As I sip my morning coffee and scroll through basketball news, I find myself wondering which NBA matchups I shouldn’t miss today. It’s funny—I’ve been a die-hard fan for over a decade, but with the league’s packed schedule, it’s easy to lose track. That’s why I always make it a point to find out which NBA games are happening today and how to watch them live. Just last week, I missed an incredible overtime thriller between the Lakers and the Warriors because I assumed it was on a different day. Lesson learned: a quick daily check saves a lot of regret.

Let me walk you through a recent experience that hammered home the importance of planning ahead. It was a Tuesday, and I had a mountain of work waiting. But as any true basketball enthusiast knows, some games are simply unmissable. That night, the Brooklyn Nets were facing the Milwaukee Bucks—a rematch of their intense playoff series from last year. I’d been looking forward to it for days, but by the time I wrapped up my tasks, I realized I had no clue about the tip-off time or which channel was broadcasting it. Frustrated, I scrambled through apps and websites, only to discover the game had already started. I caught the second half, but the damage was done—I’d missed Giannis Antetokounmpo’s explosive first quarter, where he dropped 18 points. It felt like watching a movie after skipping the opening scene.

Now, you might wonder why this matters so much. Well, in my view, it’s not just about entertainment; it’s about being part of a community. Think about it: when you’re tuned in live, you’re sharing those edge-of-your-seat moments with millions of fans worldwide. But here’s the catch—the NBA’s broadcasting landscape is fragmented. Some games are on ESPN, others on TNT, and then there are regional sports networks and streaming services like NBA League Pass. Without a clear plan, you’re left in the dark. I’ve seen friends argue over missed games, almost like that quote from the knowledge base: “Kung ano yung desisyon ko, dapat i-respect niyo kasi nire-respect ko rin yung sa kanila.” In a way, it’s about respect—for the game, for the players, and for your own time. If you decide to prioritize watching a matchup, you deserve to have the tools to follow through, just as the league and broadcasters expect viewers to engage responsibly.

So, how do we fix this? Over the years, I’ve developed a foolproof system. First, I rely on the NBA’s official website or app, which updates schedules in real-time and includes broadcast details. For example, today, there are three games: Celtics vs. 76ers at 7:30 PM ET on TNT, Suns vs. Mavericks at 8:00 PM ET on NBA TV, and Clippers vs. Nuggets at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN. I also set Google Calendar reminders for games I care about—it sounds simple, but it works. And for cord-cutters, services like YouTube TV or Sling TV offer live sports packages; I personally use League Pass for out-of-market games, though blackout restrictions can be annoying. By taking these steps, I’ve turned my viewing into a seamless ritual. Last month, I didn’t miss a single buzzer-beater, and let me tell you, that’s a win in my book.

Reflecting on all this, I’m reminded that being a smart fan isn’t just about knowing stats—it’s about accessibility. The NBA has around 1,230 games each regular season, and with viewership numbers hitting millions per finals game, the excitement is undeniable. But if you’re like me, you want to soak in every dunk and three-pointer without the hassle. So, here’s my take: embrace technology, plan ahead, and never underestimate the joy of live sports. After all, in a world full of distractions, carving out time for what you love is a form of self-respect. And as that wisdom from the knowledge base implies, when you honor your choices, everything else falls into place. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got games to watch—and yes, I already know exactly when and where.