The 2026–27 NBA regular season continues on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, with 11 games scheduled across the league. Basketball fans can look forward to an action-packed evening featuring the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Lakers, Minnesota Timberwolves against the Miami Heat, and Dallas Mavericks against the Houston Rockets.
The NBA schedule begins at 7:00 p.m. ET and continues into the late-night window, with the final game tipping off at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Here’s everything you need to know about NBA games today, including the complete schedule, tipoff times, TV channels and streaming information.
NBA Games Today: Wednesday, October 21, 2026
Below is the complete NBA schedule for Wednesday. All times are Eastern.
| NBA Matchup | Start Time (ET) | TV / Streaming |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks vs. Washington Wizards | 7:00 PM | NBA League Pass |
| Atlanta Hawks vs. Orlando Magic | 7:00 PM | NBA League Pass |
| Charlotte Hornets vs. Brooklyn Nets | 7:30 PM | NBA League Pass |
| Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors | 7:30 PM | NBA League Pass |
| Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat | 7:30 PM | ESPN |
| Indiana Pacers vs. New Orleans Pelicans | 8:00 PM | NBA League Pass |
| Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies | 8:00 PM | NBA League Pass |
| Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets | 8:30 PM | NBA League Pass |
| Phoenix Suns vs. Portland Trail Blazers | 10:00 PM | NBA League Pass |
| Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers | 10:00 PM | ESPN |
| Sacramento Kings vs. LA Clippers | 10:30 PM | NBA League Pass |
TV listings are subject to change. NBA League Pass availability depends on local and national blackout restrictions.
What NBA Games Are on National TV Tonight?
Two games are listed for ESPN’s Wednesday night NBA coverage.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat – 7:30 PM ET
The Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Miami Heat in one of Wednesday’s featured matchups.
Fans can watch the game on ESPN, with streaming available through participating television providers and eligible ESPN streaming subscriptions.
Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 10:00 PM ET
The Golden State Warriors travel to face the Los Angeles Lakers in a Western Conference matchup.
The game is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET on ESPN and serves as the late nationally televised contest of the evening.
Where to Watch NBA Games Today
NBA fans have several options to watch Wednesday’s games, depending on their location and television subscriptions.
ESPN: Scheduled to carry Timberwolves vs. Heat and Warriors vs. Lakers.
NBA League Pass: Provides access to out-of-market regular-season games, subject to blackout restrictions.
Local and Regional Broadcasts: Select games may be available through local television partners and regional streaming services.
Fans can also visit NBA.com or use the official NBA app for live scores, statistics and game updates.
What Time Do NBA Games Start Today?
The first NBA games begin at 7:00 p.m. ET, with the Milwaukee Bucks facing the Washington Wizards and the Atlanta Hawks taking on the Orlando Magic.
The final scheduled tipoff is at 10:30 p.m. ET, when the Sacramento Kings face the LA Clippers.
Games are scheduled across four major viewing windows:
- Early games: 7:00–7:30 p.m. ET
- Evening games: 8:00–8:30 p.m. ET
- Late games: 10:00 p.m. ET
- Final tipoff: 10:30 p.m. ET
NBA Games Today: Key Matchups to Watch
Warriors vs. Lakers
Golden State and Los Angeles meet in one of the most recognizable Western Conference matchups. The 10:00 p.m. ET contest is a featured game on Wednesday’s schedule.
Timberwolves vs. Heat
Minnesota visits Miami for an interconference matchup. With a 7:30 p.m. ET start and national television coverage, this game is among the evening’s featured contests.
Mavericks vs. Rockets
Dallas travels to Houston for an all-Texas Western Conference matchup, scheduled to begin at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Hawks vs. Magic
Atlanta faces Orlando in a Southeast Division matchup beginning at 7:00 p.m. ET.
Are There NBA Games Tomorrow?
Yes. Two NBA games are scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026.
| Matchup | Start Time (ET) |
|---|---|
| Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers | 7:00 PM |
| Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder | 9:30 PM |
Frequently Asked Questions About NBA Games Today
How many NBA games are scheduled today?
There are 11 NBA games scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
What NBA games are on ESPN tonight?
The Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat game at 7:30 p.m. ET and Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers game at 10:00 p.m. ET are listed for ESPN.
What time is the Warriors vs. Lakers game tonight?
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers are scheduled to tip off at 10:00 p.m. ET.
What is the first NBA game today?
The earliest games begin at 7:00 p.m. ET, featuring Bucks vs. Wizards and Hawks vs. Magic.
Can I watch NBA games today on NBA League Pass?
Yes. NBA League Pass offers access to eligible out-of-market regular-season games. Local and nationally televised games may be subject to blackout restrictions.
Final Thoughts
Wednesday, October 21, features a full evening of NBA basketball, with 11 games highlighting the opening week of the 2026–27 regular season.
The Warriors vs. Lakers and Timberwolves vs. Heat matchups headline the schedule, while several other Eastern and Western Conference contests provide basketball fans with plenty of viewing options.
For updated tipoff times, live scores and official broadcast information, visit the NBA’s official schedule.