Following the conclusion of the NFL season, NBC is bringing back "Sunday Night Basketball" after a 25-year absence, dedicating eight weeks to NBA action leading up to the playoffs. This revival includes a star-studded pregame show with WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark joining analysts Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady.
The inaugural event on February 1 will showcase a thrilling doubleheader. The first game pits the Los Angeles Lakers against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Both teams are looking to establish consistency this season. The Lakers, despite having star players like LeBron James and Luka Doncic, have struggled with injuries and inconsistent scoring, leading to a disappointing performance in the Western Conference. Similarly, the Knicks have experienced a mixed season, losing several games in the new year and reportedly facing internal issues with their coaching staff under new head coach Mike Brown.
The second game of the evening features a Western Conference showdown between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. The Thunder currently boast the best record in the NBA, though recent losses to lower-ranked teams raise concerns about their focus. In contrast, the Nuggets are thriving despite the absence of their superstar Nikola Jokic due to a knee injury, with Jamal Murray stepping up to lead the team to the third seed in the West. Notably, the Nuggets pushed the Thunder to seven games in last season's playoffs, making them a formidable opponent.
Both games will be broadcast on NBC and can be streamed live on Peacock. For those without cable, various live TV streaming services including DirecTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV offer access to NBC's coverage, providing multiple options for fans to catch all the basketball excitement.
The return of "Sunday Night Basketball" promises an exciting series of games as the NBA season progresses toward the playoffs. With engaging matchups and expert commentary, fans have ample opportunities to follow their favorite teams and players through various streaming platforms and traditional broadcasts.