NBA games today: Who plays on Thursday, Jan. 1? New Year’s Day teams, times and matchups

While many of us will be recovering from New Year’s Eve hangovers by stuffing ourselves with even more food, some of the NBA’s top stars, including Kevin Durant and Cooper Flagg, will be working hard on courts across the country for our entertainment on January 1. There’s no rest for the wicked, or those who earn millions upon millions of dollars for throwing a ball around.

Ten of the league’s 30 teams are in action this New Year’s Day, with five games giving fans plenty to enjoy for the first time in 2026.

New Year’s Day 2026: Schedule to watch

• Houston Rockets @ Brooklyn Nets, 1 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
• Miami Heat @ Detroit Pistons, 3 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
• Philadelphia 76ers @ Dallas Mavericks, 3 p.m. ET, NBA TV
• Boston Celtics @ Sacramento Kings, 3:30 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass
• Utah Jazz @ Los Angeles Clippers, 7 p.m. ET, NBA League Pass

Rockets face Nets to open the day

The Houston Rockets, fourth in the Western Conference and on a three-game winning streak, kick off the action by visiting the struggling Brooklyn Nets, whose postseason hopes already look to be fading.

Heat aim to extend streak against Pistons

The Miami Heat are also on a run of three straight victories, but they will do incredibly well to continue that Thursday against the Detroit Pistons, who lead the Eastern Conference with a 25-8 record and are 12-2 at home.

76ers look to continue Mavericks’ woes

The inconsistent Philadelphia 76ers, sixth in the East, travel to the Dallas Mavericks, who have recorded surprise wins over the Pistons and Denver Nuggets in recent weeks but have tailed off once again, losing their last three.

Celtics seek consistency vs. Kings

The Boston Celtics, exceeding expectations in the East, will aim to consolidate third place when they visit the Sacramento Kings, who are battling not to finish last in the West.

Jazz and Clippers battle to stay in playoff contention

Finally, the Utah Jazz and the Los Angeles Clippers face off, with both teams looking to stay in the race for a playoff spot come the end of the season, most likely through the play-in tournament.

How to watch the NBA on New Year’s Day 2026

The 76ers-Mavericks matchup will be shown on NBA TV, while the remaining games are available to watch on NBA League Pass.

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