At a Glance
- Four games will air back-to-back on Monday, Jan. 19, the league’s first-ever Martin Luther King Jr. Day quadruple-header on NBC platforms
- Six Eastern Conference teams and two Western Conference teams tip off from 1 p.m. ET to 8 p.m. ET
- Peacock streams every contest; NBC also carries three of the four
- Why it matters: Fans can watch elite matchups-including reigning champion Oklahoma City Thunder-without cable all day
The NBA’s return to NBC this season reaches a new milestone with the league’s first Martin Luther King Jr. Day quadruple-header. News Of Fort Worth confirmed that Monday, Jan. 19, will feature four consecutive games beginning at 1 p.m. ET and ending with an 8 p.m. ET tip-off.
Full-day lineup
Eastern Conference teams dominate the schedule, claiming six of the eight spots. The Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks will each take the floor. The Western Conference sends the Oklahoma City Thunder and Dallas Mavericks.
Game-by-game schedule
| Matchup | Tip Time (ET/PT) | Broadcast |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Bucks at Atlanta Hawks | 1:00 p.m. / 10:00 a.m. | Peacock exclusive |
| Oklahoma City Thunder at Cleveland Cavaliers | 2:30 p.m. / 11:30 a.m. | NBC and Peacock |
| Dallas Mavericks at New York Knicks | 5:00 p.m. / 2:00 p.m. | NBC and Peacock |
| Boston Celtics at Detroit Pistons | 8:00 p.m. / 5:00 p.m. | NBC and Peacock |
How to watch
- Cable subscribers can watch three games on NBC; the Hawks-Bucks matchup streams only on Peacock
- Cord-cutters can stream every game live on Peacock without a cable login
- All tip times are fixed; no overlapping action means viewers can catch every minute
Context for the day
The NBA has honored Dr. King’s legacy for decades, but 2025 marks the first time NBC will air a full quadruple-header on the federal holiday. Ryan J. Thompson noted the network’s expanded commitment after re-acquiring rights this season. The eight-hour window gives fans rare daylight hoops followed by a primetime finale.
Teams to watch
- Oklahoma City Thunder: Reigning champions visit a Cavaliers squad pushing for East seeding
- Boston Celtics: League-best record enters Detroit for the nightcap
- New York Knicks: Host Luka Dončić and the Mavericks in the marquee late-afternoon slot
Broadcast notes
- Peacock will carry exclusive pre-game segments for each matchup
- NBC‘s linear coverage begins with the Thunder-Cavaliers contest
- Local blackouts do not apply; all U.S. viewers can stream on Peacock
Key takeaways
- Four games, one platform: Every contest is available on Peacock, making access simpler than typical split-rights days
- East-heavy slate: Only two West teams travel, giving Eastern Conference fans multiple rooting interests
- Historic first: NBC’s initial MLK Day quadruple-header adds a new tradition to the network’s revived NBA package
- No extra cost: Peacock subscribers watch every game without pay-per-view fees
Bottom line: Settle in for basketball from lunchtime to primetime on Monday, Jan. 19, with all games live on Peacock and three also on NBC.
