Honestly, keeping track of every team in Houston is like trying to drive through the 610 loop during rush hour—it's hectic, a little confusing, and things change fast. If you’re asking when does Houston play, you’re probably looking for more than just one score. Between the Texans deep playoff run, the Rockets heating up the Toyota Center, and the Cougars' relentless pace in the Big 12, the city’s sports calendar is currently packed.
Whether you're planning a trip to NRG or just trying to figure out which channel to find the game on tonight, we've got the real-time breakdown.
The Texans Take on the NFL Playoffs
Right now, the biggest buzz in the city is coming from NRG Stadium. After a dominant Wild Card performance where the Texans essentially dismantled the Pittsburgh Steelers, all eyes are on the Divisional Round.
The Next Texans Game:
The Houston Texans are scheduled to play the New England Patriots on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Kickoff is set for 3:00 p.m. ET (2:00 p.m. CT).
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This isn't a home game, though. The squad is traveling up to Foxborough to face the number two seed at Gillette Stadium. If you aren't making the trip to Massachusetts, you can catch the broadcast on ESPN and ABC. For those staying in town, there's a massive official watch party happening at NRG Stadium starting around noon, which is basically the next best thing to being there.
Rockets Basketball: A Packed January Slate
If you’re looking for a weeknight fix of hoops, the Houston Rockets have a heavy home-court presence this month. They’ve been playing a fast, aggressive style of ball that’s finally starting to click in the standings.
Here is the immediate look at their upcoming schedule:
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- Thursday, January 15: Rockets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 6:30 p.m. CT.
- Friday, January 16: Rockets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:30 p.m. CT.
- Sunday, January 18: Rockets vs. New Orleans Pelicans at 6:00 p.m. CT. (Watch out for the Jabari Smith Jr. bobblehead giveaway if you’re one of the first 3,000 through the doors).
- Tuesday, January 20: Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs at 7:00 p.m. CT.
After that stretch, they head out on the road to face Philadelphia and Detroit before coming back home for "Rodeo Night" on January 26 against Memphis.
When Does Houston Play in College Sports?
Kelvin Sampson has the Houston Cougars Men’s Basketball team playing at a level that most programs only dream of. They just came off a big win against West Virginia and are looking to maintain that momentum in a brutal Big 12 schedule.
Upcoming Cougars Games:
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- Sunday, January 18: The Coogs host the Arizona State Sun Devils at the Fertitta Center. Tip-off is scheduled for roughly 6:00 p.m. CT.
- Saturday, January 24: A tough road test at Texas Tech (Lubbock) starting at 5:30 p.m. CT.
- Wednesday, January 28: Another road game against TCU in Fort Worth at 8:00 p.m. CT.
For those already thinking about the fall, the 2026 Houston Football schedule is also starting to take shape. They’ll open the season at home against Oregon State on September 5, 2026, followed by a matchup with Southern University on September 12.
Looking Ahead: Astros and Dynamo
It might be cold (for Houston standards), but baseball is right around the corner. The Houston Astros start their spring training games in Florida on February 21, 2026, against the Washington Nationals. Their first official Grapefruit League home game in West Palm Beach is the following day, February 22, against the Cardinals.
On the pitch, the Houston Dynamo FC have also released their full 2026 schedule. They open their season at Shell Energy Stadium against the Chicago Fire on Saturday, February 21, at 7:30 p.m. CT.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check Your TV Listings: For the Texans' playoff game this Sunday, ensure you have access to ESPN/ABC or a streaming service like FuboTV or YouTube TV.
- Grab Rockets Tickets Early: Toyota Center tickets for the "Rodeo Night" on January 26 are moving fast due to the bobblehead promotion.
- Sync Your Calendar: Most team websites now offer an "Add to Calendar" feature for their 2026 schedules—this is the easiest way to never miss a kickoff or tip-off.
- Prepare for the Marathon: Don’t forget that the Chevron Houston Marathon also dominates the city's schedule this month, which will cause significant road closures around the sports complexes.