasional Peacock exclusive.
If you are constantly asking what channel is the game on tonight nba, the best move is usually to keep the NBA App handy. It’s actually gotten decent at geo-locating you and telling you exactly which local channel has the rights.
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Also, don't sleep on the "Global Games." The London game today is a prime example of how the NBA is using streaming partners like Amazon to capture a global audience. It’s cool for the fans in the UK, but it’s a weird adjustment for someone in Memphis trying to watch their team while eating breakfast.
Practical Steps for Tonight's Viewers
Stop guessing and just check these three things. First, if it’s a national game, it’s almost certainly on Prime Video or ESPN this time of year. Second, if you’re out of market, NBA League Pass is your only real legal option unless you're sailing the high seas of the internet. Third, check if your local team has moved to a direct-to-consumer app.
Many teams, like the Pelicans and Suns, have moved away from traditional cable RSNs toward their own streaming services (like Pelicans+). If you can't find the game on your cable box, that’s likely why. The fragmentation is real, but once you know which app your team lives on, it gets easier.
Check your local start times one more time. The East Coast games start early, and that Lakers/Raptors game is going to run late into the night. Grab your remote, sign into your apps, and enjoy the hoops.
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Actionable Next Steps:
- Check the NBA App: Open the "Games" tab to see if your local game is "Blacked Out" or available on League Pass.
- Verify Local RSNs: Ensure your cable or streaming provider (Fubo, YouTube TV, etc.) still carries your local sports network, as many contracts changed starting January 1st.
- Set Up Prime Video: If you plan on watching any future Thursday or Friday national games, make sure your Amazon login is active on your TV.