So, you're looking for the Oklahoma City Thunder game time. Honestly, the NBA schedule can be a bit of a maze sometimes, especially when you're trying to figure out if they actually play "tonight" or if you've got the dates mixed up. If you are checking for Friday, January 16, 2026, here is the short answer: The Oklahoma City Thunder do not have a game tonight.
The team just wrapped up a solid road win against the Houston Rockets last night, Thursday, January 15. They took that one 111-91. Because they just played, tonight is a scheduled rest night for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, and the rest of the crew.
But don't go putting the remote away just yet. Their next matchup is a big one, and it's right around the corner.
When is the next Thunder game?
The Thunder are back in action tomorrow. Mark your calendars for Saturday, January 17, 2026. They are heading to South Beach to take on the Miami Heat at the Kaseya Center. This is the second half of a back-to-back road trip, and if you’re trying to plan your Saturday night around it, here is the breakdown:
The Thunder game time tomorrow is 7:00 PM Central Time. For those in other zones:
- Eastern Time: 8:00 PM
- Mountain Time: 6:00 PM
- Pacific Time: 5:00 PM
Why tonight is quiet for OKC
The NBA usually avoids scheduling teams for three nights in a row. Since the Thunder just played a physical game in Houston yesterday, they need the travel day to get to Florida. It's basically a recovery day.
Currently, the Thunder are sitting at the top of the Western Conference with a 35-7 record. They are on a five-game winning streak. Every game matters right now as they try to hold off the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves for that coveted number-one seed.
Where to watch the next game
Since there is no game tonight, January 16, you’ve got 24 hours to make sure your streaming setup is ready for the Miami matchup.
You can catch the game on FanDuel Sports Network Oklahoma (formerly Bally Sports). If you aren't in the local Oklahoma market, you'll likely be using NBA League Pass.
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Radio listeners can tune into the game via the Thunder Radio Network, led by the flagship station 98.1 FM "The Sports Animal" in Oklahoma City.
Looking ahead at the January schedule
If you're trying to track the Thunder for the rest of the month, the schedule is pretty packed. They have a heavy road stretch coming up after the Miami game.
- Monday, Jan 19: at Cleveland Cavaliers - 2:30 PM CT (Special MLK Day matinee)
- Wednesday, Jan 21: at Milwaukee Bucks - 8:30 PM CT
- Friday, Jan 23: vs Indiana Pacers - 7:00 PM CT (Back home at Paycom Center!)
- Sunday, Jan 25: vs Toronto Raptors - 6:00 PM CT
What to watch for
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been on an absolute tear. He just extended his streak of consecutive 20-plus point games to 111. That’s not just "good"—it’s historic. Also, keep an eye on Chet Holmgren's defensive numbers. He’s currently leading the team in blocks and is a huge reason why OKC's defense is ranked in the top three in the league.
Actionable steps for Thunder fans
Since there’s no game tonight, here is what you should do to stay ready:
- Check the injury report tomorrow morning: Check the official NBA injury report around 11:00 AM CT on Saturday to see if anyone like Jalen Williams or Lu Dort is being rested for the Miami game.
- Sync your calendar: Go to the official Thunder website and download the digital schedule to your phone so you never have to search for "what time is the thunder game tonight central time" again.
- Watch the Western Conference standings: Since the Thunder aren't playing tonight, keep an eye on the Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Houston Rockets game tonight at 7:30 PM CT. A Minnesota loss helps OKC's lead in the West.
The Thunder are playing some of the best basketball in franchise history right now. Missing a game is basically missing a highlight reel. Get some rest tonight, and get ready for the 7:00 PM tip-off tomorrow in Miami.