NBA Video games January 18 2026
Grizzlies followers obtained their star again, Rockets followers watched historical past, and Lakers followers noticed the brand new tremendous duo flex. It was a kind of nights the place each sport had a hook.
NBA’s Wild Sunday: Comebacks, Profession Milestones and Blowouts
Fast story: had League Cross on one display screen and precise work on the opposite…solely the work tab didn’t stand an opportunity as soon as Ja and Jabari began cooking. Should you missed any of it, right here’s the total slate in plain English, sport by sport.
The primary regular-season sport in London since 2019 was a Ja Morant showcase. He dropped 24 factors and 13 assists in his return from a calf damage, setting the tone as Memphis smashed Orlando 126–109.
Memphis exploded for 40 within the first quarter and led by as many as 33 earlier than easing off late. Orlando obtained 19 from Anthony Black and 16–9–8 from Paolo Banchero, however the gradual begin buried any comeback goals.
Bulls Torch Nets Behind Coby White’s Sizzling Hand
Chicago dealt with Brooklyn 124–102 in a sport that felt lopsided from the opening body. Coby White led the Bulls with 24 factors, whereas Nikola Vucevic and rookie Matas Buzelis every chipped in 17.
Brooklyn by no means actually discovered a rhythm and has now dropped 9 of its final eleven. Nolan Traore’s 16 factors have been a brilliant spot, however the Nets spent many of the evening chasing double-digit deficits.
Jabari Smith Jr. Goes Off As Rockets Beat Pelicans, Durant Makes Historical past
Houston’s 119–110 win over New Orleans got here with two massive headlines. Jabari Smith Jr. poured in a season‑excessive 32 factors with seven made threes, and Kevin Durant moved into sixth on the NBA’s all‑time scoring checklist with 18 factors.
Alperen Sengun added 21 factors and eight boards whereas Amen Thompson scored 20, giving Houston 4 guys over 18 factors. The Pelicans obtained 21 from Trey Murphy III and 20 from Zion Williamson, however they’ve now misplaced 13 of their final 15.
Hornets Shock Quick‑Handed Nuggets In Denver
No Nikola Jokic, massive issues. Charlotte jumped throughout an damage‑depleted Denver squad and cruised to a 110–87 win on the highway.
Brandon Miller dropped 23, whereas Tidjane Salaun added a 13‑level, 11‑rebound double‑double off the bench. Denver’s offense sputtered with out its core items, with Jamal Murray main them with simply 16 factors.
Deni Avdija And Blazers Outlast Kings In Sacramento Thriller
Should you like swing video games, Blazers–Kings was your jam. Portland grabbed a 117–110 win behind a monster evening from Deni Avdija, who put up 30 factors with playmaking and glass work everywhere in the field rating.
Shaedon Sharpe added massive‑time scoring punch as Portland picked up its ninth win in twelve video games, lastly getting again to .500. Sacramento obtained 23 from Russell Westbrook however might by no means fairly erase Portland’s cushion within the fourth.
Luka, LeBron And Ayton Energy Lakers Previous Raptors
The Lakers’ 110–93 win over Toronto felt like a “we’re wonderful, everybody chill out” sport. Luka Doncic scored 25 with seven assists, LeBron James added 24 and 7, and Deandre Ayton was good from the sphere whereas dropping 25 factors and 13 rebounds in his return.
Neither staff led by double digits till early within the fourth, when the Lakers opened with a James‑led burst after which ripped off a 9‑0 run to interrupt it open. Scottie Barnes led the Raptors with 22, however Toronto’s offense stalled with simply 13 factors within the remaining quarter.
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Title: “Profession Nights, London Lights and a Laker Flex: What Made Sunday’s NBA Slate So Enjoyable”
