NBA Games Today on TV: Previews & How to Watch

New York Knicks at Cleveland Cavaliers – 7:00 PM – ESPN, MSG Sportsnet
The New York Knicks (48-27) head into a high-stakes matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers (60-15). The Knicks have been impressive this season, with a 64% win rate, fueled by their balanced scoring attack that averages 116.3 points per game. However, they face a formidable Cleveland team that boasts an even better record with an 80% win rate and one of the most efficient offenses in the league, racking up 122.3 points per game. The Cavaliers’ defense, allowing just 112.3 points per game, might prove too much for the Knicks, who will need to be disciplined and sharp on both ends to have a chance of overcoming Cleveland’s dynamic play. This clash could well hinge on whether New York can apply pressure without sacrificing their defensive structure, making second-chance points and bench contributions pivotal.

Charlotte Hornets at Indiana Pacers – 7:00 PM – NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network South
The Charlotte Hornets (19-56) face an uphill battle this season, dragging along a suboptimal 25% win rate and a struggling offense that averages just 105.6 points per game. Entering this matchup against a solid Indiana Pacers (44-31) team, the Hornets need to find ways to overcome defensive shortcomings that have allowed 113.6 points on average. Meanwhile, the Pacers are thriving on their offensive rhythm, pouring in 117.1 points per game and a respectable 59% win percentage. Indiana’s strategy will likely hinge on leveraging their efficient scoring to expose Charlotte’s defensive vulnerabilities, while the Hornets will need to find any spark they can to compete in the half-court.

Sacramento Kings at Washington Wizards – 7:00 PM – NBA League Pass, NBC Sports California Plus
The Sacramento Kings (36-39) are looking to rebound from a two-game skid as they face off against the Washington Wizards (16-59). The Kings have been inconsistent this season, reflected in their 48% win rate, with a balanced offense averaging 115.8 points per game. They will need to take advantage of the Wizards’ struggling defense, which allows a staggering 120.9 points per game, one of the highest in the league. On the other hand, Washington has had a tough campaign with a mere 21% win percentage and will need to find ways to slow down Sacramento’s offense to have a chance at disrupting the Kings’ rhythm and earning a rare home victory.

Miami Heat at Boston Celtics – 7:30 PM – ESPN Deportes, NBC Sports Boston, FanDuel Sports Network Sun
The Miami Heat (34-41) come into Boston riding a five-game win streak, but they’ll face a formidable challenge in the Boston Celtics (56-19), who have set the standard in the league with an impressive 75% win rate. Boston’s defense is one of the most disciplined in the league, allowing just 107.7 points per game, and their efficient offense averages 116.9 points. Miami will need to lean on their strengths, particularly their ability to execute defensively in clutch moments, to keep this game within reach. For the Heat, maintaining their defensive intensity against Boston’s balanced attack is crucial if they hope to extend their winning streak.

Utah Jazz at Houston Rockets – 8:00 PM – NBA League Pass
The Utah Jazz (16-60) have faced a challenging season, with just a 21% win rate and a defense that has struggled, allowing an average of 120.1 points per game. As they head to Houston, their primary focus will be tightening up defensively against a Houston Rockets (49-27) team boasting a solid 64% win percentage. The Rockets, who average 114 points per game, will look to exploit the Jazz’s defensive vulnerabilities while relying on their own sturdy defense, which allows just 109.1 points per game. For Utah, finding an offensive rhythm and capitalizing on any defensive lapses from Houston will be crucial if they hope to compete in this tough matchup.

Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks – 8:30 PM – NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network Southeast, FanDuel Sports Network South
The Atlanta Hawks (36-39) embark on this matchup looking to improve their 48% win rate, powered by an offense that averages 117.8 points per game. Despite their ability to score, defensive struggles have plagued them all season as they give up 119.5 points on average. They face the Dallas Mavericks (37-39), who have had a tightly contested season with a near-identical win percentage of 49%. With the Mavericks narrowly outscoring their opponents by the slimmest of margins (114.9 points for and 115.1 against), this game may very well come down to which team can make crucial stops in a high-scoring affair. For Atlanta, exploiting Dallas’s defensive lapses will be key, while the Mavericks need to capitalize on their home-court advantage to stymie the Hawks’ explosive attack.

San Antonio Spurs at Denver Nuggets – 9:00 PM – NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network Southwest
The San Antonio Spurs (31-44) face a tough challenge as they travel to take on the Denver Nuggets (47-29). The Spurs have struggled to find consistency with a 41% win rate this season and a porous defense allowing 116.8 points per game. On the other hand, the Nuggets boast a solid 62% win percentage, driven by their potent offense averaging 121.1 points per game. Denver’s ability to efficiently score and San Antonio’s defensive vulnerabilities suggest that the Nuggets will have the upper hand. However, if the Spurs can tighten their defense and capitalize on fast-break opportunities, they may find a way to keep the game competitive.

Detroit Pistons at Oklahoma City Thunder – 9:30 PM – ESPN, ESPN Deportes, FanDuel Sports Network Detroit
The Detroit Pistons (42-33) enter the matchup with a solid 56% win rate, buoyed by a balanced offense that scores 115.5 points per game and a defense that allows just 113.1 points per game. They face an enormous challenge against the Oklahoma City Thunder (63-12), who boast the league’s best record with an impressive 84% win rate and a stifling defense that limits opponents to only 107.1 points per game. Oklahoma City’s potent offense, averaging 120.4 points per game, will test Detroit’s defensive coherence. For the Pistons, maintaining defensive discipline and exploiting gaps in the Thunder’s transition game could provide pathways to an upset.

New Orleans Pelicans at Los Angeles Clippers – 10:30 PM – NBA League Pass, FanDuel Sports Network SoCal
The New Orleans Pelicans (21-54) have endured a challenging season, with just a 28% win percentage and a defense allowing a troubling 118.8 points per game, highlighting their struggles on both ends of the floor. Facing the LA Clippers (43-32), who have a solid 57% win rate, presents a daunting task for New Orleans, especially given the Clippers’ stout defense, which limits opponents to only 108.4 points per game. The Clippers have shown flashes of brilliance, buoyed by their consistent defensive presence, which should serve them well against a Pelicans team still seeking answers. For New Orleans, capitalizing on any offensive lapses by the Clippers could be crucial, although tightening their defense will be essential to keeping this one competitive.

Where to Watch NBA Games

There are plenty of places to make sure you don’t miss a moment of your favorite NBA team’s season. Here’s where to watch NBA games on TV today and all season long:

• REGIONAL SPORTS LINEUP (only available in some areas)
• ESPN: Channel 206
• ABC: Find your local affiliate channel here
• TNT: Channel 245
• NBA TV HD: Channel 216
• NBA League Pass

Don’t forget to add the DIRECTV Sports Pack to your subscription to make sure you can keep up with your favorite sports and so much more. Not to mention, find out how to access even more games on NBA League Pass with DIRECTV!

Don’t have DIRECTV yet? Get your subscription today.

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