The NBA playoffs are in full-swing. 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
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TV channel: NBC, ESPN, ABC
Streaming: Peacock, Prime Video, ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV and more
When are the 2026 NBA playoffs?
The NBA playoffs officially got under way on April 18. The Eastern Conference finals are scheduled to begin May 19, and the Western Conference finals are scheduled for May 20. The NBA finals are set to begin on June 3, 2026.
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
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April 22
April 23
April 24
April 25
Orlando Magic vs. Detroit Pistons: 1 p.m. ET (Peacock, NBCSN)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns: 3:30 p.m. ET (Peacock, NBC)
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks: 6 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets: 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
April 26
Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: 1 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Portland Trail Blazers vs. San Antonio Spurs: 3:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics: 7 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers: 9:30 p.m. ET (NBC, Peacock)
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)