If you’re scrambling to figure out where to watch Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics, you’ve likely realized that the NBA’s new broadcasting deals have turned a simple Tuesday night game into a scavenger hunt. It's frustrating. One week it’s on a regional network you’ve had for years, and the next, it’s tucked away on a streaming service you didn’t even know carried live sports.
Honestly, the "where" usually depends on where you’re sitting.
For the matchup on Friday, January 30, 2026, the tip-off at TD Garden is set for 7:30 PM ET. If you're in the local markets, it’s a fairly straightforward setup, but for everyone else, things get a bit messy with blackouts and exclusive streaming windows.
The Local Lockdown: NBC Sports and Peacock
Most fans don't realize that the old "just turn on the TV" method is dying. For the January 30 game, local viewers in the Boston area will find the broadcast on NBC Sports Boston. Meanwhile, those in the 916 and surrounding Northern California areas will need to tune into NBC Sports California.
But here is the kicker: Peacock.
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NBC has been aggressively pushing its regional sports networks (RSNs) into the Peacock ecosystem. In 2026, you can actually add NBC Sports Boston or NBC Sports California as a direct-to-subscriber "add-on" within Peacock for about $15 a month. This is huge if you’ve finally cut the cord and ditched Xfinity or Fubo. You just have to be physically located in that market.
If you try to use that Peacock add-on from a hotel in New York, it’s not going to work. Geofencing is stricter than ever.
Out-of-Market Problems (and League Pass)
For the rest of us who don’t live in Sacramento or Boston, NBA League Pass is basically the only legal way to see every possession. You can get it as a standalone app, or if you’re already paying for Amazon Prime Video, you can add it as a "channel" there.
There is a catch, though.
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If a game is picked up for a national "exclusive" broadcast—think a Saturday night game on ABC or a specific Peacock exclusive—League Pass will black you out. For the Jan 30 game, since it's a regional heavy-hitter, League Pass is generally your safest bet for out-of-market viewing. Just don't be surprised if the local commercials are replaced by that "Commercial Break" silent screen that everyone loves to hate.
The Streaming Bundle Battlefield
If you're looking for a service that covers all the bases—local RSNs, national games on ESPN/ABC, and the occasional NBC game—the list is getting shorter.
- YouTube TV: Still the most reliable for most, carrying the local NBC sports channels in many regions plus the big networks.
- Fubo: Specifically good for Kings fans because they’ve been more consistent with regional sports than Hulu + Live TV lately.
- DIRECTV STREAM: Often the "last resort" for fans whose local RSN dropped off other services. It's pricier, but it usually has the sports packages others lack.
Why You Might Not See Jayson Tatum
It’s worth noting for anyone tuning in specifically for the stars: the 2025-26 season hasn't been kind to everyone. There’s been significant talk around the league regarding Jayson Tatum’s availability, with some reports earlier this season suggesting he’d miss chunks of time. While Jaylen Brown continues to carry the offensive load for the C’s, the Kings have been leaning heavily on the De'Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis duo, which—kinda surprisingly—has stayed remarkably healthy compared to the rest of the West.
Keep an eye on the injury report about two hours before tip-off. NBA teams have become notorious for "late scratches" that can ruin your viewing plans if you're only watching for one specific player.
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Making the Final Call
If you're trying to figure out where to watch Sacramento Kings vs Boston Celtics right now, check your zip code. If you’re local, it’s NBC Sports (via cable or Peacock). If you’re not, fire up League Pass.
Pro tip: If you're using a streaming service like YouTube TV, double-check that your "Home Area" is set correctly in the settings. If it thinks you’re traveling, it might block the local Sacramento or Boston feed even if you’re sitting on your own couch.
To ensure you don't miss the start, verify your login credentials for Peacock or your provider at least 30 minutes before the 7:30 PM ET start time. High-traffic games often see app lag right at tip-off, and you don't want to be stuck on a loading screen while the Kings are already out on a 10-0 run.