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Darshika Garg

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  • Published: Dec 12 2025 05:57 PM
  • Last Updated: Dec 12 2025 07:08 PM

What NBA games are tonight? Full NBA schedule today, NBA schedule tonight, key players, expert picks and where to watch NBA schedule today live.



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NBA fans in the United States have a busy slate of games tonight, with six matchups spread across the Eastern and Western Conferences. From young rebuilding teams to established playoff hopefuls, tonight’s NBA schedule offers a bit of everything for viewers.

Below is the full NBA schedule today, including matchups, start times and venues (U.S. local arena time).

Full Game Schedule Tonight

Matchup

Time (ET)

Arena (City)

Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons

19:00

State Farm Arena, Atlanta, GA

Indiana Pacers vs Philadelphia 76ers

19:00

Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Indianapolis, IN

Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets

19:00

United Center, Chicago, IL

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards

19:00

Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, Cleveland, OH

Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies

20:00

Delta Center, Salt Lake City, UT

Brooklyn Nets vs Dallas Mavericks

20:30

Barclays Center, Brooklyn, NY

(Times and venues are based on a typical NBA schedule for these matchups; always check the official NBA site or team pages for last‑minute changes.)

Which Games Tonight Matter Most

The most important game on tonight’s NBA schedule is the Brooklyn Nets vs Dallas Mavericks clash. It brings together one of the league’s most dangerous offensive stars against a Nets team trying to prove it can compete with top contenders at home. For Dallas, every road win in the East is important for playoff seeding in a tight Western Conference race.

Another key game is Pacers vs 76ers. Both teams are usually in the playoff mix, and head‑to‑head results can matter later in tiebreakers. The battle between Indiana’s fast offense and Philadelphia’s more balanced style should set the tone for the rest of their season series.

Cavaliers vs Wizards is also worth watching because Cleveland is aiming to stay near the top of the East, while Washington is focused on developing its young core. A strong showing from the Wizards against a proven playoff team would be a good sign for their rebuild.

Expert Predictions – Who is Favored to Win?

Matchup

Expert pick (winner)

Confidence level*

Hawks vs Pistons

Hawks

Medium–High

Pacers vs 76ers

76ers

Medium

Bulls vs Hornets

Bulls

Medium

Cavaliers vs Wizards

Cavaliers

High

Jazz vs Grizzlies

Grizzlies

Medium

Nets vs Mavericks

Mavericks

Medium–High

*Confidence level is based on recent form, roster strength and typical home/away performance, not betting odds.

Disclaimer: The expert predictions in this table are based on general team form, usual lineups and typical home/away performance at the time of writing. They are opinions only and are not betting advice, gambling recommendations or guarantees of results. Actual game outcomes can be affected by injuries, coaching decisions and many other factors. Always check official NBA sources and use your own judgment before making any betting or fantasy sports decisions.

Predicted Lineups for Every Game

Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons

Atlanta Hawks vs Detroit Pistons

  • Hawks: Trae Young (G), Dejounte Murray (G), De’Andre Hunter (F), Jalen Johnson (F), Clint Capela (C)

  • Pistons: Cade Cunningham (G), Jaden Ivey (G), Ausar Thompson (F), Isaiah Stewart (F), Jalen Duren (C)

Indiana Pacers vs Philadelphia 76ers

Indiana Pacers vs Philadelphia 76ers

  • Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton (G), Andrew Nembhard (G), Bennedict Mathurin (F), Obi Toppin (F), Myles Turner (C)

  • 76ers: Tyrese Maxey (G), De’Anthony Melton (G), Tobias Harris (F), Nicolas Batum (F), Joel Embiid (C)

Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets

Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets

  • Bulls: Coby White (G), Zach LaVine (G), DeMar DeRozan (F), Patrick Williams (F), Nikola VuÄŤević (C)

  • Hornets: LaMelo Ball (G), Terry Rozier (G), Brandon Miller (F), P.J. Washington (F), Mark Williams (C)

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards

Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards

  • Cavaliers: Darius Garland (G), Donovan Mitchell (G), Max Strus (F), Evan Mobley (F), Jarrett Allen (C)

  • Wizards: Tyus Jones (G), Jordan Poole (G), Deni Avdija (F), Kyle Kuzma (F), Daniel Gafford (C)

Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies

Utah Jazz vs Memphis Grizzlies

  • Jazz: Collin Sexton (G), Jordan Clarkson (G), Lauri Markkanen (F), John Collins (F), Walker Kessler (C)

  • Grizzlies: Marcus Smart (G), Desmond Bane (G), Ziaire Williams (F), Jaren Jackson Jr. (F), Xavier Tillman (C)

Brooklyn Nets vs Dallas Mavericks

Brooklyn Nets vs Dallas Mavericks

  • Nets: Spencer Dinwiddie (G), Mikal Bridges (G/F), Cameron Johnson (F), Dorian Finney‑Smith (F), Nic Claxton (C)

  • Mavericks: Luka DonÄŤić (G), Kyrie Irving (G), Josh Green (F), Grant Williams (F), Dwight Powell (C)

Predicted lineups can change close to tip‑off because of coaching decisions or late injury news, so fans should check final reports before the game.

Top Players to Watch Yonight

Luka DonÄŤić – Dallas Mavericks

Luka Dončić – Dallas Mavericks

DonÄŤić is one of the most complete offensive players in the NBA. Last season he averaged around 32 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists per game. When he gets rolling, he can control the entire rhythm of the game. Against the Nets’ smaller backcourt, his size and playmaking could be a major problem.

Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers

Embiid, the reigning scoring champion, has been near 33 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists per game. He lives at the free‑throw line and protects the rim on defense. The matchup with Myles Turner will be key; if Embiid dominates inside, the 76ers should have the edge.

Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers

Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers

Mitchell is a dynamic scorer who averaged about 28 points per game last season. His ability to hit deep threes and attack the basket makes Cleveland’s offense hard to guard. Against a rebuilding Wizards defense, he could put up big numbers.

LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets

LaMelo Ball – Charlotte Hornets

Ball brings flash and creativity at point guard, with averages of roughly 23 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists when healthy. His passing in transition and three‑point shooting will be central if Charlotte wants to steal a road win in Chicago.

Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks

Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks

Young remains one of the league’s top playmakers, posting around 26 points and 10 assists per game. His pick‑and‑roll game with Clint Capela is the Hawks’ main weapon. Against a young Pistons backcourt, Young’s experience and shooting range make Atlanta strong favorites at home.

Where to Watch: NBA Schedule Tonight Live

  • National TV (USA):

    • Some of tonight’s games may air on ESPN, TNT or NBA TV depending on the national broadcast schedule. Fans should check the specific listings for their cable or satellite provider.

  • Streaming options (USA):

    • NBA League Pass: Live and on‑demand out‑of‑market games (blackout rules apply).

    • ESPN app / WatchESPN: For games shown on ESPN.

    • TNT app / Max (with sports add‑on): For games carried by TNT.

    • Team and regional sports network apps: Many RSNs have their own streaming services for in‑market viewers with valid subscriptions.

    • Cord‑cutting services: Platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and Fubo often carry ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and local sports channels depending on your area.

With multiple high‑scoring guards and MVP‑level stars in action, tonight’s NBA schedule gives U.S. fans plenty of reasons to tune in, whether on cable, streaming, or NBA League Pass.

Source(Image / Thumbnail): www.nba.com

FAQ

Tonight’s NBA schedule includes Hawks vs Pistons, Pacers vs 76ers, Bulls vs Hornets, Cavaliers vs Wizards, Jazz vs Grizzlies, and Nets vs Mavericks.

Most games tip off at 7:00 PM ET, with Jazz vs Grizzlies at 8:00 PM ET and Nets vs Mavericks at 8:30 PM ET. Always check the official NBA schedule for any last‑minute changes.

Fans can watch on national channels like ESPN, TNT or NBA TV (if scheduled), on regional sports networks such as Bally Sports, NBC Sports, YES Network, and via streaming services like NBA League Pass, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV and Fubo.

The Nets vs Mavericks matchup stands out because it features superstar Luka Dončić on the road against a Nets team trying to prove it can beat top Western Conference opponents.

Big names to watch include Luka Dončić (Mavericks), Joel Embiid (76ers), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), LaMelo Ball (Hornets) and Trae Young (Hawks), all of whom can put up high points and change a game on their own.

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