NBA League Pass Free Preview Jan. 16-22: Three Must-See Games
As we reach the midway point of the season, NBA League Pass is in free preview on Sling TV from Jan. 16-22. Here are three must-see games.
As we hit the midway point of the NBA season, NBA League Pass will be in free preview from Tuesday, Jan. 16 through Monday, Jan. 22 for all Sling Orange or Blue subscribers. That means you can catch all of the out-of-market action across the NBA. With so many games to watch, we put together this handy list of the top games to watch during the NBA League Pass free preview. Use this link for more information on how to watch the NBA with Sling and click the button below to sign-up for our limited time offer to get the most NBA basketball for the best price!
San Antonio Spurs at Boston Celtics
Wed., Jan. 17, 7:30pm ET
https://www.youtube.com/embed/1SQtNj5MRtc?si=MEfchRur_OS5SSPP
He might be listed at 7-foot-4, but Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama is still reaching new heights. A move to the 5-spot—the center position—has unlocked another level of his game: As ESPN points out, since the change on Dec. 8, “Wembanyama is averaging 20.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 3.8 blocks while shooting 48.1% overall and 33.8% from 3-point range despite playing just 26.7 minutes per game.” Overall, the Spurs are still one of the league’s worst teams (they’re 7-32 as of this writing), but Wemby’s continued progress and astonishing highlights make the Spurs’ matchup against the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics a must-watch game, especially for East Coast fans who often have to stay up late to see Wemby play.
Indiana Pacers at Sacramento Kings
Thur., Jan. 18, 10pm ET
https://www.youtube.com/embed/28_AkfhQxLE?si=hRX-033-GkqN8_BE
Trades, especially those involving star players, tend to be judged in terms of “winners” and “losers.” However, the six-player trade between the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings in Feb. 2022 appears to be the rare trade that feels like a “win-win” for both squads. Among a handful of role players, the Kings acquired Domantas Sabonis, who, in his first full season with the team, earned an All-Star berth and helped lead the Kings to a division title and the No. 3 seed in the West. Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton (who was also on last year’s All-Star squad) helped guide the Pacers all the way to the championship game of the In-Season Tournament. Although Haliburton was injured on Jan. 8 and is not expected to play in this game, it’s nevertheless a fascinating litmus test/ sliding doors moment for both teams.
Oklahoma City Thunder at Minnesota Timberwolves
Sat., Jan. 20 at 8pm ET
https://www.youtube.com/embed/aatxQ-FGcNs?si=dfEv12QRaFaVCPgF
NBA League Pass is great for any number of reasons, not the least of which is the ability to watch games between surprise teams that have not yet earned the cachet to play a ton of nationally-televised games. Halfway through the season, the biggest surprises have to be Oklahoma City and Minnesota. Although the T-Wolves made the playoffs last year (and the Thunder were in the Play-In Tournament), they’ve both made significant improvements this season. In fact, they’re currently tied atop the standings in the Western Conference, making this a showdown between two of the best teams in the NBA. Minnesota’s defense is holding opponents to 52.9% shooting in the paint, which would be the lowest mark in the last four seasons, while OKC is generally feasting in the paint, scoring an average of 54.9 ppg, tied with Denver for best in the West. From a tactical standpoint, this should be a fascinating showdown between two teams that could face off again in the playoffs.
To watch NBA games on ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV (plus the NBA League Pass free preview), use the link below and subscribe to Sling Orange with Sports Extras!
https://main--sling--aemsites.aem.page/aemedge/fragments/try-sling-orange