Finding out what channel is the nba game on tonight used to be a lot easier when you just had to toggle between TNT and ESPN. But things have changed. Big time. It’s 2026, and the NBA’s media landscape has basically been flipped on its head with the new rights deal that kicked in this season. TNT is out. NBC and Amazon are in. If you’re sitting on your couch wondering why you can’t find the game, you aren't alone.
Tonight, Sunday, January 18, 2026, features a mix of early tip-offs and late-night West Coast battles. We’ve got everything from an international showcase in London to the usual primetime staples. Here is the exact breakdown of how to watch the action.
The National TV Slate: Who’s Broadcasting Tonight?
Sunday nights in 2026 are split between the "old guard" at ABC/ESPN and the "new era" at NBC and Peacock. Because the NFL season is winding down, the NBA has started taking over those Sunday evening windows.
The biggest game on the national radar today actually happened early. The Orlando Magic vs. Memphis Grizzlies met at the O2 Arena in London. That game was an exclusive broadcast on Amazon Prime Video. If you missed it, you’ll have to catch the highlights, as Amazon has the global rights for these specific international "Global Games" showcases.
For the rest of the evening, most of the "national" coverage shifts to streaming-first options or regional networks. Unlike the old days of a guaranteed TNT doubleheader, tonight is heavily focused on League Pass and local Regional Sports Networks (RSNs).
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Sunday, Jan 18: Full Game Schedule and Channels
If you're asking what channel is the nba game on tonight for a specific team, check this list. Times are all Eastern.
- Brooklyn Nets at Chicago Bulls (7:00 PM): This one is on Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) for the locals. If you're in New York, look for it on YES Network. Out-of-market fans? You're stuck with NBA League Pass.
- New Orleans Pelicans at Houston Rockets (7:00 PM): Catch this on Space City Home Network or Gulf Coast Sports.
- Charlotte Hornets at Denver Nuggets (8:00 PM): Nuggets fans will find this on Altitude. Hornets fans, check FanDuel Sports Network Southeast.
- Portland Trail Blazers at Sacramento Kings (9:00 PM): This is a late one. It’s on NBC Sports California and KUNP.
- Toronto Raptors at Los Angeles Lakers (9:30 PM): The nightcap. It’s on SportsNet LA and TSN for the Canadian fans.
Honestly, the lack of a "big" cable game tonight on ESPN is because they often backload their heavy-hitter matchups for Wednesday and Friday nights now. Sunday nights have become a bit of a "choose your own adventure" between local RSNs and League Pass.
The New "NBA on NBC" and Peacock Factor
You've probably noticed that NBC is back in the mix. After over 20 years away, they are airing up to 100 games this season. On Sundays, they typically take the "Sunday Night Basketball" slot after the NFL's regular season ends.
While there isn't a flagship "Big NBC" game tonight, you should always check Peacock. The streaming service has become the exclusive home for many Monday night games and several Sunday simulcasts. If you have a Peacock subscription, you basically have a ticket to the NBC-produced games, even the ones that don't make the main broadcast channel.
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Why Can’t I Find the Game? (The Blackout Struggle)
This is the most frustrating part of 2026. You pay for NBA League Pass, you search for what channel is the nba game on tonight, and then... a black screen.
Blackouts are still a thing. Even with Amazon and NBC entering the fray, local teams are still tied to their Regional Sports Networks. For example, if you live in Los Angeles, you cannot watch the Lakers vs. Raptors game on League Pass. You must have Spectrum SportsNet.
The "FanDuel Sports Network" (formerly Bally Sports) still holds the rights for a massive chunk of the league. If your team is on a FanDuel RSN, you might need their specific app if you've cut the cord on traditional cable.
Streaming Options: Beyond the Remote
If you don’t have cable, you’re probably using one of these:
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- YouTube TV / Fubo / DirecTV Stream: These are the most reliable for getting your local ABC and NBC affiliates, plus the RSNs (though YouTube TV is still missing many of the FanDuel/Bally networks).
- Amazon Prime Video: Essential now. They have the Play-In Tournament, the NBA Cup knockout rounds, and specific games like the London showcase tonight.
- ESPN Unlimited: This is the new direct-to-consumer app that replaced the old "cable login" requirement. If there's an ESPN game, this is where you go.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
Stop guessing and start watching. Here is how to make sure you never miss a tip-off again.
Check your local RSN availability. Before tonight's 7:00 PM games start, download the FanDuel Sports Network app or the Gotham Sports app (for NY fans) to see if you can buy a standalone "Team Pass." It’s usually about $20 a month and saves you from a $100 cable bill.
Sync your calendar. The NBA app now allows you to sync your favorite team's schedule directly to your phone. It will automatically update with the correct channel info about two hours before the game starts.
Verify your Peacock login. Since NBC/Peacock is a primary partner now, make sure your subscription is active. Many Comcast/Xfinity users lost their free Peacock access recently, so double-check that before a big Sunday night game.
The 2026 season is a bit of a maze. But once you know that what channel is the nba game on tonight depends mostly on whether it's an "Amazon night" or a "Local RSN night," it gets a lot easier to navigate. Grab the remote, check the tip times, and enjoy the games.