NBA Week 1 Schedule: Top Basketball Games to Watch on Friday, October 23, 2026
Welcome to AmeriDaily, your destination for basketball news, game schedules, and sports updates. The NBA action continues with an exciting lineup of matchups scheduled for Friday, October 23, 2026. Basketball fans can look forward to a busy night featuring several well-known teams, including the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and Los Angeles Lakers.
If you are searching for the NBA Week 1 schedule, NBA games today, Friday NBA matchups, or NBA game times in GMT/UTC, this guide brings the supplied schedule together in one convenient place. You can check the listed matchups, review their scheduled start times, and explore the sports networks and streaming services that may carry NBA coverage in your region.
With multiple games scheduled throughout the evening and into the early hours of Saturday, fans should pay attention to the date when checking tip-off times. Some games listed after midnight UTC take place on Saturday, October 24, even though they are part of the same basketball viewing night for many fans.
NBA Games Today: Friday, October 23, 2026
The schedule features 11 matchups involving teams from across the league. The evening begins with games scheduled for 11:00 PM UTC, followed by additional matchups after midnight. The later part of the schedule includes several games featuring teams with large fan bases, including the Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, and both Los Angeles teams.
Whether you follow a particular franchise or simply enjoy watching NBA basketball, reviewing the schedule in advance can help you plan your viewing time. Check the table below for the listed matchups and their scheduled start times.
Complete NBA Week 1 Schedule and GMT/UTC Start Times
The following table organizes the 11 matchups supplied for this article. All times are listed in GMT/UTC. Games scheduled after midnight are shown under Saturday, October 24, 2026.
| Matchup | Time (GMT/UTC) | Week |
|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics | 11:00 PM, Friday, October 23 | Week 1 |
| Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets | 11:00 PM, Friday, October 23 | Week 1 |
| Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers | 11:00 PM, Friday, October 23 | Week 1 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic | 11:00 PM, Friday, October 23 | Week 1 |
| Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards | 11:00 PM, Friday, October 23 | Week 1 |
| Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat | 12:00 AM, Saturday, October 24 | Week 1 |
| Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs | 1:30 AM, Saturday, October 24 | Week 1 |
| New Orleans Pelicans vs. Utah Jazz | 1:30 AM, Saturday, October 24 | Week 1 |
| Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors | 2:00 AM, Saturday, October 24 | Week 1 |
| LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers | 2:00 AM, Saturday, October 24 | Week 1 |
| Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sacramento Kings | 2:00 AM, Saturday, October 24 | Week 1 |
Time zone reminder: The times above follow the supplied schedule and use GMT/UTC. Local start times may differ depending on your country and time zone. Confirm the official NBA schedule before publishing to ensure the dates and tip-off times are correct.
Games to Keep an Eye On
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics
The Knicks and Celtics headline the opening group of games in this schedule. Both teams have established followings, making this matchup one that basketball fans may want to add to their viewing plans. Fans should check the latest team news, confirmed lineups, and official game information before tip-off for the most useful pregame context.
Atlanta Hawks vs. Charlotte Hornets
The Atlanta Hawks face the Charlotte Hornets in another matchup listed for 11:00 PM UTC. Supporters of both teams can use the scheduled start time to plan their evening. Checking the teams' latest results and availability reports can provide additional context ahead of the game.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Indiana Pacers
The Dallas Mavericks meet the Indiana Pacers in a matchup that adds to the busy early portion of the schedule. Fans looking for updates should consult official team channels and the NBA's game information for confirmed lineups, injury reports, and any schedule changes.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Orlando Magic
The Minnesota Timberwolves and Orlando Magic are also listed for an 11:00 PM UTC start. Fans following either franchise can check the official schedule and recent team performances to prepare for the matchup.
Toronto Raptors vs. Washington Wizards
The Toronto Raptors take on the Washington Wizards in the final matchup listed at 11:00 PM UTC. As with the other games, the confirmed tip-off time and available viewing options should be checked through official sources closer to game time.
Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat
The Detroit Pistons and Miami Heat are scheduled for 12:00 AM UTC on Saturday, October 24. Because this game begins after midnight UTC, viewers should make sure their calendar or streaming guide displays the correct date.
Houston Rockets vs. San Antonio Spurs
The Houston Rockets face the San Antonio Spurs at 1:30 AM UTC on Saturday. Fans interested in this matchup should check official team updates for current roster news and any changes to the scheduled start time.
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Utah Jazz
The New Orleans Pelicans and Utah Jazz are listed for the same 1:30 AM UTC start time. Viewers may want to check their preferred broadcaster's schedule in advance, particularly if several games are available at the same time.
Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors
The Memphis Grizzlies meet the Golden State Warriors at 2:00 AM UTC on Saturday. Golden State has a substantial national and international following, and fans of both teams can check the official NBA schedule for broadcast information and any last-minute updates.
LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The schedule also includes a Los Angeles matchup between the LA Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers. With both teams representing the same city, this game may attract attention from fans following basketball in Southern California and across the NBA. Confirm the official listing before publishing or making viewing plans.
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Sacramento Kings
The Portland Trail Blazers face the Sacramento Kings in the final matchup listed in this schedule, with a start time of 2:00 AM UTC on Saturday. Fans can consult official team and league updates for confirmed game details and viewing options.
Where to Watch NBA Games
NBA games may be available through different television networks and streaming platforms depending on the country, the broadcast rights, and the individual matchup. The following services and channels were included in the supplied broadcast list:
- Disney platforms, including ESPN and ABC where available
- NBC and Peacock
- Amazon Prime Video
- beIN SPORTS
- NBA TV
- Sky Sports
- Sport TV
- ESPN 1
- Sport Klub
Important broadcasting information: This list is not a confirmation that every service will carry every game in the schedule. Broadcast rights vary by country, and some platforms may require a subscription or may not be available in your location. Check the official NBA website, the broadcaster's schedule, or your local TV guide to confirm where each matchup will be shown.
How to Check NBA Start Times in Your Country
If you are watching from outside the United States, converting GMT/UTC into your local time can help you avoid missing the start of a game. Remember that the games listed at 12:00 AM, 1:30 AM, and 2:00 AM UTC fall on Saturday, October 24, rather than Friday, October 23, in UTC.
For the most reliable information, compare the listed start time with the official NBA game page and your local broadcaster's schedule. Tip-off times can occasionally change, and regional coverage may differ from the national broadcast schedule.
Final Thoughts
The supplied NBA Week 1 schedule for Friday, October 23, 2026, features 11 matchups, beginning with five games listed at 11:00 PM UTC and continuing into Saturday morning. The lineup includes the New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Dallas Mavericks, Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, San Antonio Spurs, Golden State Warriors, LA Clippers, and Los Angeles Lakers, among other teams.
Use the table in this guide to review the listed matchups and start times, then check official NBA sources for schedule confirmation, lineups, and broadcast availability in your region. For more basketball schedules and sports updates, keep following AmeriDaily.