Now that we move through thet midway point of the 2025-26 campaign, we can say that the fever pitch has been reached. Finally, the league is once again leaning into the history, bad blood, and classic competition that defines the sport with AWS NBA Rivals Week 2026.
Starting from Tuesday, Jan. 20, through Saturday, Jan. 24, this year’s slate features 10 nationally televised games across four networks. From crosstown battles to high-stakes playoff rematches, here is everything you need to know about the matchups, the schedule, and how to catch the action live.
The 2026 schedule & matchups
Now an established part of the NBA calendar, Rivals Week is designed to showcase the league’s most storied and burgeoning rivalries. These games are selected to bring an amazing atmosphere to the beginning of the natural year.
The 2026 edition lasts five days, and will feature doubleheaders that surely will keep fans glued to their screens.
Tuesday, Jan. 20 (TNT)
The week kicks off with a heavyweight doubleheader on TNT.
- Philadelphia 76ers vs. Phoenix Suns (7:30 PM ET): A clash of star power as Joel Embiid and Paul George lead the Sixers into the desert to face Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and the Suns.
- Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (10 PM ET): The rivalry that has defined the West in recent years. Nikola Joki and the Nuggets have had the upper hand lately, but LeBron James and Anthony Davis are always a threat to reclaim the throne in Denver.
Wednesday, Jan. 21 (ESPN)
The focus shifts to the next generation of stars and Eastern Conference elite.
- Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (7:30 PM ET): Giannis Antetokounmpo faces off against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a cross-conference showdown of MVP candidates.
- Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings (10 PM ET): Northern California bragging rights are on the line as Stephen Curry leads the Dubs against De’Aaron Fox and the high-octane Kings.
Thursday, Jan. 22 (TNT)
A night dedicated to “Neighborly” disputes.
- Miami Heat vs. Orlando Magic (7:30 PM ET): The battle for the Sunshine State continues to intensify as Paolo Banchero’s Magic look to eclipse the veteran Heat.
- Los Angeles Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers (10 PM ET): The “Hallway Series” returns to center stage as both L.A. teams fight for local dominance.
Friday, Jan. 23 (ESPN)
Two of the league’s most exciting young teams and a classic Eastern rivalry.
- Memphis Grizzlies vs. Atlanta Hawks (7:30 PM ET): Ja Morant and Trae Young bring their explosive playstyles to a Friday night marquee.
- Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors (10 PM ET): Luka Doni faces off against Stephen Curry in a matchup that has produced some of the most thrilling offensive displays in recent years.
Saturday, Jan. 24 (ABC)
The week concludes with a triple-header of iconic franchises.
- New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets (3 PM ET): The battle for New York heads to a Saturday matinee.
- Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks (5:30 PM ET): An Atlantic Division war between two fanbases that truly do not like each other.
- Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (8:30 PM ET): A rematch of the 2024 Western Conference Semifinals, pitting the size of the Wolves against the brilliance of Joki.
Where to watch live
Navigating where to watch the NBA can be tricky, but Rivals Week is centralized on the league’s major national partners.
- TV: Most games will air on TNT, ESPN, and ABC.
- Streaming platforms: Max: Fans can stream games airing on TNT via the B/R Sports Add-on.
- ESPN+ / WatchESPN: Games airing on ESPN and ABC can be accessed here (check local provider requirements).
- NBA League Pass: Out-of-market fans can catch the action through the NBA App, though national blackout rules apply during the live window.
- International viewers: Prime Video will be a key home for many international fans, particularly in the UK and Ireland, where they are the exclusive home of the NBA Finals and many marquee regular-season games.
For players, this is a chance to make a statement before the All-Star break. For fans, it is a week of high-drama basketball that reminds us why we love the game. As the 2026 postseason race begins to take shape, these head-to-head records could be the difference-maker in seeding come April.
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