The National Basketball Association (NBA) resumes regular-season action on Friday, December 26, offering fans a packed night of basketball following the Christmas Day showcase. With multiple matchups spread across time zones, viewers have several options to catch games live through national broadcasters and streaming platforms. From early Eastern Conference clashes to late-night West Coast action, the NBA ensures wall-to-wall coverage for fans settling back into the season’s rhythm.
Early Evening Matchups Set the Tone
The action begins in the early evening with a cluster of games tipping off around 7:00 p.m. ET. Eastern Conference rivals take centre stage as teams look to build momentum during the heart of the regular season. These contests, available primarily through league and regional broadcasts, provide fans with competitive matchups featuring developing young cores and established stars.
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Shortly after, another matchup joins the slate around 7:30 p.m. ET, continuing the early run of games and giving viewers multiple screens’ worth of basketball to follow simultaneously.
Prime-Time Games Take Centre Stage
The spotlight shifts during prime time, beginning around 8:00 p.m. ET, when nationally streamed games headline the schedule. These matchups are part of the league’s expanded digital coverage strategy, with select games available on major streaming platforms in addition to traditional broadcasts.
Prime-time games often feature playoff-calibre teams or high-profile players, making them must-watch fixtures for neutral fans and dedicated supporters alike.
Mostly basketball continues into the late hours with games tipping off at 9:30 p.m. ET and later. These West Coast matchups provide a fitting close to the day’s schedule, appealing especially to night owls and international audiences. The late games maintain the NBA’s trademark pace and intensity, ensuring the action does not slow down.
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How Fans Can Watch
Throughout the evening, games are distributed across NBA League Pass, regional sports networks, and select national streaming partners. This mixed broadcast model allows fans flexibility in how they watch, whether following one team closely or tracking the entire league.
