You know, as a lifelong NBA fan, I’ve had mornings where I wake up wondering, “Wait, which NBA games are happening today?” It’s a simple question, but the answer can shape your whole day—especially if you’re like me and plan your schedule around tip-off times. Today, I want to walk you through not just how to find out which matchups are on the schedule, but also the best ways to watch them live, whether you’re at home or on the go. And I’ll be honest—I’ve got my own preferences here. I’m a huge Golden State Warriors fan, so if they’re playing, you better believe I’m clearing my evening.

Let’s start with the basics. Figuring out which NBA games are happening today is easier than ever, thanks to a mix of official sources, apps, and good old-fashioned sports news sites. Personally, I rely heavily on the NBA’s official website and their mobile app—both are updated in real time and include everything from start times to injury reports. For example, just this morning I checked and saw there are 5 games scheduled today, including a prime-time showdown between the Lakers and the Celtics at 8:00 PM ET. That’s one I won’t miss. Other great options include ESPN’s schedule page or even setting up Google alerts for your favorite teams. It takes maybe two minutes to get the full lowdown.

Now, once you know what’s on, the next step is figuring out how to watch live. This is where things can get a little tricky, depending on where you live and what streaming services you use. I’ve been through the wringer with blackout restrictions and subscription fatigue, so let me save you some trouble. In the U.S., national broadcasts are mostly split between ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV. If you’re like me and cut the cord years ago, services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV carry most of these channels. I’m subscribed to YouTube TV myself—it runs me about $64.99 per month, and I can watch on pretty much any device. For out-of-market games, NBA League Pass is a godsend. I splurge on the premium version, which is around $249.99 per year, and it’s worth every penny if you follow a specific team or just love basketball in general.

But here’s the thing—watching NBA games live isn’t just about access; it’s about the experience. I remember a friend once told me, “Kung ano yung desisyon ko, dapat i-respect niyo kasi nire-respect ko rin yung sa kanila.” Roughly, that means, “Whatever my decision is, you should respect it because I respect yours, too.” I think about that a lot when it comes to how people choose to watch sports. Some prefer crowded sports bars, others like quiet streams at home—and honestly, both are valid. Personally, I love hosting small watch parties. There’s something special about sharing the tension of a close game with friends, especially during the playoffs. Last season, I had about 8 people over for Game 7 of the Finals, and we all lost our minds when that last three-pointer sank. Moments like that? You can’t put a price on them.

Of course, not every game is a nail-biter, and not every viewing method is perfect. I’ve had my share of frustrations with streaming delays—sometimes my app is a full 30 seconds behind the live broadcast, which means I get spoilers from Twitter notifications. Drives me crazy. And don’t get me started on blackout rules. If you’re in a team’s local market, you often can’t watch their games on League Pass, which feels downright unfair. I get why the leagues do it, but as a fan, it’s annoying. That’s why I always recommend checking local channels or regional sports networks like NBC Sports if you’re in, say, the Bay Area like me.

When it comes to devices, I’ve tried them all. Smart TVs, gaming consoles, tablets—you name it. My go-to is my Apple TV because the interface is smooth, and the picture quality is consistently sharp. But if I’m traveling, I’ll stream on my iPad or even my phone using the NBA app. Just make sure you have a solid internet connection; I learned that the hard way during a hotel stay last year when my stream buffered right at clutch time. Never again. Now I always have a backup plan, like using my phone’s hotspot.

At the end of the day, finding out which NBA games are happening today and watching them live is all about staying connected to the sport we love. It’s a ritual. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard like me, there’s a joy in knowing you won’t miss that game-winning shot or that breakout performance from a rookie. And with the tools available now, it’s never been easier. So go ahead, check the schedule, pick your platform, and enjoy the show. Me? I’ll be on my couch, remote in hand, ready for whatever tonight’s slate brings.