So, you're looking for the tip-off time for the Dubs. It’s one of those nights where you just want to sink into the couch, maybe grab some wings, and watch Steph do Steph things. Honestly, keeping track of NBA start times can be a total headache, especially with the league's love for staggered coastal schedules.
If you are asking what time is the golden state game for today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, the Golden State Warriors are playing the Charlotte Hornets. The game is set to tip off at 5:30 PM PT (local San Francisco time) at the Chase Center.
For the East Coast fans or those following from the road, that translates to 8:30 PM ET.
Why the 5:30 PM Start Time Matters
Most weekday games at Chase Center start at 7:00 PM or 7:30 PM to give tech workers in the city time to fight through that brutal Bay Area traffic. But since it’s a Saturday, the NBA often pulls these start times forward. This "early" evening slot is kinda perfect if you’re planning on going out afterward, but it catches a lot of people off guard who assume it’s a night cap.
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The Warriors are currently sitting at a 23-19 record, holding down the 8th seed in a Western Conference that feels like a blender this year. They are coming off a solid win against the Knicks, and they really need this win against a 15-26 Hornets squad to keep their momentum.
Where to Watch the Warriors Tonight
If you aren't one of the lucky ones heading to Mission Bay with a ticket in hand, you've got a few options to catch the action.
- Local TV: NBC Sports Bay Area (NBCS-BA) is your home for the local broadcast.
- Charlotte Market: For those in North Carolina, the game is airing on FDSSE.
- Streaming: You can find the game on Fubo or through the NBC Sports app if you have a cable login.
- Radio: 95.7 The Game is the go-to for the audio play-by-play if you’re stuck in the car.
What to Watch For: The Jimmy Butler Factor
If you haven't been following closely this season, the roster looks a bit different. One of the biggest talking points is how Jimmy Butler III has integrated into Steve Kerr’s system. He’s currently averaging about 20.1 points and 5.6 rebounds. Seeing how his "grit and grind" style meshes with Steph Curry’s "gravity and chaos" is basically the most fascinating experiment in the league right now.
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Steph is still being Steph, of course. He's putting up 28.1 points a night. The Hornets, meanwhile, are led by LaMelo Ball. That’s a lot of flashy guard play on one court.
Breaking Down the Odds and Matchup
The Warriors are favored by about 6.5 points tonight. This makes sense when you look at the stats. Golden State’s defense has been surprisingly stingy, ranking 8th in the league for opponent points per game. The Hornets score plenty (around 116 points per game), but they give it all back on the other end. It’s basically a track meet every time they play.
Quick Stats Comparison
The Warriors score 115.8 points per game while the Hornets allow 116.7. If Golden State can keep the turnovers under control—which has always been their Achilles' heel—they should walk away with this one. Draymond Green is still the engine on defense, leading the team in blocks and keeping the young guys in the right spots.
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Key Upcoming Warriors Schedule
The schedule doesn't get any easier after tonight. If you're planning your week, here's what's coming up:
- Monday, Jan 19: vs. Miami Heat at 7:00 PM PT (This is the big MLK Day game).
- Tuesday, Jan 20: vs. Toronto Raptors at 7:00 PM PT.
- Thursday, Jan 22: at Dallas Mavericks at 5:30 PM PT (Road trip begins).
The back-to-back on Monday and Tuesday is going to be a real test of the veteran legs on this roster.
Actionable Tips for Game Day
Don't wait until 5:30 PM to find your stream. If you’re using a streaming service like Fubo or YouTube TV, check for regional blackouts if you're traveling. Also, if you are actually going to the game, doors at Chase Center usually open 90 minutes before tip-off. That’s 4:00 PM for today’s game.
- Check the final injury report around 4:30 PM PT.
- Make sure your sports betting apps are updated if you're looking at those player props for Steph’s three-pointers.
- If you’re driving, pre-pay for parking near the arena; it’s a nightmare otherwise.
The energy at Chase Center has been electric lately, especially with the team hovering around that playoff bubble. Whether you're watching for the tactical brilliance of Kerr or just to see if Brandon Miller can hang with the Warriors' wings, tonight should be a fun one.