So you're looking for the answer to the big question: when do the miami heat play? Honestly, if you're a Heat fan right now, you’re probably either riding high on a win or stressing about the next back-to-back. The 2025-26 NBA season is in the thick of it, and the schedule is getting pretty wild as we move through January.
It's not just about the date. It's about the grind. The Heat are currently navigating a schedule that feels like a gauntlet, especially with those West Coast swings and the constant battle for playoff positioning in a crowded Eastern Conference.
Upcoming Heat Games: Who and When
If you’re checking your calendar for this week, things are heating up at the Kaseya Center. After a tough battle with the Suns on January 13, the schedule doesn't get any easier.
On Thursday, January 15, 2026, the Heat host the Boston Celtics at 7:30 PM ET. This is one of those games you basically have to circle in red. Boston is always a problem, and the Kaseya Center crowd usually brings a different kind of energy for this rivalry.
Then, looking toward the weekend, the Oklahoma City Thunder come to town on Saturday, January 17, 2026, for an 8:00 PM ET tip-off. OKC has been a powerhouse this season, so seeing how Spoelstra schemes for their speed is going to be fascinating.
The Late-January Road Trip
Right after that home stretch, the team hits the road for a brutal five-game trip out West. This is where seasons are often made or broken. If you’re trying to stay up to watch these, prepare to lose some sleep.
- January 19: At Golden State Warriors (7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET).
- January 20: At Sacramento Kings (7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET). Yeah, a back-to-back.
- January 22: At Portland Trail Blazers (7:00 PM PT / 10:00 PM ET).
- January 24: At Utah Jazz (7:30 PM MT / 9:30 PM ET).
- January 25: At Phoenix Suns (6:00 PM MST / 8:00 PM ET).
It’s a lot of travel in a very short window. Seeing how Bam Adebayo and the rest of the frontcourt hold up after three time zone shifts in six days is usually where the "Culture" talk gets put to the test.
Watching the Games: TV and Streaming
One of the most annoying parts of being a fan lately is actually finding where the game is being broadcast. It’s a mess of apps and local blackouts.
For the locals in South Florida, most games are still on FanDuel Sports Network Sun (formerly Bally Sports). If you’ve cut the cord, you’re likely looking at the FanDuel Sports Network app or a live TV streamer like Fubo or DIRECTV STREAM that carries the regional sports network.
Nationally, the Heat don't have a massive amount of "big" TV slots this season compared to the Lakers or Knicks, but you can catch them occasionally on NBC, Peacock, ESPN, and Amazon Prime Video. For instance, that November matchup against the Knicks was a big Prime Video exclusive.
If you live outside of the Florida market, NBA League Pass is your best bet, though you’ll still be subject to blackouts when the Heat play your local team or a national game.
Radio Options
Sometimes you’re stuck in the car or just want that old-school feel.
AM 560 Sports WQAM is the home for English-language coverage. If you prefer the Spanish broadcast, Radio Mambi 710 AM is where you want to tune in.
February and the Push Toward the All-Star Break
Once we clear January, the Heat return home for a bunch of games that could determine their seeding.
The Chicago Bulls come to Miami for a weird double-header of sorts. They play Saturday, January 31 (a rescheduled game) and then again on Sunday, February 1. Playing the same team twice in 24 hours in the same arena is always weird—the second game usually turns into a bit of a grudge match.
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Other notable February matchups include:
The Atlanta Hawks on February 3.
A trip back to Boston on February 6.
The Utah Jazz visiting Miami on February 9.
A road game in New Orleans on February 11.
The All-Star break usually provides a much-needed breather around mid-February before the final sprint in March and April.
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
The 2025-26 season has been a bit of a rollercoaster. Between Terry Rozier’s absences and Jaime Jaquez Jr. dealing with some ankle issues earlier in the month, the rotation has been a moving target.
When you ask "when do the miami heat play," you aren't just looking for a timestamp; you're looking for the context. Are they rested? Is this the end of a long road trip?
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Currently, the Heat are fighting to stay out of the Play-In Tournament. Every game against an Eastern Conference rival like the Celtics or the Magic (who they play on January 28) carries double the weight.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
If you want to stay on top of the schedule without constantly searching for it, here’s the best way to do it:
- Sync to Calendar: Go to the official Miami Heat website or the NBA app and use the "Sync to Calendar" feature. This will automatically put every game, including any last-minute time changes or TV swaps, directly onto your phone's calendar.
- Check the "Injury Report": The NBA releases official injury reports at specific times throughout the day (usually 1:30 PM, 5:30 PM, and 8:30 PM). If you're planning to buy tickets for a game specifically to see a certain player, check these times first.
- Monitor Rescheduled Games: As we saw with the Bulls game on January 31, the NBA does occasionally shift games due to unforeseen circumstances. Always double-check the tip-off time on the morning of the game.
- Kaseya Center App: If you're actually going to the game in person, download the arena app. It’s the only way to manage your tickets and it gives you real-time updates on gate openings (usually 60-90 minutes before tip).
The Heat's regular season is scheduled to wrap up on April 12, 2026, against the Atlanta Hawks. Between now and then, there are a lot of points to be scored and a lot of defensive stands to be made. Keep your eyes on those late-January West Coast start times—they're the toughest part of the calendar.