Basketball fans are hitting the refresh button like crazy today. It’s Friday, January 16, 2026, and the NBA slate is absolutely packed with matchups that actually matter for the playoff hunt. Whether you're tracking the red-hot Los Angeles Clippers or trying to see if the Cleveland Cavaliers can handle the 76ers in Philly, staying on top of the numbers is a full-time job.
Honestly, the league feels different this year. We’ve seen massive trades and some surprising leaps in performance that have turned the standings upside down. If you are looking for what is the score of the NBA game tonight, you’ve come to the right place for the raw data and the stories behind the buckets.
Real-Time Scores and Results for Friday, January 16
The games are tipping off across the country, and we are seeing some wild momentum swings. Here is how the board looks right now. Keep in mind that for the late-night West Coast games, things are just getting warmed up.
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers
This was the game ESPN scrambled to add to their national broadcast schedule just a few days ago. Tyrese Maxey is a blur on the court, but Donovan Mitchell has been playing like an MVP candidate lately. The atmosphere at the Xfinity Mobile Arena is electric.
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- Current Status: Final
- Score: Cavaliers 112, 76ers 108
- The Story: A late surge by Mitchell silenced the Philly crowd.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Indiana Pacers
The Pacers are trying to protect their home court at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Tyrese Haliburton is dealing dimes like he’s in a casino, but the Pelicans’ length is giving Indiana’s shooters some serious trouble.
- Current Status: Final
- Score: Pelicans 121, Pacers 115
- The Story: Zion Williamson dominated the paint in the fourth quarter.
Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Nets are holding steady at the Barclays Center. It’s been a bit of a defensive grind, which usually favors the Bulls, but Brooklyn’s bench has provided a massive spark tonight.
- Current Status: Final
- Score: Nets 104, Bulls 98
Toronto Raptors vs. LA Clippers
This is the one everyone is talking about. The Clippers are officially the hottest team in the NBA right now, coming in with an 11-2 record over their last 13 games. Even with a salary cap investigation looming over the front office, Kawhi Leonard has been unstoppable, averaging over 32 points in this recent stretch.
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- Current Status: 4th Quarter
- Live Score: Raptors 88, Clippers 94
Why tonight's matchups actually matter
It isn't just about the final buzzer. The Western Conference is a total bloodbath. The Clippers are currently clawing their way toward the No. 10 seed just to get into the Play-In Tournament. Every single win for them is a survival move.
On the flip side, you have the Detroit Pistons—yeah, you read that right—leading the Eastern Conference. They just came off a gritty comeback win against the Suns yesterday. The league is upside down. When you check what is the score of the NBA game tonight, you’re seeing the fallout of a season where the old guard is being pushed by hungry young rosters.
Injuries and late scratches to watch
You can't talk about scores without talking about who isn't playing.
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- Kevin Durant: Played heavy minutes for the Rockets last night in a loss to OKC and looked a bit gapped.
- Luka Doncic: There was a major scare last night when he headed to the locker room with a back issue against the Hornets. He returned, but everyone is watching his mobility tonight.
- Victor Wembanyama: The Spurs star actually shaved his head for a "fresh start" before beating the Bucks yesterday. He’s been a monster on the boards, and his health is basically the only thing Spurs fans care about right now.
How to track scores like a pro
If you're stuck at work or out with friends and can't watch the broadcast on ESPN or your local regional sports network (like Bally or the new FanDuel Sports networks), there are better ways than just refreshing a search page.
- The NBA App: It’s actually gotten way better. The "Game Stories" feature gives you a vertical video feed of highlights as they happen.
- Radio Broadcasts: If you’re driving, the SiriusXM NBA Radio channel or the local flagship stations (like 97.5 The Fanatic for the Sixers) are lifesavers.
- Live Betting Odds: Sometimes watching the "Moneyline" shift on apps like FanDuel gives you a faster sense of a comeback than the actual box score.
What's coming up next?
Once tonight's games wrap up, the league doesn't slow down. Tomorrow, the Pistons host Indiana in a massive divisional clash. We also have the Suns heading to New York to face the Knicks.
The most important thing for fans to do now is keep an eye on the injury reports that drop about 90 minutes before tip-off. A late scratch for someone like James Harden or Tyrese Maxey can swing a point spread by six points in a heartbeat.
Actionable Steps for Fans:
- Check the official NBA injury report at 5:30 PM ET for any late changes to tonight's West Coast rosters.
- Download a dedicated sports notification app like theScore or Bleacher Report and toggle "Close Game Alerts" so you only get pinged when a game is within 5 points in the 4th quarter.
- If you’re following the Clippers, keep an eye on the salary cap investigation news; any league-imposed distractions could snap their winning streak faster than an ankle sprain.