The NBA on MLK Day tradition returns on Monday, Jan. 19, marking the 40th edition with nine games set to tip off across the league. From early afternoon through primetime, basketball takes center stage on a day dedicated to reflection, service and action.
Observed annually across the league, MLK Day remains one of the NBA’s most meaningful regular-season showcases, using the game as a platform to honor the life, leadership and lasting impact of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. while spotlighting the values of equality, unity, and justice.
More than a game
While the standings matter, MLK Day has long stood apart on the NBA calendar. It’s a day when the league amplifies voices, stories and initiatives that reflect Dr, King’s call for justice and service – on and off the court.
Across arenas and broadcasts, the focus extends beyond the final score, reinforcing the NBA’s commitment to creating change through sport.
How to Watch
NBA on MLK Day 2026 coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET as the Milwaukee Bucks visits the Atlanta Hawks tipping off the day’s slate streaming on Peacock.
NBC/Peacock will air 3 additional games, with the remaining lineup available on NBA League Pass giving fans access to every tip and finish. The full schedule is below:
NBA on MLK Day 2026
- Bucks at Hawks, 1 ET
- Thunder at Cavaliers, 2:30 ET
- Clippers at Wizards, 3 ET
- Mavericks at Knicks, 5 ET
- Jazz at Spurs, 5 ET
- Pacers at 76ers, 7 ET
- Suns at Nets, 7:30 ET
- Celtics at Pistons, 8 ET
- Heat at Warriors, 10 ET
NBA on MLK Day History and Storylines
- Inside the NBA: A look back at ‘The Movement to Overcome’
- The legacy of streets named for Dr. Martin Luther King
- Inside the NBA: Best 3 decades of covering MLK Day
