NBA Teams Playing Tonight: Full Schedule & Matchups

By Sarah Miller · June 6, 2048

Here are the NBA teams playing tonight, October 25, 2025: Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks vs. Denver Nuggets. Key matchups include Celtics-Knicks at Madison Square Garden and a Western Conference showdown between the Lakers and Suns in Phoenix.

NBA Games Scheduled for Tonight: October 25, 2025

Tonight's NBA slate features several high-profile matchups as the 2025-26 season heats up. With three marquee games, fans can expect elite performances from MVP candidates and rising stars alike. This guide provides game times, locations, broadcast details, and key player insights to help you follow all the action.

Key Matchups and Game Highlights

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks – A historic rivalry reignites at MSG.
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns – Star-powered Western Conference clash.
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Denver Nuggets – Championship-caliber teams face off.

Full Game Schedule and Broadcast Information

Below is a detailed breakdown of tonight’s NBA games, including start times (in ET), venues, TV networks, and streaming options.

Matchup	Time (ET)	Venue	TV Network	Streaming
Boston Celtics @ New York Knicks	7:30 PM	Madison Square Garden, NY	ESPN	ESPN App, Hulu + Live TV
Los Angeles Lakers @ Phoenix Suns	9:00 PM	Footprint Center, Phoenix	TNT	NBA League Pass, Sling TV
Milwaukee Bucks @ Denver Nuggets	9:00 PM	Ball Arena, Denver	Local Broadcast	NBA League Pass, FuboTV

Table data source:1, 2

The table shows that two games tip off at 9:00 PM ET, offering fans a doubleheader option on the West Coast. ESPN and TNT are broadcasting the Celtics-Knicks and Lakers-Suns games, respectively, indicating national interest. The Bucks-Nuggets game, while not nationally televised, is a potential playoff preview featuring two top-tier squads.

Player Matchups to Watch

Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks

Jayson Tatum faces a tough defensive challenge against OG Anunoby, while Jalen Brunson looks to exploit mismatches against Boston’s perimeter defense. The paint battle between Kristaps Porziņģis and Mitchell Robinson could be decisive.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

LeBron James and Anthony Davis versus Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal promises fireworks. Watch how the Lakers handle Phoenix’s three-guard lineup and whether Austin Reaves can contain Booker off screens.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Denver Nuggets

Giannis Antetokounmpo vs. Nikola Jokić is one of the best individual matchups in basketball. How Denver defends the pick-and-roll and Milwaukee contains Jokić in the post will shape the outcome.

Frequently Asked Questions About Tonight’s Basketball Games

What basketball teams are playing tonight in the NBA?

The NBA games scheduled for October 25, 2025, feature the Boston Celtics at New York Knicks, Los Angeles Lakers at Phoenix Suns, and Milwaukee Bucks at Denver Nuggets.

What time do the NBA games start tonight?

The Celtics-Knicks game starts at 7:30 PM ET. The Lakers-Suns and Bucks-Nuggets games both begin at 9:00 PM ET.

Where can I watch tonight’s basketball games?

The Celtics-Knicks game airs on ESPN. The Lakers-Suns game is on TNT. The Bucks-Nuggets game is available via local broadcasters and NBA League Pass.

Are any star players injured tonight?

As of today, all major stars are expected to play. LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Nikola Jokić are all listed as active with no injury concerns reported.

How can I stream NBA games live tonight?

You can stream all games live using services like NBA League Pass, ESPN App, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or FuboTV, depending on your location and subscription.