For basketball fans, catching the latest NBA games is a must. Whether you're a die-hard supporter of a particular team or just enjoy the thrill of the game, knowing the schedule and broadcast information is essential. The NBA season is jam-packed with exciting matchups, and with so many games to choose from, it can be challenging to keep track of the start times.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the intricacies of the NBA schedule and provide you with the tools you need to stay on top of the action. We'll cover everything from the standard game times to special events, ensuring that you never miss a moment of the NBA's high-octane competition.
What Time Is NBA Game Tonight?
To stay up-to-date with the NBA schedule, consider the following important points:
- Regular season games: 7:00 PM ET (weekdays) and 12:30 PM ET (Sundays)
- Preseason and Summer League games: Vary depending on the schedule
- Playoff games: Start at 7:00 PM ET or 8:30 PM ET
- NBA TV: Exclusive coverage of select games
- League Pass: Subscription-based service offering access to all out-of-market games
- Local broadcasts: Teams have their own regional sports networks (RSNs)
- ESPN, TNT, and ABC: National broadcasters with exclusive rights to certain games
- NBA app: Official app with schedules, scores, and streaming options
- Team websites: Up-to-date schedules and broadcast information
With these points in mind, you'll always be informed about the start time of tonight's NBA game.
Regular Season Games: 7:00 PM ET (Weekdays) and 12:30 PM ET (Sundays)
The NBA regular season typically runs from October to April, with each team playing 82 games. The majority of these games are played in the evenings on weekdays, with a start time of 7:00 PM Eastern Time (ET).
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Standard weeknight start time: 7:00 PM ET
This is the most common start time for NBA games during the week. It allows fans to watch the games after work or school, and it gives teams enough time to travel to their next destination.
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National TV games: 8:00 PM ET and 10:30 PM ET
Certain games are selected for national broadcast on ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV. These games typically feature marquee matchups or teams with large fan bases. They may start at 8:00 PM ET or 10:30 PM ET to accommodate viewers in different time zones.
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Sunday afternoon games: 12:30 PM ET and 3:30 PM ET
On Sundays, the NBA schedule features a slate of afternoon games. These games typically start at 12:30 PM ET or 3:30 PM ET, allowing fans to enjoy basketball during the day.
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Other exceptions:
There may be occasional exceptions to the standard start times, such as games played on holidays or in different time zones. These exceptions will be announced in advance.
By understanding the regular season game times, you can plan your schedule accordingly and never miss a moment of the NBA action.
### Preseason and Summer League Games: Vary Depending on the Schedule Unlike the regular season, which has a set schedule, preseason and Summer League games have more flexible start times. These games are typically used to prepare teams for the upcoming regular season and to give young players an opportunity to showcase their skills. **Preseason Games:** * Preseason games are typically played in September and October, before the regular season begins. * Start times for preseason games can vary depending on the teams involved and the location of the game. * Some preseason games may be played in the afternoon, while others may be played in the evening. * Preseason games are a good opportunity to see teams experiment with different lineups and strategies. **Summer League Games:** * Summer League games are typically played in July, after the NBA Draft. * These games are held in Las Vegas, Nevada, and feature teams made up of draft picks, free agents, and young players. * Summer League games are used to evaluate young talent and to give players an opportunity to compete against each other. * Start times for Summer League games can vary, but most games are played in the afternoon or evening. **Other Factors:** In addition to the team and location, the following factors can also affect the start time of preseason and Summer League games: * **National TV broadcasts:** Some preseason and Summer League games may be selected for national broadcast on ESPN, TNT, or NBA TV. These games may have different start times to accommodate viewers in different time zones. * **Travel:** Teams may need to travel to different cities for preseason and Summer League games. This can affect the start time of the game, as teams may need to adjust to different time zones. * **Venue availability:** The availability of the arena or stadium can also affect the start time of the game. By understanding the factors that affect the start times of preseason and Summer League games, you can plan your schedule accordingly and never miss a moment of the action.