It is quite rare for there to be no NBA games on any given day during the regular season, yet that is exactly the case this Tuesday, November 3rd. There are no NBA games scheduled for tonight, giving all teams a chance to rest following their games on Monday night. Since Tuesdays are typically significant for the NBA—often featuring several major, high-profile matchups—there must be a specific reason why the league chose not to schedule any games for this date. In effect, the NBA is treating this Tuesday like a holiday, even though November 3rd is not an official national holiday in the United States. Let’s take a look at why all the teams have the day off today.
Why are there no NBA games today?
There are no NBA games scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, as it is Election Day in the United States. In recent years, the NBA has chosen not to hold games on Election Day to encourage everyone from players to fans to cast their votes in local elections.
Before the start of the season, the league stated, "There will be no games on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3), as the league’s goal is to encourage fans and the entire NBA community to make a plan to vote and participate in the democratic process." It was also noted that "all 30 teams will play on the day before the election (Monday, November 2)." In addition to clearing its schedule to promote voting, the league has also provided a section on its website containing information on how to cast a vote.
Why doesn't the NBA schedule any games on election day?
The NBA considers voter participation a key component of its community engagement initiatives. By scheduling no games on Election Day, the league ensures that basketball does not serve as a distraction for those who wish to vote. NBA games typically draw millions of viewers, and the schedules of players, coaches, and other team personnel are often very demanding; having no activity at arenas on Election Day allows everyone to focus on their civic responsibilities.
The league also assists in voter education by providing resources that help individuals understand the voting process, check their registration status, and locate polling stations. This effort is part of the NBA’s broader commitment to fostering civic engagement among its players, staff, and fans.
Is This the First Time the NBA Has Cancelled Games on Election Day?
No, the NBA has done this several times in recent years. In 2022, the league launched an initiative for 'Election Day,' deciding that no regular-season games would be played on the day of the U.S. midterm elections. The NBA continued this initiative in 2023 and 2024, scheduling no games on that day to encourage voter participation. For 2026, the league has once again adopted this approach in light of the U.S. midterm elections taking place on November 3. It is important to understand that this is a deliberate scheduling decision—not a case of games being cancelled due to bad weather, player injuries, or any other unforeseen circumstances.
When will NBA games return?
NBA activities will resume on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, with a schedule of 14 games featuring 28 teams.
| Match | Date |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons | November 4 |
| Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards | November 4 |
| Chicago Bulls vs New York Knicks | November 4 |
| Milwaukee Bucks vs Boston Celtics | November 4 |
| Cleveland Cavaliers vs Oklahoma City Thunder | November 4 |
| Indiana Pacers vs Memphis Grizzlies | November 4 |
| Minnesota Timberwolves vs Houston Rockets | November 4 |
| Los Angeles Lakers vs Sacramento Kings | November 4 |
Also Read: Top 5 Highest Scorers in NBA Regular-Season History
