Who Is Playing Today in Basketball? NBA Schedule & Matchups

By Sarah Miller · July 17, 2038

Today's NBA basketball games feature the Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets. These matchups include top playoff contenders and star players like Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry. Below is a detailed breakdown of all teams playing today, game times, key players, and viewing options.

Today's NBA Schedule Overview

Basketball fans have several high-stakes games to watch today, October 15, 2025, as the 2025-26 NBA preseason kicks off with marquee matchups. The action begins at 7:00 PM ET and runs into the late evening with three nationally televised games featuring some of the league’s most competitive teams.

Key Games Playing Today

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks – Eastern Conference showdown with playoff implications
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns – Western Conference clash between veteran-led squads
Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets – Rematch of a 2025 playoff series

Game Details and Matchup Analysis

Each game today features elite talent and strategic coaching battles. Here's what to expect from each matchup.

Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks

This early-season test pits two Eastern Conference powerhouses against each other. The Celtics enter the game as slight favorites, boasting a fully healthy roster including Jayson Tatum and Jrue Holiday. The Bucks counter with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard looking to establish offensive rhythm early in the preseason.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

LeBron James and Anthony Davis return for the Lakers, facing a Suns team led by Kevin Durant and Devin Booker. With both teams relying on aging but elite cores, this game will test conditioning and rotation depth ahead of the regular season.

Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets

A rematch of last season’s intense playoff series, this game features Stephen Curry and Nikola Jokić—two former MVPs—leading their teams. The Warriors are experimenting with new bench lineups, while the Nuggets aim to solidify their defense after offseason changes.

Game	Time (ET)	Location	TV Network	Favorite	Spread
Celtics vs. Bucks	7:00 PM	Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee	NBA TV	Celtics	-2.5
Lakers vs. Suns	9:00 PM	Footprint Center, Phoenix	ESPN	Suns	-3.0
Warriors vs. Nuggets	10:00 PM	Chase Center, San Francisco	TNT	Nuggets	-4.5

Table data source:NBA Official Schedule, ESPN NBA

The table shows that the Denver Nuggets are the strongest favorites today with a 4.5-point spread, reflecting their strong home record from last season. All games are broadcast nationally, indicating high viewer interest. Tip-off times are staggered to allow fans to follow multiple games in one night.

How to Watch Today's Basketball Games

Fans can stream all games live via NBA League Pass, ESPN+, or TNT App, provided they have a cable login or subscription. Local broadcasts may apply blackout restrictions. For real-time updates, the NBA app offers live scoring, play-by-play, and player stats.

NBA League Pass: Best for international viewers and full-game replays
ESPN+ / TNT: Live TV coverage with expert commentary
NBA App: Free live stats and push notifications for scores

Frequently Asked Questions About Today’s Basketball Games

Who is playing today in basketball?

Today’s NBA games include the Boston Celtics vs. Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns, and Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets. These are all preseason matchups leading into the 2025-26 season.

What time do the basketball games start today?

The first game starts at 7:00 PM ET (Celtics vs. Bucks), followed by the Lakers vs. Suns at 9:00 PM ET, and the Warriors vs. Nuggets at 10:00 PM ET.

Where can I watch today’s NBA games live?

You can watch live on NBA TV, ESPN, or TNT depending on the game. Streaming options include NBA League Pass, ESPN+, and the TNT App with authentication.

Are any star players participating today?

Yes, confirmed starters include Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks), LeBron James (Lakers), Stephen Curry (Warriors), Kevin Durant (Suns), and Nikola Jokić (Nuggets). Most stars are expected to play limited minutes due to the preseason format.

Is today’s Warriors vs. Nuggets game a regular-season matchup?

No, today’s Warriors vs. Nuggets game is part of the 2025 NBA preseason. Regular-season games begin on October 22, 2025. Preseason games help teams evaluate rosters and strategies before opening night.