If you're staring at your phone wondering what time do the game start tonight, you aren't alone. It is Sunday, January 18, 2026, and the sports world is basically on fire. We are talking high-stakes NFL Divisional Round action, a packed NBA slate, and some ice-cold NHL matchups.
Honestly, it’s one of those days where you need three screens or a very understanding spouse. Between the NFL playoffs reaching a fever pitch and the Australian Open kicking off across the world, the schedule is a bit of a maze.
The NFL Divisional Round Kickoff Times
This is the big one. This is why you're here. We are down to the final eight teams, and tonight determines who moves one step closer to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara.
The first game on the docket features the Houston Texans traveling to face the New England Patriots. This one kicks off at 3:00 PM ET. You can catch it on ESPN and ABC. It’s a fascinating matchup because you've got the young, explosive Texans offense trying to crack a New England defense that has been surprisingly stout this season.
If you're more of a primetime fan, the nightcap is a heavy hitter. The Los Angeles Rams are at the Chicago Bears. Kickoff for that game is set for 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. There is something about playoff football at Soldier Field in January that just feels right, even if it's freezing.
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Quick NFL Reference
- Texans at Patriots: 3:00 PM ET (ABC/ESPN)
- Rams at Bears: 6:30 PM ET (NBC/Peacock)
NBA Sunday Night Schedule
Maybe you're done with the pigskin and want some hardwood action. The NBA has five games tonight, and the timing is spread out nicely if you're on the West Coast or just a night owl.
Two games get things moving at 7:00 PM ET. The Brooklyn Nets face the Chicago Bulls, and the New Orleans Pelicans take on the Houston Rockets. It’s a weird quirk of the schedule that both Chicago and Houston have two major pro teams playing at home on the same day. Traffic in those cities is probably a nightmare right now.
Later on, at 8:00 PM ET, the Charlotte Hornets are in Denver to face the Nuggets. If you want to see Nikola Jokić do things that shouldn't be physically possible for a human that size, that's your game.
The late-night double feature starts at 9:00 PM ET with the Portland Trail Blazers at the Sacramento Kings, followed by the Toronto Raptors vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 9:30 PM ET. LeBron is still out there defying aging, and the Lakers at home on a Sunday night is always a spectacle.
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NHL and Everything Else
Hockey fans, you haven't been forgotten. The NHL has a triple-header today. The early bird was the Lightning and Stars, but if you're looking for tonight's action, here’s the deal.
The Ottawa Senators visit the Detroit Red Wings at 5:00 PM ET. Then, at 8:00 PM ET, the St. Louis Blues take on the Edmonton Oilers. Watching Connor McDavid in primetime is basically a requirement if you enjoy sports at all.
Don't Forget the Australian Open
Technically, it's already tomorrow in Melbourne, but for us, the Australian Open starts tonight. First-round matches begin around 7:00 PM ET (which is Monday morning in Australia). Keep an eye on Alex Eala making her main draw debut against Alycia Parks—that’s a huge moment for tennis fans.
Making Sense of the Time Zones
Look, I get it. Comparing ET, CT, and PT while looking at a TV guide is a headache. Basically, if you are on the West Coast, that Patriots game is a lunch-time kickoff at 12:00 PM. If you're in the UK or Europe, you’re looking at a very late night or a very early Monday morning.
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The best way to handle tonight is to prioritize. If you're a football fan, the 3:00 PM and 6:30 PM slots are non-negotiable. If you're a basketball person, the Lakers game at 9:30 PM is the perfect way to wind down the weekend.
One thing people often get wrong is assuming every playoff game is on a major broadcast network. While most are, the ESPN/ABC simulcast for the early game is important to remember if you don't have cable—you might need a streaming login or a good old-fashioned antenna.
To get the most out of tonight, make sure your streaming apps are updated. There is nothing worse than trying to open Peacock at 6:29 PM only to see a 10-minute update bar. Check your local listings for any regional blackouts on the NBA and NHL games, especially if you're using League Pass or Center Ice.