Honestly, trying to keep track of the NBA schedule lately feels like a full-time job. Between the flex scheduling and the constant stream of minor injuries, knowing exactly who play nba tomorrow isn't as straightforward as just glancing at a calendar you printed out back in October.
Friday, January 16, 2026, is shaping up to be one of those weirdly high-stakes mid-season nights. We’ve got six games on the slate. It's not a massive "everybody is playing" kind of night, but the matchups are surprisingly heavy on playoff implications for teams hovering around that play-in line.
The Big Switch: Why the ESPN Schedule Looks Different
You might have had one game circled on your calendar for a while, only to find out the league swapped it. It happens. Just a few days ago, ESPN announced they were bumping the Bulls vs. Nets game from their national broadcast. Instead, they’re heading to Philly.
The Philadelphia 76ers are hosting the Cleveland Cavaliers at the Xfinity Mobile Arena. This is the game everyone is going to be talking about tomorrow. Why? Because the Cavs are currently sitting 7th in the East with a 23-19 record, and the Sixers are right there in 5th at 22-17. It’s a literal battle for seeding.
Tyrese Maxey has been on an absolute tear, averaging nearly 30 points over his last ten outings. On the other side, Cleveland’s Jaylon Tyson has been a revelation, shooting over 50% from the field lately. If you're looking for the highest "watchability" factor for tomorrow, this is it. It tips off at 7:00 PM EST.
Who Play NBA Tomorrow? The Full Friday Slate
If you aren't tuned into the national broadcast, there are plenty of other spots to catch some hoops. The league is spread out across the map tomorrow, from Toronto down to Houston.
Here is the rundown of the games for Friday, January 16:
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- New Orleans Pelicans at Indiana Pacers: 7:00 PM EST at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
- Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers: 7:00 PM EST (National TV on ESPN).
- Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets: 7:30 PM EST at Barclays Center.
- LA Clippers at Toronto Raptors: 7:30 PM EST at Scotiabank Arena.
- Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets: 9:30 PM EST (Also on ESPN).
- Washington Wizards at Sacramento Kings: 10:00 PM EST at Golden 1 Center.
The Timberwolves and Rockets game is the late-night anchor for ESPN. It's a fascinating contrast. Minnesota is trying to maintain its spot at the top of the Western Conference hierarchy, while Houston is basically the NBA's version of a wildcard—capable of beating anyone if their young core catches fire at the Toyota Center.
The Trae Young Factor in Sacramento
One of the most interesting subplots for tomorrow's games involves the Washington Wizards. If you haven't been following the news this week, Trae Young is now a Wizard. After eight seasons in Atlanta, the four-time All-Star was moved in a blockbuster deal that has completely shifted the vibe in D.C.
They’re playing the Kings in the late slot. Sacramento has one of the oldest rosters in the league this year, and they’re playing a brand of "weighted age" basketball that relies heavily on experience. Watching Trae Young try to navigate that veteran defense in one of his first games with a new jersey is going to be... well, it’s going to be something.
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Injuries and "Day-to-Day" Drama
You can't talk about who is playing without talking about who isn't playing. The injury report for tomorrow is already starting to look a bit crowded.
The 76ers might be without Dominick Barlow, who is dealing with back issues. Cleveland has it worse; Max Strus is definitely out with a foot injury, and they have a trio of key guys—Dean Wade, Darius Garland, and Sam Merrill—all listed as day-to-day. If Garland can’t go, the pressure on Donovan Mitchell to carry the scoring load against Philly becomes massive.
In Brooklyn, the Bulls are coming in after a nail-biter win against the Jazz where Nikola Vucevic saved the day with a last-second layup. But they’re likely still without Josh Giddey, who’s nursing a strained hamstring. It’s a home-and-home series start for them, so expect a lot of physical, familiar play.
What’s at Stake?
We are officially at the halfway point. The trade deadline is February 5, which is less than three weeks away. Teams like the Pelicans and Nets are struggling specifically in "clutch" moments—games decided by five points or less in the final five minutes.
The Nets have only won about 20% of their clutch games this year. That is brutal. If they can't close out the Bulls tomorrow, expect the trade rumors around guys like Michael Porter Jr. to get even louder.
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Actionable Tips for Tomorrow's Games
If you're planning to watch or follow along, here’s how to handle the night:
- Check the 5:30 PM Injury Report: The NBA releases an official status report. Since so many Cavs and Sixers are "day-to-day," this is the only way to be sure who is actually stepping on the court.
- Sync Your DVR for ESPN: Remember that the Philly/Cleveland game was a late addition to the national schedule. If your service hasn't updated its guide, it might still show the Nets/Bulls game.
- Watch the Wizards' Backcourt: It’s the "new look" era for Washington. Seeing how Trae Young integrates with their existing roster against a disciplined Kings team will tell us a lot about whether that trade was a masterstroke or a panic move.
- Keep an eye on the West standings: The Timberwolves are fighting for that #1 seed. Every road game in Houston is a "trap game" this time of year.
The mid-season grind is real, but tomorrow’s slate has enough star power and fresh storylines to make it worth staying up for the late West Coast tip-offs.