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How to watch the NBA Playoffs
This post was written in partnership with Sling TV.
This year's Play-In Tournament, featuring the Los Angeles Lakers, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, Miami Heat, Atlanta Hawks and Chicago Bulls is wrapping up this week. NBA teams are now gearing up for the playoffs, beginning with Round 1 on April 20.
NBA Playoff channels
The 2024 NBA playoffs will air on ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and ABC. Here's how to watch, without cable.
| Channel | Sling TV | DIRECTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu + Live TV | YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN | ✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| TNT | ✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
| NBA TV | ✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| ABC | ✓* |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
*Local channels available only in select locations
2024 Playoff Schedule
- April 20-21: First round starts
- May 4-7: Second round starts
- May 19-22: Conference Finals start
- June 6: NBA Finals Game 1
- June 23: NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)
Watch the Playoffs on Sling TV (Featured partner)
Sling TV is an affordable live TV streaming service that has some of the channels you'll want for the Playoffs. Sling Orange, which costs $40 per month, includes both ESPN and TNT in its 32-channel lineup. For an extended channel lineup, you can also opt for the Sling Orange & Blue plan for $55 per month which includes every channel from both the Orange and Blue plans.
Sling customers can also add the Sports Extra package for an extra $11 per month to get more sports coverage, including NBA TV. New Sling TV subscribers can get 50% off of their first month.
Watch the Playoffs on DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM has several packages to choose from, starting with the Entertainment package with over 90 channels for $79.99 per month. ABC, ESPN, TNT are included in every package. NBA TV is included in the Choice package and above. DIRECTV STREAM is also one of the few services to offer a full lineup of regional sports networks (RSNs) in addition to local channels, giving subscribers everything they need to keep up with their favorite NBA teams all season long. DIRECTV STREAM has a five-day free trial for new customers.
Watch the Playoffs on Fubo
Fubo is a sports-focused streaming service with three plans to choose from, starting at $79.99 per month. While every plan includes ABC and ESPN in its channel lineup, Fubo is missing TNT, so you won't be able to watch some games. To watch NBA TV, you'll need the Sports Plus add-on. Like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo also has a full list of RSNs, making it easy to keep up with games that aren't nationally aired during the season. The streaming service offers a seven-day free trial.
Watch the Playoffs on Hulu + Live TV
With Hulu + Live TV, you'll get ABC, ESPN and TNT in the 95+ channel lineup. Hulu + Live TV subscribers also get access to ESPN Plus for more sports coverage. Subscribers have the option of adding even more sports channels to their plan with the Sports Extra for $9.99 per month which includes NFL RedZone and more. Hulu + Live TV now has a three-day free trial to test the service out before committing to a monthly subscription.
Watch the Playoffs on YouTube TV
YouTube TV has over 100 channels for $72.99 per month. That lineup includes ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV, allowing subscribers to catch all the playoff action. YouTube TV also has features that allow fans to see stats, key plays, and live scores on demand for any game. Try YouTube TV out with a five-day free trial.
FAQ
When does the second round of the playoffs start?
The second round is set to begin on May 6-7 but could be moved up to May 4-5, depending on when the first round ends.
What channels are the NBA playoffs on?
The games will be on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV.
Does NBA League Pass air the playoffs?
No, games will not air on League Pass.