### Playoff Games: Start at 7:00 PM ET or 8:30 PM ET The NBA playoffs are the most exciting time of the year for basketball fans. The intensity and drama of each game is unmatched, and the stakes are always high. Playoff games typically start at 7:00 PM ET or 8:30 PM ET. The start time depends on the following factors: * **Day of the week:** Playoff games on weekdays typically start at 7:00 PM ET, while games on weekends typically start at 8:30 PM ET. * **National TV broadcasts:** Some playoff games are selected for national broadcast on ESPN, TNT, or ABC. These games may have different start times to accommodate viewers in different time zones. * **Team records:** The team with the better regular season record will typically have the choice of start time for each game in the series. **Other Factors:** In addition to the factors listed above, the following can also affect the start time of playoff games: * **Travel:** Teams may need to travel to different cities for playoff games. This can affect the start time of the game, as teams may need to adjust to different time zones. * **Venue availability:** The availability of the arena or stadium can also affect the start time of the game. By understanding the factors that affect the start times of playoff games, you can plan your schedule accordingly and never miss a moment of the action.### NBA TV: Exclusive Coverage of Select Games NBA TV is a 24-hour cable and satellite television network dedicated to the National Basketball Association (NBA). In addition to live game coverage, NBA TV offers a variety of programming, including: * **Live game telecasts:** NBA TV airs exclusive live coverage of select NBA games throughout the regular season and playoffs. These games are typically not available on other national or regional sports networks. * **Original programming:** NBA TV produces a variety of original programming, including: * **NBA GameTime:** A daily news and highlights show * **NBA Inside Stuff:** A behind-the-scenes look at the NBA * **Open Court:** A roundtable discussion show featuring NBA players and analysts * **Classic games:** NBA TV airs replays of classic NBA games, including: * **NBA Classics:** Replays of memorable NBA games from the past * **This Day in NBA History:** Replays of significant NBA games that occurred on a particular day **How to Watch NBA TV:** NBA TV is available on most cable and satellite television providers. You can also watch NBA TV online through the NBA League Pass subscription service. **Cost of NBA TV:** The cost of NBA TV varies depending on your cable or satellite television provider. NBA League Pass costs $29.99 per month or $199.99 per year. **Benefits of Watching NBA TV:** NBA TV offers a number of benefits for basketball fans, including: * **Exclusive coverage of select NBA games:** NBA TV is the only place to watch certain NBA games live. * **Original programming:** NBA TV's original programming provides fans with in-depth analysis and behind-the-scenes access to the NBA. * **Classic games:** NBA TV's replays of classic NBA games allow fans to relive some of the greatest moments in NBA history.### League Pass: Subscription-Based Service Offering Access to All Out-of-Market Games NBA League Pass is a subscription-based service that gives you access to all out-of-market NBA games live and on demand. This means that you can watch any NBA game that is not being televised in your local market. **Benefits of NBA League Pass:** * **Access to all out-of-market games:** NBA League Pass is the only way to watch every NBA game live and on demand. * **Multiple viewing options:** You can watch NBA League Pass games on your TV, computer, mobile device, or tablet. * **No blackouts:** Unlike traditional cable and satellite TV, NBA League Pass does not have any blackout restrictions. This means that you can watch any game, regardless of where you live. * **Additional features:** NBA League Pass also offers a number of additional features, including: * **Game replays:** You can watch replays of any NBA game for up to 72 hours after it airs. * **Condensed games:** You can watch condensed versions of games that are typically 10-15 minutes long. * **Highlights:** You can watch highlights of all NBA games, including plays, interviews, and analysis. **Cost of NBA League Pass:** The cost of NBA League Pass varies depending on the package you choose. The basic package costs $29.99 per month or $199.99 per year. The premium package costs $39.99 per month or $249.99 per year. The premium package includes all of the features of the basic package, plus: * **Multi-screen viewing:** You can watch NBA League Pass games on up to two devices simultaneously. * **VR compatibility:** You can watch NBA League Pass games in virtual reality using a compatible VR headset. * **International coverage:** You can watch NBA League Pass games from over 100 countries around the world. **How to Sign Up for NBA League Pass:** You can sign up for NBA League Pass online or through your cable or satellite TV provider. If you sign up online, you will need to create an account and provide your payment information. Once you have signed up, you can start watching NBA games immediately.