What Basketball Game Is On Right Now? Live Updates Oct 2025

By Sarah Miller · February 18, 2040

If you're asking what basketball game is on right now, as of October 2025, the NBA regular season has just tipped off. Currently airing live games include the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets on ESPN and Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors on TNT, both starting at 7:00 PM ET on October 23, 2025. International fans can stream matchups via NBA League Pass. Below is a detailed breakdown of today’s schedule, viewing options, and key player insights.

Today’s NBA Game Schedule (October 23, 2025)

The 2025-26 NBA season is underway, with a packed opening week featuring marquee matchups. Broadcast networks like ESPN, ABC, and TNT are airing select games nationally, while local regional sports networks cover others.

Key Games Happening Right Now

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets – Live on ESPN (7:00 PM ET)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Toronto Raptors – Simulcast on TNT & NBA TV (7:00 PM ET)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Dallas Mavericks – Bally Sports North / NBA League Pass (8:00 PM CT)
Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns – NBC Sports Bay Area (10:00 PM ET)

How to Watch Live Basketball Games

Finding out what basketball game is on right now depends on your location, preferred team, and available streaming platforms.

Primary Broadcast Networks

ESPN – National doubleheaders every Wednesday and Friday
TNT – “Thursday Night NBA” with two-game windows
ABC – Weekend marquee matchups (mainly Sunday afternoons)
NBA TV – Specialty coverage and studio programming

Streaming Platforms for Live Games

NBA League Pass: Best for out-of-market games; supports 4K streaming 1
Sling TV: Carries ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV in base package
YouTube TV: Full access to ESPN, ABC, TNT, and regional networks
ESPN+: Limited NBA content but includes select play-in games

Game	Time (ET)	Broadcast Channel	Location	Expected Viewership (Est.)
Lakers vs. Nuggets	7:00 PM	ESPN	Ball Arena, Denver	3.8 million
76ers vs. Raptors	7:00 PM	TNT	Wells Fargo Center, Philadelphia	2.1 million
Timberwolves vs. Mavericks	8:00 PM	Bally Sports North	Target Center, Minneapolis	890,000
Warriors vs. Suns	10:00 PM	NBC Sports BA	Chase Center, San Francisco	1.6 million
Hawks vs. Pacers (Preseason)	7:30 PM	NBA TV	Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis	420,000

Table data source:1, 2

The Lakers-Nuggets game leads tonight’s viewership due to star power from LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Nikola Jokić. Regional broadcasts show lower reach but strong local engagement, especially in Minnesota and Northern California. TNT’s split telecast may divide the audience between the 76ers-Raptors and a secondary game.

Star Players to Watch Tonight

With the new season launching, several MVP-caliber athletes are expected to deliver standout performances:

Nikola Jokić (DEN) – Coming off a historic preseason averaging 28.4 PPG, 11.2 RPG
Joel Embiid (PHI) – Fully healthy, aiming for MVP repeat after contract extension
Luka Dončić (DAL) – Opening season with triple-double potential against strong Wolves defense
Stephen Curry (GSW) – Chasing 3-point records in matchup against fast-paced Suns

International Viewing Options

Fans outside the U.S. can follow what basketball game is on right now through:

NBA League Pass Global – Available in 215+ countries with local commentary
Amazon Prime Video (selected regions) – Holds rights in UK, Brazil, Italy
DAZN – Covers Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Japan
Hotstar (India) – Streams all games with Hindi and English audio

Blackout restrictions still apply based on region, so using a trusted VPN may be necessary for accessing specific feeds.

Frequently Asked Questions About What Basketball Game Is On Right Now

What basketball games are on tonight live?

As of October 23, 2025, live NBA games include Lakers vs. Nuggets (ESPN), 76ers vs. Raptors (TNT), and Warriors vs. Suns (NBA League Pass). Check local listings for regional broadcasts.

How can I find what NBA game is playing today?

Visit NBA.com/schedule for the official calendar, or use the NBA app with real-time alerts. Google Search also shows live game cards when querying “NBA games today.”

Is there an NBA game tonight on national TV?

Yes, two national games are airing: Lakers vs. Nuggets on ESPN and 76ers vs. Raptors on TNT. Both start at 7:00 PM ET and feature top-tier teams from last season’s playoffs.

Are there any NBA games today on ABC?

No ABC broadcast is scheduled for October 23, 2025. ABC typically airs weekend games, especially Sunday afternoon matchups. The next ABC game is set for October 26 between Boston and Milwaukee.

Can I stream tonight’s NBA games for free?

Limited free options exist: NBA League Pass offers a 7-day trial. Alternatively, Sling TV and YouTube TV provide free trials (7–10 days). Local over-the-air games on ABC can be watched via digital antenna at no cost.