You've probably checked your phone three times already trying to see who's actually on the court. Honestly, keeping track of the league in 2026 feels like a full-time job. Between the "load management" rest days and the actual injury bugs biting half the superstars, the question of who's playing nba basketball today isn't as simple as checking a calendar.
Tonight, January 13, we’ve got seven games. But if you were hoping for a clash of the titans in every city, I’ve got some bad news. The injury report looks more like a hospital wing than a professional sports league.
The Big Matchups (and Who’s Actually Healthy)
Let’s look at the marquee game: San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder. This is usually the highlight of any week because we get Victor Wembanyama going up against Chet Holmgren. Except, as of right now, the Thunder are sitting pretty at the top of the West with a 33-7 record, while the Spurs are out here playing the role of the ultimate spoiler.
Wemby has been on an absolute tear lately. Over his last seven games, the guy is putting up about 26.4 points and nearly 10 boards while playing only 25 minutes. It’s absurd. If you’re wondering who's playing nba basketball today that actually warrants your undivided attention, it’s him. But the Thunder are 9.5-point favorites for a reason. They’re deep. They’re fast. And they aren't dealing with the same "turd quarters" the Spurs fans on Reddit are complaining about.
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The Injury Disaster in New Orleans
If you were planning on watching the Denver Nuggets take on the New Orleans Pelicans, maybe lower your expectations. This game is basically a test of who has the better G-League call-ups.
- Denver is without Nikola Jokic. He's got a left ankle bone bruise.
- Jamal Murray is questionable. Ankle sprain and a lingering illness.
- The Pelicans are missing... everyone. Dejounte Murray (Achilles), Herb Jones (Ankle), and Jose Alvarado (Oblique) are all out.
It’s rough. You’re looking at a Nuggets team relying on Spencer Jones and Peyton Watson to carry the load. Zion Williamson is playing for the Pelicans, but the local fans are already getting on his case about his defensive effort. When you’re paying a guy nearly $40 million, you sort of expect him to close out on shooters, right?
Who's Playing NBA Basketball Today: The Full Schedule
| Matchup | Time (ET) | Where to Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix Suns vs. Miami Heat | 7:30 PM | Local Broadcasts |
| Chicago Bulls vs. Houston Rockets | 8:00 PM | Toyota Center |
| Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Milwaukee Bucks | 8:00 PM | Fiserv Forum |
| Denver Nuggets vs. New Orleans Pelicans | 8:00 PM | ESPN |
| San Antonio Spurs vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | 8:00 PM | NBC / Local |
| Atlanta Hawks vs. L.A. Lakers | 10:30 PM | SportsNet LA / FDSSE |
| Portland Trail Blazers vs. Golden State Warriors | 11:00 PM | NBC / Chase Center |
Why the Lakers vs. Hawks Game is Weird
This late-night cap is going to be a strange one at Crypto.com Arena. The Lakers are 23-14, which is solid, but they are incredibly thin right now. Austin Reaves is officially ruled out. That’s 26 points and 6 assists just gone from the lineup.
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The bigger story? Luka Dončić is now a Laker (yeah, still feels weird to say), and he’s currently listed as day-to-day. LeBron James is also a "maybe" with the usual foot arthritis and sciatica issues that come with playing 23 seasons. On the other side, the Hawks are led by Jalen Johnson, who has basically turned into a walking triple-double this year. He’s averaging roughly 23 points and 10 rebounds. If Luka and LeBron don't suit up, this game belongs to Jalen.
The "Pseudo-Bye Week" in Milwaukee
The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading into Milwaukee tonight, but they aren't bringing their best weapons. Anthony Edwards is out. The team is calling it "workload management" for his right foot. Then you’ve got Rudy Gobert, who is serving a suspension because of flagrant foul points.
Basically, the Wolves are treating this like a vacation.
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Expect the Bucks to take advantage. Giannis Antetokounmpo is healthy, and the Bucks are looking to fix their inconsistent 17-22 record. It’s a huge opportunity for Mike Conley and Donte DiVincenzo to step up for Minnesota, but without Edwards' shot creation, it’s an uphill climb.
What You Should Actually Watch
If you only have time for one game, stick with the Spurs and Thunder. Even if the score gets out of hand, watching Wembanyama operate is like watching a video game glitch in real life.
For those looking at betting or fantasy implications:
- Matas Buzelis (Bulls): His usage rate jumps to 26.5% when Josh Giddey and Coby White are out. He’s the primary scoring option tonight against Houston.
- Amen Thompson (Rockets): He has a massive size advantage over the Bulls' remaining guards. Expect him to live in the paint.
- Jalen Johnson (Hawks): With the Lakers' defense potentially missing their anchors, Johnson could have a monster night.
The reality of who's playing nba basketball today is that the stars are tired. It’s mid-January. The "dog days" of the season are here. But for the bench players and the young rookies like Buzelis, tonight is everything.
Actionable Next Steps
Before you settle in, double-check the late scratches. In 2026, the NBA allows teams to update their injury reports up until 30 minutes before tip-off. Follow beat writers on social media for the Lakers and Nuggets specifically, as those lineups are the most volatile. If you're playing daily fantasy, pivot away from the Timberwolves' starters and look at their bench value plays like Bones Hyland, who should see a significant uptick in field goal attempts tonight.