### Local Broadcasts: Teams Have Their Own Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) In addition to national broadcasts, many NBA teams have their own regional sports networks (RSNs) that televise their games. RSNs are typically available on cable and satellite TV, as well as through streaming services. **Benefits of Watching Local Broadcasts:** * **Local announcers:** RSNs typically employ local announcers who are familiar with the team and its players. This can provide a more personalized and in-depth viewing experience. * **Pre- and post-game coverage:** RSNs typically offer pre- and post-game coverage of their team's games. This coverage can include interviews with players and coaches, as well as analysis from experts. * **Access to exclusive content:** RSNs often produce exclusive content, such as behind-the-scenes features and interviews with team personnel. **List of NBA Teams and Their RSNs:** * **Atlanta Hawks:** Bally Sports Southeast * **Boston Celtics:** NBC Sports Boston * **Brooklyn Nets:** YES Network * **Charlotte Hornets:** Bally Sports Southeast * **Chicago Bulls:** NBC Sports Chicago * **Cleveland Cavaliers:** Bally Sports Ohio * **Dallas Mavericks:** Bally Sports Southwest * **Denver Nuggets:** Altitude Sports * **Detroit Pistons:** Bally Sports Detroit * **Golden State Warriors:** NBC Sports Bay Area * **Houston Rockets:** AT&T SportsNet Southwest * **Indiana Pacers:** Bally Sports Indiana * **Los Angeles Clippers:** Bally Sports SoCal * **Los Angeles Lakers:** Spectrum SportsNet * **Memphis Grizzlies:** Bally Sports Southeast * **Miami Heat:** Bally Sports Sun * **Milwaukee Bucks:** Bally Sports Wisconsin * **Minnesota Timberwolves:** Bally Sports North * **New Orleans Pelicans:** Bally Sports New Orleans * **New York Knicks:** MSG Network * **Oklahoma City Thunder:** Bally Sports Oklahoma * **Orlando Magic:** Bally Sports Florida * **Philadelphia 76ers:** NBC Sports Philadelphia * **Phoenix Suns:** Bally Sports Arizona * **Portland Trail Blazers:** Root Sports Northwest * **Sacramento Kings:** NBC Sports California * **San Antonio Spurs:** Bally Sports Southwest * **Toronto Raptors:** TSN * **Utah Jazz:** AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain * **Washington Wizards:** NBC Sports Washington By checking your local listings or visiting the website of your team's RSN, you can find out what time tonight's game will be aired.### ESPN, TNT, and ABC: National Broadcasters with Exclusive Rights to Certain Games In addition to local broadcasts, a number of national broadcasters have exclusive rights to certain NBA games. These broadcasters include: * **ESPN** * **TNT** * **ABC** **ESPN** ESPN is the largest sports broadcaster in the United States. ESPN televises a number of NBA games each week, including: * **Regular season games:** ESPN televises a number of regular season games on Wednesdays and Fridays. * **Playoff games:** ESPN televises a number of playoff games, including the NBA Finals. **TNT** TNT is another major sports broadcaster in the United States. TNT televises a number of NBA games each week, including: * **Regular season games:** TNT televises a number of regular season games on Tuesdays and Thursdays. * **Playoff games:** TNT televises a number of playoff games, including the Western Conference Finals. **ABC** ABC is a broadcast network that televises a number of NBA games each week, including: * **Regular season games:** ABC televises a number of regular season games on Saturdays and Sundays. * **Playoff games:** ABC televises the NBA Finals. **How to Find Out What Games Are on ESPN, TNT, and ABC:** You can find out what NBA games are on ESPN, TNT, and ABC by checking your local listings or visiting the websites of these broadcasters. **Benefits of Watching National Broadcasts:** * **National coverage:** National broadcasters provide coverage of NBA games to viewers all across the United States. * **Expert commentary:** National broadcasters employ expert commentators who provide analysis and insights during the games. * **High-quality production:** National broadcasters produce NBA games with high-quality video and audio.### NBA App: Official App with Schedules, Scores, and Streaming Options The NBA app is the official mobile app of the National Basketball Association. The app provides users with a variety of features, including: * **Schedules:** The NBA app provides users with access to the complete NBA schedule. Users can view upcoming games, as well as past results. * **Scores:** The NBA app provides users with real-time scores and updates from all NBA games. * **Streaming:** The NBA app offers live streaming of select NBA games. Users can subscribe to NBA League Pass to access all out-of-market games, as well as a number of live national games. * **News and highlights:** The NBA app provides users with the latest NBA news and highlights. Users can read articles, watch videos, and listen to podcasts. * **Stats:** The NBA app provides users with access to comprehensive player and team stats. Users can view stats from individual games, as well as season-long stats. * **Tickets:** The NBA app allows users to purchase tickets to NBA games. Users can search for tickets by team, date, or location. **Benefits of Using the NBA App:** * **All-in-one resource:** The NBA app provides users with everything they need to follow the NBA, including schedules, scores, streaming, news, highlights, stats, and tickets. * **Customization:** The NBA app allows users to customize their experience by selecting their favorite teams and players. * **Notifications:** The NBA app can send users notifications for their favorite teams and players, including game reminders, score updates, and breaking news. **How to Download the NBA App:** The NBA app is available for free download on the App Store and Google Play.