January 2026 NBA Spotlight: Must-Watch Games

January 2026 is set to deliver an electrifying slate of NBA action, featuring compelling matchups across both conferences. Fans can look forward to intense rivalries, star-studded showdowns, and pivotal games that could shape the playoff picture. Two Western Conference powerhouses clash when the Oklahoma City Thunder visit the Houston Rockets on January 15. The San Antonio Spurs challenge the Thunder on January 13 in an NBA Cup semifinal rematch. Later, the Spurs also host the Rockets on January 20 and 28. The Los Angeles Lakers face the Denver Nuggets on January 20, a thrilling contest between Luka Doncic and Nikola Jokic. Fans will also see Doncic against Victor Wembanyama when the Lakers visit the San Antonio Spurs on January 7. In the East, the New York Knicks take on the Detroit Pistons on January 5 in a battle of top teams. The Boston Celtics visit the Pistons on January 19, offering Detroit a chance to make a statement against an Eastern Conference rival. Jrue Holiday returns to Boston on January 26 as the Trail Blazers face the Celtics. The Chicago Bulls will honor a legend, retiring Derrick Rose's jersey during their home game against the Boston Celtics on January 24. The NBA goes global as the Memphis Grizzlies battle the Orlando Magic in Berlin, Germany, on January 15 and 18. This features Desmond Bane playing his former team. The Charlotte Hornets host the Dallas Mavericks on January 29, a game highlighted by top Rookie of the Year candidates Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel. A 2025 NBA Finals rematch sees the Indiana Pacers visit the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 23. LeBron James' potentially final visit to Cleveland as a Laker occurs on January 28 against the Cavaliers. The Miami Heat face Jimmy Butler's former team, the Golden State Warriors, on January 19. Look out for potential MVP showdowns like the Nuggets at 76ers on January 5, possibly featuring Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. The 76ers and Knicks also have a highly anticipated home-and-away series. NBA Basketball NBA2026 NBASchedule Lakers Nuggets Thunder Rockets Knicks Pistons Celtics Spurs Warriors Heat LeBronJames LukaDoncic NikolaJokic VictorWembanyama JrueHoliday DerrickRose CooperFlagg KonKnueppel