NBA on MLK Day 2027: Schedule, Tip Times and How to Watch on DIRECTV
The NBA's 41st MLK Day celebration is on Monday, January 18, 2027. For the second year running, NBC Sports has a quadrupleheader: three games on NBC and Peacock starting at noon ET, then a Peacock exclusive at night. On DIRECTV, the NBC games are on your local NBC station.
MLK Day 2027 NBA schedule on NBC and Peacock
| Tip-off (ET) | Game | TV and streaming | On DIRECTV |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 p.m. | Detroit Pistons at Cleveland Cavaliers | NBC, Peacock | Local NBC station |
| 2:30 p.m. | Philadelphia 76ers at Atlanta Hawks | NBC, Peacock | Local NBC station |
| 5 p.m. | Minnesota Timberwolves at New York Knicks | NBC, Peacock | Local NBC station |
| 7:30 p.m. | Houston Rockets at Memphis Grizzlies | Peacock, NBCSN | Peacock app |
NBC Sports says all four games air nationally. Atlanta, Dr. King's hometown, hosted the first NBA MLK Day game in 1986. Memphis hosts an MLK Day game for the 24th time. Other teams also play on January 18 on local and regional channels. We'll add those once the TV listings are final.
How to watch on DIRECTV
- First three games: your local NBC station, included with DIRECTV packages that carry local channels where available.
- Rockets at Grizzlies: on Peacock and NBCSN. NBCSN isn't part of DIRECTV's lineup, so use the Peacock app, which runs on DIRECTV Gemini devices with a Peacock subscription.
Peacock Premium is $12.99 a month and Premium Plus is $19.99 a month, at current list prices. Not sure you get NBC? Call 1-855-690-9884.
The next day: Coast 2 Coast Tuesday
| Date | Tip-off (ET) | Game | TV and streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue., Jan. 19 | 8 p.m. | Hornets at Mavericks | NBC, Peacock |
| Tue., Jan. 19 | 10 p.m. | Jazz at Nuggets | NBC, Peacock |
For the full NBC and Peacock season schedule, see the NBA on Peacock in 2026-27. Last year's slate is in our earlier MLK Day guide.
Frequently asked questions
What NBA games are on MLK Day 2027?
On Monday, Jan. 18, 2027: Pistons at Cavaliers (12 p.m. ET), 76ers at Hawks (2:30 p.m.), Timberwolves at Knicks (5 p.m.) on NBC and Peacock, and Rockets at Grizzlies (7:30 p.m.) on Peacock and NBCSN.
What channel is the NBA on MLK Day on DIRECTV?
The first three games are on your local NBC station. The Rockets-Grizzlies game streams on Peacock, because NBCSN isn't on DIRECTV.
Do I need Peacock for MLK Day games?
Only for the 7:30 p.m. ET Rockets-Grizzlies game. The three NBC games air on your local NBC station.
Questions about channels on your DIRECTV plan? Call 1-855-690-9884.
Details reviewed October 20, 2026. Tip times, matchups and TV assignments are set by the NBA and NBC Sports and may change. Peacock prices are set by Peacock and may change. NBA, NBC, Peacock, NBCSN, Telemundo, DIRECTV and related marks belong to their respective owners. Local channel availability, channel numbers, packages and prices vary by address and are subject to change. American TV is an independent dealer and resource site.