Finding out what channel is nba basketball on today used to be simple. You’d turn on TNT for a Thursday doubleheader or check ESPN on a Friday night. But things have changed—a lot. We are currently in the middle of a massive shift in how hoops are broadcasted. If you're looking for a game on January 18, 2026, you aren't just looking for a channel number; you're looking for an app or a specific streaming tier.
Honestly, the "new" NBA TV landscape is a bit of a maze. Gone are the days when TNT was the "Home of the NBA." Now, we’ve got NBC back in the mix for the first time in over two decades, and Amazon Prime Video has carved out a huge chunk of the schedule.
The Big London Game on Prime Video
Today is a special one for the league. If you're waking up early on the East Coast, the first game you'll hit isn't on cable at all. The Orlando Magic and the Memphis Grizzlies are facing off at The O2 Arena in London.
Because it's an international game, the broadcast rights are a little different. You can catch this matchup exclusively on Amazon Prime Video at 12:00 p.m. ET. It’s the centerpiece of the league's global expansion efforts this season, and it's basically the only thing on during that afternoon window unless you're digging into the deep archives of League Pass.
Sunday Night Hoops: NBC and Peacock
Since it’s Sunday, the prime-time slot has moved. For years, we associated Sundays with ABC's "Sunday Showcase." While ABC still has a heavy presence, the 2025-26 season introduced Sunday Night Basketball on NBC.
Tonight, if you are looking for the national broadcast, you'll want to head over to your local NBC affiliate or fire up the Peacock app. Usually, these games tip off around 8:00 p.m. ET. The league has been using this slot to highlight major rivalries, similar to how the NFL dominates Sunday nights.
The Local Scene and NBA TV
If your favorite team isn't playing in London or on the NBC main stage, you’re likely looking at a Regional Sports Network (RSN). This is where it gets kind of messy. Many teams that used to be on Bally Sports are now under the FanDuel Sports Network banner.
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Chicago Bulls: This one is mostly a local affair. If you’re in New York, it’s YES Network. In Chicago, it’s the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN).
- New Orleans Pelicans vs. Houston Rockets: Check your local listings for Gulf Coast Sports & Entertainment or Space City Home Network.
- NBA TV: Sometimes, NBA TV will pick up a "simulcast" of a local game. For Jan 18, check the late-night window. Often, West Coast matchups like the Lakers or Blazers get pushed to NBA TV for national viewers who don't have League Pass.
Why Finding the Channel is Harder in 2026
We’re in the "Streaming Era" of basketball. It’s a transition period. The league wants to reach younger viewers who don't pay for $150-a-month cable packages, so they've spread the wealth.
Basically, you now need a checklist:
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- Amazon Prime: For Thursdays, Fridays, and special events like today's London game.
- Peacock/NBC: For the big Sunday night games and "Coast 2 Coast" Tuesdays.
- ESPN/ABC: Still the home for Wednesdays and Saturday night primetime.
- NBA League Pass: Essential if you live outside your favorite team's city.
If you’re trying to watch without a traditional cable box, your best bets are services like Fubo, YouTube TV, or DirecTV Stream. These carry the local RSNs that the "skinny" bundles often skip. However, even with those, you still won't get the Peacock exclusives or the Amazon games without those specific subscriptions.
How to Watch if You’re Blacked Out
Nothing is more frustrating than seeing "This program is unavailable in your area." If you’re wondering what channel is nba basketball on today and League Pass is telling you no, it’s because a local station has the rights.
In 2026, many teams have launched their own direct-to-consumer apps. For example, Suns fans have Suns Live, and Clippers fans have ClipperVision. If you’re a "cord-cutter" in those markets, those apps are usually about $15-$20 a month and are much cheaper than a full cable subscription.
Actionable Next Steps for Today's Games
To ensure you don't miss tip-off, take these three steps right now:
- Check the Tip-off Time: The Magic/Grizzlies game starts at noon ET on Prime Video. If you wait until the evening, you’ll only see the highlights.
- Verify your NBC Login: If you plan to watch the night game, make sure your Peacock app is updated or your antenna is positioned correctly for the NBC broadcast.
- Download the NBA App: It's the most reliable way to see exactly which local RSN is carrying the game in your specific zip code. They have a "Watch" tab that identifies the broadcaster for your location in real-time.
Basketball is more accessible than ever, but it requires a bit more "app-hopping" than we’re used to. Keep your logins handy and enjoy the London showcase.