Are you ready for an exciting new chapter in sports entertainment? The debut of Sunday Night Basketball on NBC and Peacock is set to create waves as we transition from the NFL season to thrilling NBA matchups!
As the NFL winds down, basketball fans can rejoice in the launch of NBC's Sunday Night Basketball, which coincides with the NBA season entering its crucial final stretch. With the regular season already past the halfway mark, the competition for the prestigious Larry O'Brien Trophy is intensifying. In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets are leading the pack, with the Los Angeles Lakers not far behind. Meanwhile, in the Eastern Conference, the New York Knicks are once again contenders for playoff glory. This inaugural doubleheader promises to be a star-studded affair featuring all four teams.
So, what do you need to know about Sunday Night Basketball this week?
When will Sunday Night Basketball premiere on NBC?
Mark your calendars! Sunday Night Basketball will officially kick off on February 1, 2026.
How can you catch the action?
Fans can stream the NBA live on NBC and Peacock throughout the season. To get started, check out the streaming link here: Watch the NBA on NBC and Peacock.
What games are lined up for tonight's Sunday Night Basketball?
The excitement kicks off at Madison Square Garden where the New York Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, host the formidable duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers at 7 p.m. Eastern Time. Following that, at 9:30 p.m. ET, watch a thrilling playoff rematch unfold in Colorado as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder take on Nikola Jokic’s Denver Nuggets.
NBC Sports NBA Insider Grant Liffman offers insights into the Knicks’ potential moves as they navigate limited options—could standing pat be their best strategy?
How can you tune in to Sunday Night Basketball?
You can catch Sunday Night Basketball airing live on NBC, as well as streaming on Peacock. The festivities begin with "Basketball Night in America" (BNIA) at 6 p.m. ET, leading into the Lakers vs. Knicks game at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the Thunder vs. Nuggets matchup at 9:30 p.m. ET.
Who will be calling the action?
Expect a lineup of basketball legends contributing to NBC's coverage this Sunday. Maria Taylor will host "Basketball Night in America," joined by Hall of Fame analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady. WNBA star Caitlin Clark will also make a special appearance at Madison Square Garden and will return to the show on March 29.
For the Lakers vs. Knicks game, Mike Tirico will handle play-by-play duties alongside Hall of Famer Reggie Miller as the analyst, with Jamal Crawford providing additional insights. Zora Stephenson will be reporting from courtside. In Denver, Noah Eagle will call the action with Grant Hill analyzing the game, while Ashley ShahAhmadi reports from the sidelines.
Could the Lakers be considering trading LeBron James?
As we approach the trade deadline, NBC Sports NBA Insider Grant Liffman dives into the Lakers' options, including whether they might trade draft picks for another star player.
A special musical treat!
In a nod to tradition akin to Sunday Night Football, Sunday Night Basketball will feature an opening theme song by the Grammy-winning artist Lenny Kravitz, marking a new era for the NBA on NBC.
What’s ahead for Sunday Night Basketball?
Following this week's exciting doubleheader, look forward to more Sunday Night Basketball starting February 22 and continuing through the end of the regular season. Here's a sneak peek at upcoming games:
- February 22: Boston Celtics at Los Angeles Lakers
- March 1: Oklahoma City Thunder at Dallas Mavericks
- March 8: Houston Rockets at San Antonio Spurs
- March 15: Golden State Warriors at New York Knicks
- March 22: Minnesota Timberwolves at Boston Celtics
- March 29 (doubleheader): New York Knicks at Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets
- April 5 (doubleheader): Los Angeles Lakers at Dallas Mavericks and Houston Rockets at Golden State Warriors
This is just the beginning of an electrifying season ahead! What matchups are you most excited to see? Will the Lakers make bold moves before the trade deadline? Let's discuss in the comments below!
