Can I Watch NBA Games on MLK Day for Free in the U.S? Four Legal Streaming Options
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| Can You Watch NBA Games on MLK Day for Free |
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one of the NBA’s biggest regular-season viewing days, with a full slate of nationally televised games. If you’re in the US and wondering whether you can watch for free and legally, the answer is yes—but only if you choose the right method.
Below is a clear, updated, practical guide that tells you:
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Which MLK Day NBA games can be free
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Which platforms require payment
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Exact websites/URLs you can use legally
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What to avoid
No guesswork. No shady links.
First, where MLK Day games air
On MLK Day, games are split across:
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NBC (free over-the-air TV)
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Peacock (subscription streaming)
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Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) for non-national games
That split is what creates free viewing opportunities—and limits.
Read more: NBA Games on MLK Day 2026: Full Schedule, TV Channels, Storylines, and How to Watch
Option 1: Free over-the-air TV with an antenna (best option)
If a game airs on NBC, this is the most reliable free method.
What you need
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A digital TV antenna (one-time purchase, usually $15–$40)
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A TV within range of a local NBC affiliate
Why this works
NBC is a free broadcast network in the US. No login. No subscription. No trial.
How to check your signal
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https://www.antennaweb.org
If the MLK Day game is on NBC, this is 100% free and legal.
Option 2: Free trials from live TV streaming services (most flexible)
Several live TV services legally stream NBC and RSNs and offer free trials to new users.
Legit free-trial options (US)
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YouTube TV – https://tv.youtube.com
Free trial varies (often 3–7 days). Includes NBC. -
Hulu + Live TV – https://www.hulu.com/live-tv
Short trials available at times; includes NBC. -
Fubo – https://www.fubo.tv
Typically 7-day free trial; includes NBC and many RSNs.
How to use this safely
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Sign up as a new customer
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Watch MLK Day games live
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Cancel before the trial ends if you don’t want to pay
Limitations
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One trial per account/household
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Peacock-exclusive games may not be included
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RSN availability depends on location
Option 3: Peacock free access (possible, but limited)
Most NBA games on Peacock require a paid plan. However, free access can happen in specific cases:
When Peacock can be free
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Limited-time promotions
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Free trials tied to new accounts
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Bundles with certain internet or mobile plans
Check here
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https://www.peacocktv.com
Reality check: Assume Peacock games are paid unless clearly advertised as free.
Option 4: NBA League Pass free previews (bonus option)
The NBA League Pass sometimes offers free previews.
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Website: https://www.nba.com/leaguepass
Important limitations
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National MLK Day games are often blacked out
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Availability changes year to year
League Pass is not dependable for MLK Day freebies, but worth checking.
Legit free streaming sites (legal only)
These are official, legal platforms—not pirate streams.
What NOT to use (important)
Avoid:
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Unofficial streaming sites
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“Free NBA streams” pages with pop-ups
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Social media restreams
These are illegal, often shut down mid-game, and risky for your device.
The smartest free plan for MLK Day
If you want maximum coverage at zero cost:
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Watch NBC games with an antenna
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Use one free trial (YouTube TV or Fubo) for flexibility
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Skip Peacock-exclusive games unless already subscribed
This combo covers most MLK Day NBA action legally.
Bottom line
Yes, you can watch NBA games on MLK Day for free and legally in the US, but:
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Only NBC games are truly free
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Streaming freebies rely on trials or promos
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Peacock is usually paid
Plan ahead, choose a legit platform, and MLK Day can deliver hours of NBA basketball without spending a dollar.
