The Top 7 Live Basketball Games to Watch This Season
While it’s easy to catch up on the latest basketball highlights or watch your favorite players in reruns of their greatest games, there’s nothing quite like watching live basketball action as it happens. In 2015, there were dozens of exciting events to choose from; whether you’re a lifelong fan or just looking to branch out, here are the top seven basketball games that you can watch live this year. Whether you’re waiting in line at the bank or taking care of errands around town, these are the games that you won’t want to miss.
Ranking criteria
1. Duke vs. Kentucky
2. Indiana vs. Louisville
3. Kansas vs. Texas
4. Michigan State vs. Wisconsin
5. North Carolina vs. Syracuse
6. Oklahoma State vs. Baylor
7. UCLA vs. Gonzaga
#7 – Duke vs. UNC (January 27, 2019)
No matter what happens the rest of the season, this will be the most heated game of them all. These two rivals always put on a great show and this year should be no different. The added bonus of Zion Williamson and RJ Barrett going head-to-head makes this game a must-watch. #6 – Syracuse vs. Duke (February 2, 2019): When these two teams play each other it’s always a close battle for 40 minutes. Duke just got Zion Williamson so we know he’ll have his best performance against Syracuse before their rivalry ends next year. #5 – Villanova vs. Virginia (January 18, 2019): The Cavaliers had their undefeated season ruined by UMBC last year but now they have another chance at perfection with Villanova in town. With these top-tier teams playing one another you can expect high intensity from start to finish as well as an entertaining atmosphere inside the stadium thanks to their rabid fan bases 7m.
#6 – Ohio State vs. Michigan State (February 2, 2019)
It’s always a heated battle when these two longtime rivals meet on the hardwood, and this season is sure to be no different. Led by head coach Tom Izzo, the Spartans are looking to avenge last year’s loss to the Buckeyes and cement their place atop the Big Ten standings. Ohio State, meanwhile, is led by first-year head coach Chris Holtmann and is eager to prove that they’re still a force to be reckoned with in the conference. With both teams expected to be in the thick of things come March, this game could very well end up being a preview of the Big Ten Tournament championship.
#5 – Florida vs. Kentucky (February 9, 2019)
There’s nothing quite like a heated rivalry game, and this one is sure to be a good one. Florida and Kentucky have been going at it for years, and this season’s matchup is sure to be just as intense. Florida will be looking to exact some revenge after last year’s loss, while Kentucky will be looking to continue their dominance. This is definitely a game not to be missed.
#4 – Kansas vs. Texas Tech (January 16, 2019)
Kansas and Texas Tech are two of the best teams in the country, and their matchup on January 16 is sure to be a good one. Both teams are led by great coaches and have a lot of talent, so it should be a close game. If you’re a fan of live basketball, this is one game you won’t want to miss. It will take place at Lawrence’s Allen Fieldhouse with tip-off set for 3 p.m., ET on ESPN2.
#3 – Arizona vs. UCLA (December 10, 2018)
This is going to be a heated match-up, as both of these teams are PAC-12 rivals. Arizona is coming off of a strong season, while UCLA is looking to redeem themselves after a disappointing year. Both teams have talented players that will make for an exciting game. Plus, with it being a conference match-up, there’s a lot riding on this game. You won’t want to miss it!
#2 – Michigan State vs. Purdue (November 14, 2018)
This game will be a battle between two top-ranked teams. Purdue is coming in as the number two team in the nation, while Michigan State is ranked number seven. These two teams met last season, with Purdue coming out on top, but Michigan State will be looking for revenge this year. This should be a great game to watch, with two of the best teams in the country going head-to-head.