It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and if you're a basketball junkie, your couch is basically going to be your permanent residence for the next twelve hours. We have a massive slate. Between a rare NBA global game in London, a heavy lineup of top-tier NBA matchups stateside, and some critical Sunday afternoon conference battles in the NCAA, there is zero shortage of hoops.
Honestly, trying to keep track of the tip-off times and channel surfing is a sport in itself. You've got games starting as early as noon and others tipping off well after most people have started their work-week dread for Monday morning. Let’s break down exactly what time are the basketball games on today so you don't miss the tip.
NBA Sunday: From London to Los Angeles
The NBA is doing something a bit different today. We’re starting the day with international flair. The Memphis Grizzlies are taking on the Orlando Magic at The O2 Arena in London. Because of the time difference, this is basically a brunch game for those of us in the States.
If you're wondering about the rest of the league, it's a busy evening. Here is the rundown of the NBA games today:
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- Memphis Grizzlies vs. Orlando Magic (London Game): 12:00 PM ET. This one is streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
- Chicago Bulls vs. Brooklyn Nets: 7:00 PM ET. You can catch this on CHSN or YES Network if you're in those local markets.
- Houston Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans: 7:00 PM ET. Look for this on SCHN or Gulf Coast Sports.
- Denver Nuggets vs. Charlotte Hornets: 8:00 PM ET. Airing on Altitude and FDSSE.
- Sacramento Kings vs. Portland Trail Blazers: 9:00 PM ET on NBCS-CA and KUNP.
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Toronto Raptors: 9:30 PM ET. A late-night special on SportsNet LA and TSN.
The London game is definitely the highlight for early risers. Seeing Ja Morant and Paolo Banchero go at it in the UK is a cool change of pace. Plus, the Lakers-Raptors game at 9:30 PM is the perfect way to cap off the night, even if it means you're going to be a little tired on Monday.
What Time Are the Basketball Games on Today for College Hoops?
Sunday in college basketball often feels a bit more relaxed than the chaos of Saturday, but don't let that fool you. Today’s schedule is packed with mid-major drama and a few massive Power 4 clashes that carry heavy weight for March Madness seeding.
Men’s NCAA Highlights
The Big 12 and the American are taking center stage today. The biggest game on the map is undoubtedly Arizona State traveling to Houston. Houston’s defense is a nightmare, and seeing how the Sun Devils handle that "Cougar High" pressure at the Fertitta Center is going to be fascinating.
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- Wichita State at South Florida: 1:00 PM ET on ESPNU. This is a big one for the American Athletic Conference standings.
- Arizona State at No. 7 Houston: 4:30 PM ET on ESPN. This is the marquee matchup of the afternoon.
- Washington State at San Francisco: 7:00 PM ET on ESPN+. A late West Coast tip for those who love the WCC vibe.
Women’s NCAA Highlights
The women's game is arguably even more exciting today with some huge ranked matchups. If you aren't watching what's happening in the SEC and the ACC, you're missing out on the best basketball in the country right now.
- Georgia at Ole Miss: 12:00 PM ET.
- No. 4 Texas vs. Texas A&M: 4:00 PM ET on SEC Network. This is the "Lone Star Showdown" and it's going to be loud in Austin.
- Iowa State at Oklahoma State: 1:00 PM ET. A classic Big 12 battle.
- Louisville at NC State: 1:00 PM ET. Two of the most consistent programs in the ACC going head-to-head.
Why Today’s Schedule Matters for the Standings
We are officially in the "dog days" of January. This is where teams either find their identity or start to crumble. In the NBA, we’re seeing the playoff picture start to solidify. The Bulls and Nets are fighting for those middle-of-the-pack seeds in the East, making their 7:00 PM tip-off a "must-watch" for anyone following the postseason race.
In college, every Sunday win is a "quadrant win" in the eyes of the selection committee. Houston is looking to protect its Top 10 ranking, while Texas is trying to prove they belong in the conversation for a Number 1 seed in the women's tournament.
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When you're looking at what time are the basketball games on today, remember that the early games often set the tone for the upsets. Don't sleep on the Wichita State vs. USF game at 1:00 PM; those AAC games are notoriously gritty and often come down to the final possession.
Actionable Tips for Following Today's Games
- Sync Your Calendar: If you're juggling multiple games, use an app like the ESPN app or The Score to set alerts 15 minutes before tip-off.
- Check Your Streaming Logins: Since the Grizzlies/Magic game is on Amazon Prime and several college games are on ESPN+, make sure your passwords are ready before the game starts. Nothing is worse than missing the first quarter because of a "forgot password" loop.
- Watch the Odds: If you’re into the betting side of things, keep an eye on the line for Arizona State vs. Houston. Houston is a heavy favorite at home, but the Sun Devils have been known to cover the spread in high-pressure environments.
- Plan Your Screen Real Estate: If you have a tablet and a TV, today is the day to use both. Put the NBA London game on the big screen at noon and keep the college scores scrolling on your phone.
The schedule today is a beautiful mix of international NBA action and high-stakes college rivalries. Whether you're pulling for the Lakers in the late-night slot or cheering on Houston in the afternoon, there's a game for every type of fan. Enjoy the hoops.