NBA Schedule Tonight: Best Games to Watch in March 2026
March is when the NBA season gets serious. Playoff positioning is on the line, and every game matters. Here are the best games to watch this week and why they matter.
Game of the week: Thunder vs Celtics
This is a potential NBA Finals preview. The Thunder have the best record in the West, the Celtics have the best record in the East. SGA vs Tatum is a matchup of the two leading MVP candidates. Both teams play elite defense, so expect a lower-scoring, intense game. This is appointment television.
Must-watch: Nuggets vs Timberwolves
A rematch of last year's Western Conference semifinal. Jokic vs Gobert is the best big-man matchup in the NBA. Edwards will try to attack Denver's defense, while Murray will look to exploit Minnesota's perimeter. This game has massive seeding implications — the loser could drop from 2nd to 4th in the West.
Sleeper pick: Cavaliers vs Knicks
Two physical, defensive-minded teams that do not like each other. Mitchell vs Brunson is a fun guard matchup, and the frontcourt battle between Mobley/Allen and the Knicks' bigs will be a war. This game will be decided in the paint and at the free-throw line.
Play-in implications: Lakers vs Warriors
Both teams are fighting for play-in positioning. LeBron vs Curry might be the last time we see these two legends face off in a meaningful game. The atmosphere at Chase Center will be electric. Even if the stakes are not championship-level, the star power makes this a must-watch.
How to watch
Most marquee games air on ESPN, TNT (Amazon Prime Video), or NBC Sports. Check your local listings for tip-off times. The NBA app provides real-time scores and highlights for games you cannot watch live.