Unlike in the United States, NBA fans in India can't unwind at the end of the day by watching competitive live-action from the best basketball league in the world.
With the time difference, nearly every NBA game is played while Indians are switching off their alarms and getting ready for the working day ahead. The only opportunity that they get to watch live rivetting NBA action with their feet up is over the weekend.
This Saturday provides just that with superstars like the reigning MVP Nikola Jokic and Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo taking the floor in Denver and Milwaukee respectively. Meanwhile, the LeBron James-led Lakers begin a road trip in Orlando and the Trae Young-led Hawks host the Heat.
For more on Saturday's games, here's a preview with all you need to know from the schedule, biggest storylines and how to watch these games.
NBA schedule on Saturday, Jan. 22
- Thunder (14-30) at Hornets (25-20) - 5:30 a.m
- Lakers (22-23) at Magic (8-38) - 5:30 a.m
- Clippers (22-24) at 76ers (26-18) - 5:30 a.m
- Heat (29-16) at Hawks (19-25) - 6:00 a.m
- Trail Blazers (18-26) at Celtics (23-23) - 6:00 a.m
- Raptors (21-21) at Wizards (23-22) - 6:30 a.m
- Bulls (28-15) at Bucks (28-19) - 6:30 a.m
- Nets (28-16) at Spurs (17-28) - 7:00 a.m
- Grizzlies (31-16) at Nuggets (23-20) - 7:30 a.m
- Pistons (11-33) at Jazz (29-16) - 7:30 a.m
- Rockets (14-32) at Warriors (32-13) - 8:30 a.m
(All times IST - Indian Standard Time)
Games, storylines to watch
Lakers begin road trip in Orlando - NBA League Pass
If there wasn't enough trouble in Laker land, the team faces more adversity as they begin a six-game, eight-day Eastern Conference road trip in Orlando on Saturday.
There was a lot of talk over the benching of Russell Westbrook over the final minutes of the team's previous game against the Pacers at home but Vogel, who is reportedly on the hot seat, made the intentions quite clear.
As per reports, Anthony Davis could make his return sometime during this road trip. So, integrating him back will just add to the list of issues the Lakers have to overcome.
They should be able to comfortably win against the 8-38 Magic but face tough tests in Miami, Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Atlanta.
Can Jazz snap skid? - NBA League Pass
By the record, the Jazz are still among the league's best teams but they've suffered a horrific slump over the past couple of weeks.
Utah has lost six of their last seven and after this game against the Pistons, which they should win, the schedule doesn't get any easier with games against Golden State, Phoenix (2) and Memphis.
Now, part of the slump has got to do with a few of their players entering the league's health and safety protocols but the team has welcomed back. So, it's time to turn things around and they could use this Detroit game as a launchpad.
Champs host depleted Bulls - NBA League Pass
The Bucks have quietly kept themselves at the top of the Eastern Conference, despite not having their Big 3 together for a majority of their games. However, in the 20 games that their Big 3 have played, they have an amazing 17-3 record.
Their home matchup against the Bulls could easily be a preview of the Conference Finals in the playoffs, however, it remains to be seen how much of a contest the Bulls will put up given that they would be missing key starters in Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine.
How to watch live NBA games
Prior to Dec. 2, 2021, the only means to watch live NBA games on demand was by getting an NBA League Pass subscription.
NBA League Pass: Sign up to unlock live out-of-market games (7-day free trial)
However, just over a month into the 2021-22 NBA season, it was announced that live games will return to television sets and streaming platforms in India.
Following the NBA's new multiyear partnership with Viacom18, live NBA games return to the television screens in India.
The NBA and Viacom18 announce a multiyear broadcast and streaming partnership in India. 🏀 x 📺
— NBAIndia (@NBAIndia) December 3, 2021
You can now watch NBA games live on @MTVIndia, @Vh1India, @justvoot, and @OfficialJioTV#NBA75 #NBAonMTV #NBAonVoot #NBAonVh1 #NBAonJioTV pic.twitter.com/c3WCjsWukW
Live NBA games can now be watched on television on Vh1 and MTV, while they can be streamed on digital platforms like VOOT and Jio TV.
Stay tuned for the release of the broadcast schedule of NBA games on MTV or Vh1.
Live NBA games can also be watched on-demand on your favourite device - mobile, tablet or desktop - with NBA League Pass. There are two choices while picking up a subscription - annual and eight-game.
The annual package presents every game for every team live and on-demand for a yearly subscription fee of 1500/- rupees. On the other hand, the eight-game package allows fans to choose any eight games to watch each month for 799/- rupees.
Since the NBA's five-year broadcast deal with Sony Pictures Networks (SPN) expired after the conclusion of the 2020 NBA Finals, NBA League Pass has become the one-stop-shop for NBA fans in India.
MORE: TV schedule for live 2021-22 games in India
NBA games made a brief return to television when Star Sports bagged the rights, however, this deal was only for the 2021 NBA Playoffs and the 2021 NBA Finals.
Nevertheless, NBA games should be back on television sets soon. Until then, stay tuned to this page for the latest updates on any and all broadcast-related information regarding live NBA games in India.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its clubs.
