You're looking for what nba basketball team is playing tonight, and honestly, the Friday night schedule is a bit of a marathon. If you’re a fan of the Eastern Conference grind or just looking for some late-night West Coast action, there’s a lot to dig into. We’ve got six games on the slate for this Friday, January 16, 2026. It's that weird part of the season. Teams are tired. The All-Star break is visible on the horizon, but the trade deadline is even closer.
Everything feels a little desperate.
Basically, the night kicks off with a heavy dose of the East before shifting to some intriguing matchups in the West. We’re seeing a mix of potential playoff previews and "lottery bowl" showdowns that matter more for the draft than the standings.
The Matchups: Who is Taking the Floor?
If you’re trying to plan your evening around what nba basketball team is playing tonight, here is the rundown of the games.
Cleveland Cavaliers at Philadelphia 76ers
This is the big one. Tip-off is at 7:00 PM ET. It’s actually the second time these two have met in just three days, which adds a spicy layer of "I hate your face" to the proceedings. Cleveland smoked Philly 133-107 on Wednesday, so the Sixers are looking for some serious revenge at the Xfinity Mobile Arena.
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New Orleans Pelicans at Indiana Pacers
Also at 7:00 PM ET. This one is... rough. Both teams are sitting at the bottom of their respective conferences. The Pelicans (9-33) and Pacers (9-31) are basically playing for pride and a better look at the incoming rookie class at this point.
Chicago Bulls at Brooklyn Nets
Starting at 7:30 PM ET at the Barclays Center. The Bulls have been struggling lately, losing four of their last six. The Nets? Even worse. They’ve dropped five straight. It might not be the prettiest basketball you'll see all year, but with guys like Egor Demin drawing eyes, it’s worth a look if you’re into the youth movement.
LA Clippers at Toronto Raptors
Another 7:30 PM ET start. The Clippers have been on a tear, winning four straight to claw back into the Western Conference playoff hunt. Toronto has been one of the biggest surprises of the season, holding down a top-four spot in the East thanks to a massive defensive jump.
Minnesota Timberwolves at Houston Rockets
The late-ish slot at 9:30 PM ET. This is a clash of styles. Minnesota (27-14) is trying to keep pace at the top of the West, while the Rockets (23-14) are looking to prove they belong in the elite tier.
Washington Wizards at Sacramento Kings
The nightcap at 10:00 PM ET. Sacramento is playing a bit sluggishly lately, and Washington is basically playing at 100 miles per hour. It’s a contrast in tempos that usually leads to a high-scoring, chaotic finish.
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The Drama Behind the Box Scores
It isn’t just about who is on the court. It's about who isn't.
Darius Garland is out for Cleveland with a toe issue. That puts a ton of pressure on Donovan Mitchell to carry the scoring load against a Philly team that might have Joel Embiid back in some capacity (he's currently listed as day-to-day). The Sixers have been surprisingly good against the spread this year, but losing by 26 points at home earlier this week has to sting.
Over in Toronto, the Raptors are missing RJ Barrett and Jakob Poeltl. That’s a huge hole in the rotation. The Clippers are also dealing with some "questionable" tags for Kawhi Leonard and Ivica Zubac. If those guys don't go, the vibe of that game changes instantly from a tactical battle to a bench-player shootout.
Why This Friday Matters
Most fans think January games are "filler." They’re wrong.
By the time you get to mid-January, teams are showing their true colors. The Detroit Pistons are currently leading the East—nobody saw that coming. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are struggling below .500. Every game tonight acts as a data point for GMs who are currently on the phone deciding whether to blow up their rosters before the February 5th trade deadline.
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Real-Time Stakes and Predictions
If you're looking at the betting lines or just want to know who has the edge, the 76ers are narrow 1.5-point favorites over the Cavs despite getting blown out recently. The model projections are leaning toward a high-scoring affair there, with an over/under around 235.5.
In the Nets-Bulls game, keep an eye on the injury report. The Bulls are missing Josh Giddey and Zach Collins. Without their primary playmakers, Chicago might struggle to break down a Brooklyn defense that, while not elite, is usually pesky at home.
The Timberwolves-Rockets game is probably the "purest" basketball game of the night. You've got Anthony Edwards likely suiting up for Minnesota against Alperen Sengun for Houston. It's a battle for seeding in a Western Conference where only a few games separate the 2nd seed from the 8th.
What to Watch For Tonight
- The Revenge Factor: Can Philly actually stop Cleveland’s perimeter shooting after getting torched on Wednesday?
- The "Surprise" Raptors: Watch how Toronto handles the Clippers' veteran wings without their starting center.
- The Pace Battle: Washington leads the league in pace over the last ten games; Sacramento is one of the slowest. Whoever dictates the speed wins.
Tonight isn't just a random Friday. It's a snapshot of a league in transition. Whether you’re tracking your fantasy team or just need a reason to yell at the TV, the NBA has plenty to offer.
Actionable Steps for NBA Fans Tonight
- Check the Final Injury Reports: Most "official" statuses aren't locked until 30 minutes before tip-off. Follow the beat writers on X (formerly Twitter) for the 76ers and Clippers specifically, as those stars are game-time decisions.
- Monitor the Trade Rumors: With the deadline approaching, keep an eye on players like Brandon Ingram or Zach LaVine. If they sit for "rest" or "minor soreness," it often means a deal is cooking.
- Watch the Youth: If the Pelicans vs. Pacers game gets out of hand, pay attention to the rookies. This is where you see the future of the league before they become household names.
The 2025-26 season is proving that the old hierarchy is dead. Enjoy the chaos.