# Best NBA games on Friday, October 16, 2026

Friday, October 16, 2026 · 12 games · times ET

Every game is scored 0–100 for how worth watching it is: stakes, star matchups, form, rest and travel. How we score: https://hoopsmenu.com/how-we-score

## Boston Celtics at Philadelphia 76ers

Final/OT BOS 125, PHI 120 · NBA TV · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600018)

Playoff bad blood lingers as the Celtics bring a three-game run into a Sixers team dropping two straight.

## Miami Heat at Orlando Magic

Final MIA 115, ORL 136 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600021)

Florida bragging rights as the Heat visit the Magic to open the season.

## Toronto Raptors at Detroit Pistons

Final TOR 125, DET 129 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600056)

Two East bottom-feeders open the slate, both looking to prove last year's finish was a fluke.

## Milwaukee Bucks at Indiana Pacers

Final/OT MIL 128, IND 127 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600057)

Two teams limping in on two-game skids, both itching to stop the bleeding.

## Atlanta Hawks at Dallas Mavericks

Final ATL 135, DAL 111 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600008)

Two conference frontrunners meet early, with the Hawks riding a three-game heater into Dallas.

## Minnesota Timberwolves at Chicago Bulls

Final MIN 116, CHI 133 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600058)

Wolves hit Chicago to kick things off, with Edwards giving the Bulls an early test.

## Charlotte Hornets at Memphis Grizzlies

Final CHA 98, MEM 117 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600059)

Clean slate night as the Hornets and Grizzlies both tip off their season at square one.

## Washington Wizards at New Orleans Pelicans

Final WAS 106, NOP 107 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600060)

Two rebuilds feeling each other out on opening night, nothing to lose for either side.

## Sacramento Kings at San Antonio Spurs

Final SAC 97, SAS 126 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600061)

Kings bringing a four-game skid into San Antonio looking to right the ship.

## Portland Trail Blazers at Golden State Warriors

Final POR 118, GSW 128 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600019)

Blazers riding a three-game run into Golden State, where the Warriors have won two straight.

## Utah Jazz at Phoenix Suns

Final UTA 119, PHX 116 · Local TV · League Pass · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600062)

Clean slate opener for the Jazz and Suns, both chasing early footing out West.

## Denver Nuggets at Los Angeles Lakers

Final DEN 121, LAL 106 · ESPN · [details](https://hoopsmenu.com/games/0012600063)

Jokic and the Nuggets open the season in LA with primetime eyes on them.

Previous night: [Thu, Oct 15](https://hoopsmenu.com/nba/tonight/2026-10-15) · Next night: [Tue, Oct 20](https://hoopsmenu.com/nba/tonight/2026-10-20)

This week's top games: https://hoopsmenu.com/nba/top-games · Tonight: https://hoopsmenu.com/nba/tonight

_Updated Tue, Nov 10, 10:29 AM EST._

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Source: https://hoopsmenu.com/nba/tonight/2026-10-16 · Hoops Menu (https://hoopsmenu.com)