Friday nights in January have a specific kind of energy. The NFL playoffs are looming, but for hoop heads, this is when the season starts to feel real. You’re likely sitting there wondering what time does the basketball game come on tonight, and honestly, the answer depends on whether you're looking for the bright lights of the NBA or the rowdy atmosphere of a college fieldhouse.
We’ve got a massive slate today, January 16, 2026. Whether you want to see Tyrese Maxey try to outduel Donovan Mitchell or you're looking for that legendary Allen Fieldhouse atmosphere in a Big 12 showdown, the schedule is packed. Let's get into the specifics so you don't miss tip-off.
The NBA Slate: ESPN Doubleheader and League Pass Gems
If you are looking for the professional game, ESPN is your primary destination tonight. They actually made a schedule change recently, flexing in a game that has some serious Eastern Conference playoff implications.
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
This is the big one. Originally, we were supposed to see the Bulls and Nets, but the league shifted gears to give us 76ers vs. Cavaliers at 7:00 PM ET on ESPN. It’s a battle of elite guards. Tyrese Maxey is currently third in the league in scoring, sitting at a cool 30.5 PPG. He's facing Donovan Mitchell, who is right on his heels at 29.7 PPG.
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If you’re in Philly, you can catch it on NBC Sports Philadelphia. Cleveland fans have the local feed on FanDuel Sports Network Ohio. The spread is tight—Philly is a 2-point favorite—so expect this one to go down to the wire.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets
The late game on ESPN tips off at 9:30 PM ET. The Timberwolves have been a defensive juggernaut this season, and they’re taking on a Rockets team that has become one of the toughest outs in the Western Conference. If you like high-intensity perimeter defense and seeing how the "Twin Towers" lineup in Minnesota handles Houston’s speed, this is the one to stay up for.
Other NBA Games Tonight
If you have NBA League Pass or live in these specific markets, here is the rest of the professional rundown:
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- New Orleans Pelicans at Indiana Pacers: 7:00 PM ET. A classic contrast in styles. Indiana wants to run you into the ground; New Orleans wants to use their size.
- Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets: 7:30 PM ET. This was the original ESPN game, but now it’s moved to local networks (YES for Brooklyn, CHSN for Chicago).
- LA Clippers at Toronto Raptors: 7:30 PM ET. James Harden and the Clippers are heading north of the border. You can catch this on SportsNet in Canada or FanDuel Sports Network SoCal.
- Washington Wizards at Sacramento Kings: 10:00 PM ET. The nightcap for the West Coast folks.
College Basketball: Big 12 Fire and Big East Battles
Tonight isn't just about the pros. The college slate is actually where some of the best value is if you’re a fan of high-stakes conference play.
Baylor at Kansas
This is the "must-watch" of the night for college fans. Baylor at Kansas tips off at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN2. Playing at Allen Fieldhouse is a nightmare for visitors, but Baylor has the veteran guard play to keep it close. Kansas is currently a 7.5-point favorite, which feels a bit high given how these two teams usually match up.
Creighton at Providence
The Big East is always a grind. Creighton vs. Providence starts at 6:30 PM ET on FS1. Providence has been playing at a breakneck pace lately—ranking 7th nationally in possessions per game—but their defense has taken a hit because of it. Creighton is much more disciplined. If the Bluejays can handle the noise at the Amica Mutual Pavilion, they should cover the 1.5-point spread.
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Mid-Major Spotlight: Toledo at Kent State
Don't sleep on the MAC. Toledo at Kent State is at 6:30 PM ET on CBS Sports Network. This is a legitimate rivalry game between two of the top teams in the conference. Kent State is nearly unbeatable at home (9-1 this season), led by Delrecco Gillespie, who is currently leading the nation in rebounding with 12.6 per game.
Where to Stream and How to Watch
Look, cable is great, but most of us are streaming these days. If you’re trying to find what time does the basketball game come on tonight on your phone or laptop, here’s the quick cheat sheet:
- Fubo: Probably the best bet for regional sports networks (like the Clippers or Raptors games) and the big national channels like ESPN and FS1.
- Hulu + Live TV / YouTube TV: Both carry the ESPN doubleheader and the Big 12 game on ESPN2.
- NBA League Pass: Necessary if you want to watch out-of-market NBA games that aren't on ESPN or TNT.
- ESPN+: Check this for the smaller college games, like the ones in the CAA or Southern Conference.
What to Keep an Eye On
When you tune in tonight, watch the injury reports for the 76ers. There’s been some chatter about VJ Edgecombe’s minutes, and for Cleveland, it's all about whether their bench can keep up with Philly's starters. In the college world, keep an eye on the "Over" for the Creighton/Providence game—both teams have been scoring at a clip that suggests the total of 162.5 might be too low.
To make sure you don't miss a single bucket, double-check your local listings if you are on the West Coast. Those 7:00 PM ET starts mean a 4:00 PM PT tip-off, which is often right in the middle of the commute. If you're stuck in traffic, the ESPN app usually has the radio broadcast available for the national games.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Sync your calendar: If you're a 76ers or Cavs fan, set an alert for 6:50 PM ET to catch the pre-game intros on ESPN.
- Check the "Flex": Always verify the ESPN app before 7:00 PM, as the league can sometimes make last-minute broadcast tweaks based on player availability.
- Place your picks: If you’re looking at the Baylor/Kansas game, watch the line movement; if it moves to 8.5 or 9, there might be significant value on the Baylor side.