So you're looking for the tip-off time. Honestly, being a Thunder fan in 2026 is a full-time job with how the schedule shifts. Between West Coast road trips that keep us up past midnight and those random Sunday matinees, keeping track of what time does the thunder game start is harder than it used to be.
If you're looking for the immediate answer for today, Friday, January 16, 2026, there is actually no NBA game on the schedule. The team is currently in the middle of a travel day after taking down the Rockets in Houston last night. They're heading to South Beach to face the Miami Heat tomorrow.
Finding Today's Thunder Game Start Time
Usually, home games at the Paycom Center have a very predictable rhythm. Most weeknight games tip off at 7:00 PM CST. However, the NBA's national TV deals with NBC, Amazon Prime, and ESPN have added some serious "maybe" to that equation. If the game is a featured national broadcast, you might see that start time slide to 7:30 PM or even 8:30 PM to accommodate the East Coast audience.
Upcoming Schedule and Tip-Offs
- Saturday, Jan 17 at Miami Heat: This one starts at 7:00 PM CST (8:00 PM local ET). You'll find it on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma or KWTV.
- Monday, Jan 19 at Cleveland Cavaliers: Since this is MLK Day, it’s an early bird special. The game starts at 2:30 PM CST. Don't get caught working while Shai is cooking.
- Wednesday, Jan 21 at Milwaukee Bucks: A late one for a school night. Tip-off is at 8:30 PM CST on ESPN.
- Friday, Jan 23 vs. Indiana Pacers: Back home! The ball goes up at 7:00 PM CST at the Paycom Center.
Why Does the Start Time Keep Changing?
It’s annoying, I know. You plan your dinner around a 7:00 PM start, and suddenly the "official" tip isn't until 7:12 PM. Or worse, the game is on the West Coast and doesn't start until 9:30 PM.
The main culprit is the "National Window." When the Thunder are playing on ESPN or TNT (or Amazon’s new Thursday night slot), the NBA stretches the pre-game coverage. Usually, the actual basketball starts about 10 to 15 minutes after the listed "game time." If it's a local broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network, they are generally much more punctual.
Another factor is the venue. When the Thunder play in the Eastern Time Zone (like the upcoming Miami and Cleveland games), the start times feel "normal" to us in Oklahoma. But when they head to Los Angeles or San Francisco, get your coffee ready. Those 7:30 PM PT starts mean we aren't seeing the final buzzer until nearly 12:30 AM.
👉 See also: Who winning the Cowboys game? Here is the real story of the Dallas collapse
Where to Watch if You Aren't at Paycom
If you're not lucky enough to be sitting courtside, you've got a few options. This season, the broadcast landscape has shifted quite a bit.
Most local games are still on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma (the channel formerly known as Bally Sports). If you’ve cut the cord, you’re likely looking at a subscription to a service like FuboTV or DirectTV Stream, as they are the main ones carrying the regional sports networks.
For the big national matchups, check NBC or Peacock. They’ve taken over a significant chunk of the "Big Game" inventory. The upcoming Milwaukee game on the 21st is a prime example of an ESPN exclusive, so you won't find that one on your local Oklahoma channel.
What Most Fans Get Wrong About Arrival Times
If you're actually going to the game, the time on the ticket is the time the ball hits the air. It is not the time you should be walking through the door.
Security at the Paycom Center has gotten tighter, and with the team currently sitting near the top of the Western Conference at 35-7, the crowds are massive. I usually recommend getting to the arena at least 45 minutes before the thunder game starts. This gives you enough time to grab a Mid-First Bank slam dunk deal at the concession stand and get to your seat for the player introductions—which, let's be honest, is the best part of the experience anyway.
Actionable Steps for the Rest of the Week
- Sync Your Calendar: Go to the official Thunder website and download the "Add to Calendar" file. It automatically updates when the NBA flexes a game time for TV.
- Check the Injury Report: Before you settle in, check the 1:30 PM or 4:30 PM official NBA injury reports. With the team on a 5-game win streak, coach Mark Daigneault has been known to rest guys on the second night of a back-to-back.
- Validate the Channel: If the game is on Amazon Prime, make sure your app is updated on your TV before tip-off. Nothing is more frustrating than a 5-minute update while Chet Holmgren is winning the opening tip.
The Thunder are legitimate contenders this year. Whether it's a 2:30 PM afternoon tilt or a late-night West Coast battle, knowing exactly when the action begins ensures you don't miss a single step-back jumper from SGA.