How to Watch 76ers vs. Hornets on DIRECTV: Tip-Off Time, NBA TV Channel and Streaming
The Philadelphia 76ers visit the Charlotte Hornets on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 6 p.m. ET at Spectrum Center, and the game airs nationally on NBA TV, DIRECTV channel 216.
NBA TV comes with DIRECTV CHOICE and higher packages, so most DIRECTV customers can turn to 216 at tip-off. Fans in the Philadelphia area also get the 76ers' local broadcast, and the Hornets' broadcast airs free over the air in Charlotte and on partner stations across the Carolinas. Here's every way to watch and what to know before the game.
76ers vs. Hornets: quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Date | Saturday, October 31, 2026 |
| Tip-off | 6 p.m. ET |
| National TV | NBA TV |
| DIRECTV channel | NBA TV, channel 216 (CHOICE and higher) |
| Local TV | NBC Sports Philadelphia (76ers); TV64 in Charlotte plus partner stations in the Carolinas (Hornets) |
| Arena | Spectrum Center, Charlotte |
| Game type | Regular season; first game of NBA TV's Saturday doubleheader |
What channel is 76ers vs. Hornets on DIRECTV?
76ers-Hornets is on NBA TV, channel 216, everywhere in the country. NBA TV is included with DIRECTV CHOICE, ULTIMATE and PREMIER, and with the MySports Genre Pack. It isn't part of ENTERTAINMENT, so customers on that package won't see the game on 216 unless they upgrade.
Here's how to tune in:
- On DIRECTV satellite or DIRECTV via internet: press Guide and go to channel 216, or search "76ers" or "Hornets" on game night.
- On a DIRECTV Gemini device: NBA TV is in the live guide on 216 with any package that includes it.
- On the go: sign in to the DIRECTV app on a phone or tablet to stream NBA TV where your package allows it.
NBA TV's Saturday doubleheader continues at 8:30 p.m. ET with Thunder at Rockets on the same channel.
Is 76ers vs. Hornets on NBC Sports Philadelphia or TV64?
Yes, in each team's home market. NBC Sports Philadelphia carries the 76ers' broadcast, and it comes with DIRECTV CHOICE and higher where DIRECTV carries it in your ZIP code. In the Philadelphia area, NBC Sports Philadelphia also streams through Peacock with its own add-on.
The Hornets' broadcast is on TV64 in Charlotte, with partner stations carrying it elsewhere in North Carolina and South Carolina, including Palmetto Sports & Entertainment Network stations and MyNet stations. Those are free local stations, so they come with DIRECTV packages that include local channels where those stations are carried. In the Carolinas, DAZN streams the Hornets' local broadcast with its own subscription. Outside those areas, NBA TV on 216 is the way to watch.
Can I watch 76ers vs. Hornets on NBA League Pass?
League Pass is built for out-of-market local games, so it's a good add-on for 76ers or Hornets fans who live outside their team's region on nights without national TV. For this game, NBA TV on channel 216 is the simplest way to watch on DIRECTV. If you want a team broadcast through League Pass, check the game page in the NBA app on game day. See our NBA League Pass plans and prices guide for tiers.
76ers vs. Hornets: where to watch at a glance
| Option | How it works with DIRECTV | Carries this game? |
|---|---|---|
| NBA TV (216) | DIRECTV channel, CHOICE and higher plus MySports | Yes, nationally |
| NBC Sports Philadelphia | Regional sports network, CHOICE and higher where carried | Yes, 76ers' home market |
| TV64 and Carolinas partner stations | Free local stations, on DIRECTV local channels where carried | Yes, Hornets' home market |
| DAZN and Peacock add-on | Separate streaming subscriptions | Yes, each team's region only |
| ESPN (206), local NBC, Peacock app, Prime Video | DIRECTV channels or streaming apps | No national telecast |
What to know before tip-off
- A back-to-back for Philadelphia: the 76ers host the Knicks in an Emirates NBA Cup game on Prime Video on Friday, Oct. 30, then fly to Charlotte for this one. The Hornets play at Washington on Friday.
- An early start: the 6 p.m. tip leaves time for Halloween plans, and the second game of the doubleheader follows on 216.
- Check availability on game day: injury reports come out the afternoon before and the day of the game.
76ers and Hornets on national TV: opening weeks
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | National TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue., Oct. 20 | 76ers at Knicks (final: 76ers 106, Knicks 100) | 7 p.m. | NBC and Peacock |
| Thu., Oct. 22 | Cavaliers at 76ers (final: 76ers 114, Cavaliers 106) | 7 p.m. | ESPN (206) |
| Sat., Oct. 24 | Bucks at 76ers | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV (216) |
| Wed., Oct. 28 | 76ers at Pacers | 7 p.m. | ESPN (206) |
| Fri., Oct. 30 | Knicks at 76ers (Emirates NBA Cup) | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video (app) |
| Sat., Oct. 31 | 76ers at Hornets | 6 p.m. | NBA TV (216) |
Prime Video games stream in that app, which needs its own Amazon subscription and runs on DIRECTV Gemini devices. Team-by-team local channels, League Pass details and the full national schedule are in our guide to watching the NBA on DIRECTV.
Which DIRECTV package is best for 76ers and Hornets fans?
- ENTERTAINMENT: includes ESPN (206) and ESPN2 (209) for national ESPN games, plus local channels where available, including the Hornets' broadcast stations in the Carolinas. It doesn't include NBA TV.
- CHOICE: adds NBA TV (216) for games like this one, plus regional sports networks like NBC Sports Philadelphia where DIRECTV carries them.
- MySports Genre Pack: a sports-focused streaming option with ESPN, NBA TV and local channels where available.
Need NBA TV before Halloween? Check DIRECTV options at your address or call 1-855-690-9884.
Frequently asked questions
What time is 76ers vs. Hornets on October 31?
Tip-off is 6 p.m. ET on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Spectrum Center in Charlotte.
What channel is 76ers vs. Hornets on DIRECTV?
NBA TV, channel 216, which comes with DIRECTV CHOICE and higher packages and with MySports. In the Philadelphia area it's also on NBC Sports Philadelphia, and in Charlotte it's on TV64.
Is 76ers vs. Hornets on ESPN?
No. It's an NBA TV game. The 76ers' ESPN games in the first two weeks are Cavaliers at 76ers on Thursday, Oct. 22, and 76ers at Pacers on Wednesday, Oct. 28, both on channel 206.
Can I watch 76ers vs. Hornets for free over the air?
In the Hornets' home market, yes. The Hornets' broadcast is on TV64 in Charlotte and on partner stations in the Carolinas. Everywhere else, watch on NBA TV, channel 216.
Questions about getting NBA TV or your team's network on DIRECTV? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 26, 2026. Tip times, TV assignments and broadcast plans are set by the NBA, its teams and their TV partners and may change. Player availability is often announced close to tip-off. Local channel availability, channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. NBA, NBA TV, NBA League Pass, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, Prime Video, DAZN, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.