Checking the schedule to see what NBA games on now is a ritual for most of us once the sun goes down. If you're looking at the slate for Friday, January 16, 2026, the league has served up a messy, intriguing mix of six games. It’s one of those nights where the injury report is actually more important than the standings. Honestly, if you aren't tracking who's active, your parlay or your evening plans are basically toast.
The East is currently a logjam. We have the Cleveland Cavaliers trying to sweep a mini-series against the Philadelphia 76ers, while out West, the Minnesota Timberwolves are trying to survive a trip to Houston without their primary engine. It's mid-January. This is where the "dog days" usually kick in, but with the playoff race as tight as it is, nobody can afford to coast.
The Early Window: Chaos in Philly and Indy
Right now, the heavy lifting is happening on the East Coast. The Cleveland Cavaliers are at the Xfinity Mobile Arena taking on the Philadelphia 76ers. If you watched them two days ago, you saw Cleveland absolutely dismantle Philly 133–107. But tonight feels different.
The Cavs are severely shorthanded. Darius Garland is officially out with right great toe soreness. It's not the same toe he had surgery on, which is a small relief for Cavs fans, but it still leaves a massive hole in their playmaking. They're also missing Max Strus and Dean Wade. Donovan Mitchell is basically going to have to carry the entire scoring load himself, which he’s been doing anyway, averaging nearly 30 a night.
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On the other side, Joel Embiid is "probable" with that recurring left knee management. We’ve seen this movie before. When he plays, the Sixers are 12–8. When he sits, they look lost. With Paul George also expected to go, the Sixers have a massive talent advantage on paper tonight. If they can't get revenge for that 26-point blowout earlier this week, there’s going to be some serious grumbling in the locker room.
Current Score Status:
- Cavaliers vs. 76ers: Cleveland is clawing through, but Philly's interior presence is the story.
- Pelicans vs. Pacers: This is a battle of the basement. New Orleans (10-33) and Indiana (9-32) are both struggling. Trey Murphy III is the only reason to watch this one right now—he’s been on an absolute tear, averaging over 31 points this month.
Mid-Evening: The Raptors and Nets Hold Court
As we move into the 7:30 PM ET slot, the action shifts to Brooklyn and Toronto. The Chicago Bulls are visiting the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center. It’s a bit of a grit-and-grind game. Brooklyn is sitting at 11-27, and Chicago isn't much better at 19-21. You've got Coby White trying to outpace a Nets team that relies heavily on Nic Claxton's rim protection.
Meanwhile, the LA Clippers are up in Toronto. Here’s the big news: Kawhi Leonard is OUT. Ankle injury. It’s a bummer for the fans in Toronto who wanted to see their former hero, but it opens the door for James Harden to go into "Houston Mode." Our data shows Harden’s assist projections are sky-high for this game because he’s the only real shot-creator left on the floor for the Clips.
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Toronto is actually in a decent spot. They’re 25-17 and only a game behind the Celtics in the Atlantic. Scottie Barnes has been the do-it-all guy, and with the Clippers missing their best wing defender, Barnes might have a triple-double kind of night.
Nightcap: Minnesota’s Test in Houston
The late games are where the real drama usually hides. At 9:30 PM ET, the Minnesota Timberwolves face the Houston Rockets.
Minnesota is 27-14, sitting 4th in the West, but they are walking into a trap. Anthony Edwards is out again. That toe infection just won't go away. Without Ant, the Wolves become a very different team. They have to rely on Rudy Gobert to dominate the paint and Mike Conley to settle things down.
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Houston is no pushover this year. They’re 23-15 and sitting at 6th in the West. Amen Thompson has been the spark plug for them lately. If you're looking for a sleeper pick, Thompson’s assist numbers have been climbing every game. This is a massive opportunity for the Rockets to leapfrog a weakened Minnesota team in the standings.
Lastly, at 10:00 PM ET, the Washington Wizards take on the Sacramento Kings. Washington is... well, they’re 10-29. Sacramento is 11-30. It’s a game for the die-hards. But hey, it’s NBA basketball, and De'Aaron Fox is always capable of putting up 40 if the Wizards' defense stays as porous as it’s been all season.
How to Keep Up With What NBA Games On Now
If you're trying to catch these live, here is the breakdown of where to find them:
- National TV: ESPN is carrying the Cavs/Sixers game and the Wolves/Rockets matchup.
- Streaming: Pelicans+ and NBA League Pass are your best friends for the out-of-market stuff.
- Local Airings: FDSNIN handles the Pacers, while GCSEN has the Pelicans coverage.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans
- Check the 15-minute mark: In the Philly game, watch how Embiid moves in the first quarter. If he’s grimacing, the Cavs’ moneyline becomes very attractive.
- Monitor the Wolves' bench: With Edwards out, Naz Reid usually sees a massive uptick in shots. He’s a prime candidate for your fantasy lineups tonight.
- Watch the Atlantic Race: If Toronto wins tonight, they could realistically tie Boston for the division lead by Sunday.
The standings in 2026 are incredibly volatile. A single win in January might not seem like much, but for teams like the 76ers and Cavs who are separated by only half a game, tonight is basically a playoff atmosphere. Keep your apps open and your volume up.
To make the most of tonight's slate, cross-reference the live box scores with the updated injury list. Since several stars like Garland and Edwards are out, look for secondary options like Lonzo Ball or Naz Reid to take on higher usage roles. Checking the betting lines for player props on assists—specifically for James Harden—might offer the best insight into how these shorthanded rotations will actually play out on the floor.