The NBA will once again honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with one of its most meaningful regular-season traditions. On Monday, Jan. 19, 2026, the league celebrates the 40th anniversary of NBA MLK Day games, featuring a packed slate of nine matchups spanning from early afternoon through late-night primetime.
From Giannis Antetokounmpo to Stephen Curry, the day will showcase some of basketball’s biggest stars while reinforcing a message that goes beyond the scoreboard.
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NBA MLK Day games 2026: schedule and key matchups
The action tips off at 1 p.m. ET in Atlanta, a city deeply connected to Dr. King’s legacy. The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, visit the Hawks in what has become a symbolic annual stage for the league.
Other marquee matchups throughout the day include:
Thunder at Cavaliers (2:30 p.m. ET) – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander vs. Donovan Mitchell
Clippers at Wizards (3 p.m. ET) – James Harden headlines the afternoon window
Mavericks at Knicks (5 p.m. ET) – A classic Madison Square Garden spotlight
Jazz at Spurs (5 p.m. ET) – Featuring Victor Wembanyama
Pacers at 76ers (7 p.m. ET)
Suns at Nets (7:30 p.m. ET)
Celtics at Pistons (8 p.m. ET) – Jaylen Brown vs. Cade Cunningham in a top Eastern clash
Heat at Warriors (10 p.m. ET) – Stephen Curry and Golden State close the night
With contenders, rising stars, and playoff-level atmospheres, MLK Day remains one of the most anticipated dates on the NBA calendar.
More than Basketball: Honoring Dr. King’s legacy
MLK Day in the NBA is about more than elite competition. For decades, the league has used this platform to amplify Dr. King’s message of equality, justice, service, and unity.
NBA history is filled with players who carried those ideals forward. Hall of Famer Bill Russell was invited by Dr. King himself to attend the “I Have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has long been recognized as one of the league’s most outspoken advocates for civil rights and social justice.
Today’s stars continue that tradition.
Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden, who will play in the 3 p.m. ET game against Washington, shared his thoughts on the significance of the day.
“Dr. King is legendary. He paved the way and made it easier for us to live,” Harden said in a video released by NBA.com.
The league echoed that sentiment in its MLK Day messaging, stating:
“It’s a day when the league amplifies voices, stories, and initiatives that reflect Dr. King’s call for justice and service.”
Across arenas, broadcasts, and community events, the focus consistently stretches beyond basketball – reinforcing why MLK Day stands apart from every other date on the NBA schedule.
How to watch NBA MLK Day Games 2026
Fans will have multiple ways to watch throughout the day:
Coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET with Bucks vs. Hawks, streaming exclusively on Peacock
NBC and Peacock will carry three additional games
The remaining matchups will be available on NBA League Pass, allowing fans to stream the full nine-game slate
With national broadcasts, streaming access, and wall-to-wall basketball, MLK Day continues to deliver one of the league’s most accessible and meaningful viewing experiences.