### Team Websites: Up-to-Date Schedules and Broadcast Information In addition to the NBA app, each NBA team has its own website that provides up-to-date schedules and broadcast information. Team websites typically include the following: * **Schedule:** The team website will have a complete schedule of all upcoming games, as well as past results. * **Broadcast information:** The team website will list the television and radio stations that will be broadcasting each game. * **Tickets:** The team website will allow users to purchase tickets to games. * **News and highlights:** The team website will provide users with the latest news and highlights from the team. * **Stats:** The team website will provide users with access to comprehensive player and team stats. **Benefits of Using Team Websites:** * **Team-specific information:** Team websites provide users with the most up-to-date and comprehensive information about their favorite team. * **Customization:** Team websites allow users to customize their experience by selecting their favorite players and receiving notifications about team news and events. * **Direct access to tickets:** Team websites allow users to purchase tickets directly from the team. **How to Find Your Team's Website:** You can find your team's website by searching for the team name followed by ".com". For example, to find the Golden State Warriors website, you would search for "Golden State Warriors.com".### FAQ **Introduction:** The following are some frequently asked questions about NBA game times: **Questions and Answers:** **Q: What time do NBA games start on weekdays?** A: Most NBA games on weekdays start at 7:00 PM ET. **Q: What time do NBA games start on Sundays?** A: NBA games on Sundays typically start at 12:30 PM ET and 3:30 PM ET. **Q: What time do NBA playoff games start?** A: NBA playoff games typically start at 7:00 PM ET or 8:30 PM ET. **Q: How can I find out what time tonight's NBA game is?** A: You can find out what time tonight's NBA game is by checking the NBA schedule on the NBA website, the NBA app, or your local team's website. **Q: What channels will broadcast tonight's NBA game?** A: You can find out what channels will broadcast tonight's NBA game by checking the broadcast information on the NBA schedule or your local team's website. **Q: How can I watch NBA games live online?** A: You can watch NBA games live online by subscribing to NBA League Pass. **Q: How can I get tickets to NBA games?** A: You can purchase tickets to NBA games through the NBA website, your local team's website, or a ticket broker. **Closing Paragraph:** These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about NBA game times. For more information, please visit the NBA website or your local team's website.Now that you know how to find out what time tonight's NBA game is, here are a few tips to help you plan your viewing experience:
### Tips **Introduction:** Here are a few tips to help you plan your NBA viewing experience: **Tips:** * **Check the schedule in advance:** The NBA schedule is released well in advance, so you can plan your viewing schedule accordingly. * **Set reminders:** Set reminders for yourself so that you don't miss the start of the game. * **Find a comfortable spot:** Find a comfortable spot to watch the game where you can relax and enjoy the action. * **Get some snacks and drinks:** Make sure you have some snacks and drinks on hand so that you don't have to miss any of the game. * **Invite some friends over:** Watching the game with friends can make the experience even more enjoyable. **Closing Paragraph:** By following these tips, you can make sure that you have a great NBA viewing experience.Now that you know how to find out what time tonight's NBA game is and how to plan your viewing experience, you're all set to enjoy the game!
### Conclusion In this article, we have discussed everything you need to know about finding out what time tonight's NBA game is. We have covered the standard game times, as well as the exceptions for preseason, Summer League, and playoff games. We have also provided you with a list of resources that you can use to find out what time tonight's game is, including the NBA schedule, the NBA app, and your local team's website. **Summary of Main Points:** * Regular season games typically start at 7:00 PM ET on weekdays and 12:30 PM ET on Sundays. * Preseason and Summer League games have more flexible start times. * Playoff games typically start at 7:00 PM ET or 8:30 PM ET. * You can find out what time tonight's NBA game is by checking the NBA schedule, the NBA app, or your local team's website. **Closing Message:** We hope that this article has been helpful. Now that you know how to find out what time tonight's NBA game is, you can plan your viewing experience accordingly and never miss a moment of the action.