If you just watched the Thunder dismantle the Rockets in Houston, you're probably riding that high. It was a 111-91 statement. But in the NBA, the celebration lasts about as long as the flight to the next city. If you're wondering when does the Oklahoma City Thunder play again, mark your calendar for Saturday night.
The Thunder (35-7) are heading to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat on January 17, 2026.
Honestly, this road trip is a gauntlet. It's not just about the Heat; it's the start of a multi-city swing that's going to test whether this young core can maintain the best record in the West while living out of suitcases.
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The Immediate Schedule: Where the Thunder Head Next
The game against Miami is the big one on the immediate horizon. It tips off at 8:00 PM ET (7:00 PM CT for those of us back in Oklahoma). You can catch it on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma or, if you're out of market, NBA League Pass.
After that? No rest for the weary.
The team flies north for a Martin Luther King Jr. Day matinee against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 19. That’s a 2:30 PM EST start. It's basically a heavyweight fight between Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Donovan Mitchell. If you haven't seen Mitchell play lately, he's still a bucket, and the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse is never an easy place to steal a win.
Upcoming Thunder Games (January 2026)
- At Miami Heat: Saturday, Jan 17 @ 8:00 PM ET
- At Cleveland Cavaliers: Monday, Jan 19 @ 2:30 PM ET (MLK Day)
- At Milwaukee Bucks: Wednesday, Jan 21 @ 8:30 PM ET
- Vs Indiana Pacers: Friday, Jan 23 @ 7:00 PM CT (The Return Home)
- Vs Toronto Raptors: Sunday, Jan 25 @ 6:00 PM CT
Why the Heat Game Matters More Than You Think
Miami is sitting at 21-20. On paper, the Thunder should roll. But we all know how Erik Spoelstra works. He’s going to throw a zone at Shai, try to muddle up the passing lanes for Chet Holmgren, and turn the game into a rock fight.
The Thunder are currently on a five-game winning streak. Keeping that momentum alive is huge because the East is looking surprisingly deep this year. Plus, with the Thunder currently holding the one-seed, every loss is an invitation for the Nuggets or the Timberwolves to creep back into that top spot.
When Does the Oklahoma City Thunder Play Again at Home?
If you're looking to actually go to a game and scream your head off at the Paycom Center, you have to wait a little longer. The boys don't come back to Loud City until Friday, January 23, 2026.
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They’ll be facing the Indiana Pacers. Tickets for that one are starting around $50, which isn't bad considering how well this team is playing. It’s the first game of a three-game homestand that includes the Raptors and the Pelicans.
Watching the Games in 2026
The broadcast situation has actually gotten a bit better, but it's still sort of a mess if you don't have the right apps. Most games are on FanDuel Sports Network (the artist formerly known as Bally Sports).
However, keep an eye on those national slots. The Thunder have 39 national TV games this season. The MLK Day game against Cleveland is one of those big ones, airing on NBC/Peacock. If you're a cord-cutter, the Amazon Prime Video games have been a lifesaver this season.
Looking Ahead: The Playoff Picture
It feels weird to talk playoffs in January, but with a 35-7 record, it’s unavoidable. The Thunder are essentially locks for the postseason. Experts at The Athletic and ESPN are already projecting them as the favorites to represent the West in the Finals.
The chemistry between Shai and Chet is just... it's different. Usually, you see a star duo take years to click. These guys look like they’ve been playing together since middle school.
What to Watch For in the Next Few Games:
- Chet’s Minutes: Mark Daigneault has been managing Chet’s load perfectly. Watch if he gets more rest during these back-to-back travel days.
- The Bench Mob: Jalen Williams has been carrying the second unit. If the bench can keep outscoring opponents, the starters don't have to work nearly as hard.
- Road Fatigue: This is the longest road stretch of the month. Keep an eye on the three-point percentage; that's usually the first thing to go when legs get tired.
Basically, the Thunder are the most exciting thing in the NBA right now. Whether they're playing in Miami or back home in OKC, they are must-see TV.
If you want to stay on top of the schedule, the best move is to sync the official Thunder calendar to your phone. Between the weird afternoon start times (like the Cleveland game) and the late-night West Coast swings, it’s easy to miss a tip-off.
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Make sure your streaming apps are updated. Check the local listings if you're in Tulsa or OKC, as some of these games occasionally pop up on local Griffin Media stations like KWTV-9. Stay tuned, because this 2025-26 season is shaping up to be legendary.