The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the first round will wrap up by this weekend. Conference semifinals are then scheduled to begin on May 4. You can catch the tournament across Prime Video, ABC, NBC/Peacock, and ESPN. Here’s what you need to know so you won’t miss a single game of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
How to watch the 2026 NBA playoffs:
Dates: April 14 – June, 2026
Advertisement
TV channel: NBC, ESPN, ABC
Streaming: Peacock, Prime Video, ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV and more
What channels are broadcasting NBA playoff games?
NBA playoff games will be broadcast across Prime Video, NBC, ABC, and ESPN.
How to watch the 2026 NBA playoffs without cable:
NBA playoff games that air on NBC will also stream on Peacock. Games on ABC and ESPN are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited. You can find all these channels on streaming platforms like DirecTV and YouTube TV.
ESPN’s streaming platform offers thousands of exclusive live events, original studio shows and acclaimed series that air across ESPN’s suite of seven linear channels, as well as exclusive content on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX and more. Every game of the NBA Eastern Conference finals as well as the 2026 championship finals will stream on ESPN Unlimited. The new tier costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year.Â
ESPN Select allows subscribers to access exclusive content only available on the app, and an extensive archive of on-demand content (including the entire 30 For 30 library, select ESPN Films, game replays and more). Whether you purchase a standalone plan, add-on or Disney bundle plan, the service provides access to thousands of sports events for $12.99/month or $129.99/year.
For $11/month, an ad-supported Peacock subscription lets you stream live sports and events airing on NBC, including the NBA playoffs. Plus, you’ll get access to thousands of hours of shows and movies, including beloved sitcoms such as Parks and Recreation and The Office, every Bravo show and much more.
For $17 monthly you can upgrade to an ad-free subscription which includes live access to your local NBC affiliate (not just during designated sports and events) and the ability to download select titles to watch offline.
More ways to watch NBA playoff Games:
2026 NBA playoffs schedule:
All times Eastern
May 1
May 2
May 3 (if necessary)
Detroit Pistons vs. Orlando Magic: TBD
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Toronto Raptors: TBD
Los Angeles Lakers vs. Houston Rockets: TBD
May 4
May 6
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD
May 8
Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD
May 10
Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD
Advertisement
May 12 (if necessary)
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD
May 14 (if necessary)
Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers vs. New York Knicks: TBD
May 15 (if necessary)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD
May 17 (if necessary)
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers: TBD San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD
2026 NBA playoffs key dates:
May 4: Conference Semifinals begin (can move up to May 2 or 3)
May 19: Eastern Conference Finals begin on ESPN/ABC (can move up to May 17)
May 20: Western Conference Finals begin on NBC/Peacock (can move up to May 18)
June 3: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 5: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 8: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 10: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 13: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
June 16: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
June 19: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)