Games on tonight spark excitement for sports fans everywhere, and I’m here, a seasoned journalist with years of covering the action, to bring you the rundown for Sunday, March 9, 2025. Whether you’re glued to the sofa or streaming on the go, tonight’s lineup offers something for everyone—NBA showdowns, NHL battles, college hoops, and even a sprinkle of soccer. I’ve scoured reputable sources like ESPN, NBA.com, and NHL.com, plus the latest buzz on X, to give you the full picture. Let’s break down what’s happening, where to watch, and why you won’t want to miss a second.
Games on tonight – NBA Action Lights Up the Night
The NBA takes center stage with two big games on tonight. First up, the Denver Nuggets face the Oklahoma City Thunder at 1:00 PM ET on ABC. Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander headline this clash of Western Conference titans. ESPN reports Denver’s 40-19 record edges OKC’s 38-21, but the Thunder’s fast-paced style could flip the script. Jokić dropped 34 points in their last meeting, a 124-112 Nuggets win on January 15. Expect fireworks.
Later, the Phoenix Suns visit the Dallas Mavericks at 3:30 PM ET, also on ABC. Kevin Durant and Luka Dončić bring star power aplenty. CBS Sports notes Phoenix holds a 35-24 mark, while Dallas sits at 34-25. Their February 6 tilt saw the Suns win 130-126, with Durant’s 37 outdueling Dončić’s 40. Tonight’s rematch promises another scoring fest. These games on tonight are must-watch for hoops fans.
Games on tonight – NHL Hits the Ice with Grit
Hockey fans get a treat with seven NHL games on tonight. The Pittsburgh Penguins host the Minnesota Wild at 1:00 PM ET on NHL Network. Sidney Crosby’s crew, at 29-24-7 per NHL.com, faces a Wild team riding a three-game win streak, sitting at 32-22-6. Pittsburgh edged them 3-2 on December 19, but Minnesota’s Kirill Kaprizov could turn the tables.
At 6:00 PM ET, the Colorado Avalanche take on the Anaheim Ducks on ESPN+. Nathan MacKinnon’s 98 points lead the league, per ESPN, and Colorado’s 37-19-5 record dwarfs Anaheim’s 22-33-4. The Avs won 4-1 on January 22—expect more dominance. Other matchups include Tampa Bay vs. Philadelphia at 7:00 PM ET and Vancouver vs. Los Angeles at 10:00 PM ET, per NHL.com. These games on tonight pack the schedule with puck-dropping thrills.
Games on tonight – College Basketball Heats Up
March Madness looms, and college hoops deliver tonight. ESPN lists key games like No. 3 Houston at No. 30 Baylor at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN. Houston’s 19-1 Big 12 run, per Sports-Reference.com, faces a Baylor squad fighting for a top seed at 10-9 in conference play. The Cougars won 82-76 in overtime on February 1—tonight could go either way.
Another gem: No. 66 Utah at No. 24 BYU at 10:00 PM ET on ESPNU. Utah’s 73-72 OT upset on January 11 stings BYU, who seek revenge at home. Blogging the Bracket calls this a seeding battle. These games on tonight set the stage for tournament drama.
Soccer Adds Global Flavour
Soccer fans catch Club León vs. Club Santos Laguna at 5:00 PM CST on VIX, part of Liga MX’s Clausura 2025. León leads the table with seven wins in nine matches, per Sofascore, while Santos lag at 3-4-2. León’s Jhonder Cádiz, with 10 goals, could shine. This one’s a bonus for viewers craving variety in tonight’s sports slate.
Where to Watch Tonight’s Action
You’ve got options for these games on tonight. NBA fans tune to ABC for Nuggets-Thunder and Suns-Mavericks—stream via ABC.com with a cable login. NHL Network airs Penguins-Wild, while ESPN+ covers Avalanche-Ducks and others; it’s $10.99 monthly standalone or bundled with Hulu. College hoops hit ESPN and ESPNU—YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV carry both, starting at $72.99 monthly. Liga MX streams on VIX, free with ads or $4.99 ad-free.
X posts rave about accessibility. One user wrote, “ABC’s doubleheader is perfect Sunday viewing.” Another added, “ESPN+ has all the NHL I need tonight.” Check local listings, as blackouts might apply for NHL games.
Standout Players to Watch
Stars define these games on tonight. Jokić’s triple-double threat looms over OKC—his season averages sit at 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists, per NBA.com. Dončić counters Durant with 34.5 points per game, per ESPN. In hockey, MacKinnon’s scoring spree—38 goals, 60 assists—powers Colorado. Crosby’s 32 goals keep Pittsburgh humming, per NHL.com.
College stars shine too. Houston’s Jamal Shead averages 15.5 points and 6.1 assists, per Sports-Reference.com, while BYU’s Jaxson Robinson drops 14.2 points off the bench. These players could tip the scales tonight.
Why Tonight’s Games Matter
These matchups carry weight. The Nuggets and Thunder jockey for playoff seeding—Denver’s half-game lead could grow or vanish. Suns-Mavericks impacts the West’s crowded middle, with both teams chasing home-court advantage. CBS Sports pegs Denver and Phoenix as title contenders, making every win vital.
NHL stakes run high too. Colorado aims to widen their Central Division lead, while Pittsburgh fights for an Eastern wildcard spot, per NHL.com. College games shape March Madness resumes—Houston’s Big 12 title chase and BYU’s revenge bid loom large. León’s Liga MX clash could solidify their top spot.
The Buzz Online
X lights up with chatter about games on tonight. “Nuggets-Thunder at 1 PM? My Sunday’s set,” one fan posted. Another said, “Hurts my soul to pick between NHL and NBA tonight—too much good stuff.” A college hoops buff tweeted, “Houston-Baylor late night is my vibe.” Sentiment leans hyped—fans can’t get enough of this packed slate.
Reputable outlets echo the excitement. ESPN previews Nuggets-Thunder as a “playoff preview.” NHL.com spotlights MacKinnon’s Hart Trophy case. The buzz builds anticipation for every whistle and buzzer.
Historical Context Adds Spice
Past clashes frame tonight’s stakes. Denver’s 3-1 season edge over OKC includes a 49-point blowout in October 2024, per NBA.com. Phoenix swept Dallas 3-0 this year—can the Mavs snap back? Colorado’s 5-0 run over Anaheim since 2023, per NHL.com, suggests another rout. Pittsburgh’s split with Minnesota this season keeps it tight.
College history bites too. Utah’s upset over BYU earlier this year flipped a 10-game skid, per Sports-Reference.com. Houston’s overtime win at Baylor sets up a grudge match. These backstories juice up the night.
How Teams Got Here
The Nuggets ride a five-game win streak, per ESPN, while OKC’s defense—league-best 104.5 rating—tests them. Phoenix won four straight before a loss, and Dallas leans on Dončić’s clutch play. Colorado’s 8-2-0 February, per NHL.com, contrasts Anaheim’s 3-7-0 slide. Pittsburgh’s up-and-down 5-5-0 run meets Minnesota’s surge.
Houston’s Big 12 dominance—19-1—faces Baylor’s home grit, per CBS Sports. BYU’s 7-3 February push counters Utah’s road woes. León’s seven Clausura wins, per Sofascore, dwarf Santos’s inconsistency. Form guides tonight’s outcomes.
What’s at Stake
Playoff races tighten. A Nuggets win pads their No. 2 West seed, while OKC could leapfrog with a victory, per NBA.com. Phoenix and Dallas vie for top-six spots—every point counts. Colorado’s division lead grows with a win, and Pittsburgh’s wildcard hopes hinge on beating Minnesota, per NHL.com.
Houston locks the Big 12 regular-season title with a victory, per ESPN. BYU’s top-four seed chances rise with a sweep over Utah. León’s Liga MX lead strengthens. Tonight’s results ripple into April.
Fan Experience Tips
Maximize these games on tonight. Catch NBA action at a bar—ABC’s free broadcast makes it easy. Stream NHL on ESPN+ with pals—split the cost for a cheap night in. College games suit late-night vibes; grab snacks and hit ESPNU. VIX’s free tier works for León-Santos if you’re multitasking.
X fans suggest, “Dual screens for NBA and NHL—don’t choose!” Another says, “Cold beer and Avalanche hockey—perfect Sunday.” Join the online chat—#NBASunday or #NHLTonight trend hard.
Final Thoughts
Games on tonight deliver a sports smorgasbord. From Jokić’s mastery to MacKinnon’s sizzle, the stars align for a memorable Sunday. NBA playoff previews, NHL survival fights, college seeding battles, and Liga MX flair—it’s all here. Tune in, cheer loud, and enjoy the ride. What’s your top pick?
FAQs
What NBA games are happening tonight?
The Denver Nuggets take on the Oklahoma City Thunder at 1:00 PM ET, followed by the Phoenix Suns versus the Dallas Mavericks at 3:30 PM ET, both airing on ABC.
Are there any NHL games scheduled tonight?
Yes, seven games hit the ice, including Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Minnesota Wild at 1:00 PM ET on NHL Network and Colorado Avalanche vs. Anaheim Ducks at 6:00 PM ET on ESPN+.
What college basketball games can I watch?
Tune in for No. 3 Houston at No. 30 Baylor and No. 66 Utah at No. 24 BYU, both tipping off at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN and ESPNU, respectively.
Is there a soccer match tonight?
Club León faces Club Santos Laguna in Liga MX’s Clausura 2025 at 5:00 PM CST, streaming live on VIX.
Where can I catch these games?
NBA action’s on ABC, NHL’s on NHL Network and ESPN+, college hoops are on ESPN and ESPNU, and soccer’s on VIX—stream via Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV if needed.
Which players should I watch?
Look out for Nikola Jokić in Denver, Nathan MacKinnon with Colorado, and Houston’s Jamal Shead—they’re lighting up their leagues.
Why are tonight’s games a big deal?
Playoff seeding’s at stake in the NBA and NHL, while college teams battle for March Madness spots—every play counts.
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