How to Watch the 2023 NBA Playoffs: Streaming Options for Every Round

If you're looking to get the most out of the NBA Playoffs, it's essential to make sure you have access to ESPN, ABC, and TNT. These channels will cover the majority of matchups (NBC and FOX don’t have rights to the NBA playoffs). That includes the regular season, play-in tournament, semifinals, conference finals, and NBA finals.

You may also want to check out NBA TV if you're after complete coverage. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some streaming services that offer these channels and more.

YouTube TV: Comprehensive Coverage for Basketball Fans

YouTube TV is a top choice for NBA fans, as it includes ESPN, ABC, TNT, and even NBA TV in its TV channel lineup.

The service also offers unlimited cloud DVR storage, so you can record and watch your favorite matchups whenever you want. You can try YouTube TV with a free trial before committing to a subscription.

Sling TV: Budget-Friendly Option for Playoff Enthusiasts

Sling TV could be the perfect fit if you're looking for a more affordable way to watch the NBA Playoffs. With Sling Orange, you'll have access to ESPN and TNT but not ABC.

However, you can add the Sports Extra package to include NBA TV. While Sling TV doesn't offer a free trial, their first month is sometimes available at a discounted rate.

Hulu + Live TV: A Solid Choice for Basketball Lovers

Hulu + Live TV is another excellent option for catching the NBA Playoffs. Subscribers will have access to ESPN, ABC, and TNT, ensuring they won't miss any of the action.

Unfortunately, NBA TV is not part of Hulu’s lineup. Take advantage of the free trial offer to see if Hulu + Live TV is the right choice for you.

fuboTV: Expanding Options for Sports Fans

fuboTV is a streaming service that's specially tailored to sports fans. While it doesn't have TNT in its package, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV are all available on some of the plans or as an add-on.

This makes it an excellent pick for those prioritizing NBA TV over TNT. Plus, you can try out fuboTV with a free trial offer to see if it's the right fit for you.

NBA League Pass: A Dedicated Basketball Streaming Service

Do you love the NBA? If so, you might want to think about signing up for NBA League Pass. With it you can watch all the Playoff games live or on-demand as they're happening. Though there could be some blackouts based on where you are located or if you're using a VPN.

If you are outside of the US, you should know NBA League Pass doesn't have a free trial — this is something to consider before committing if your travels coincide with the Playoffs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Watching the NBA Playoffs

Whether you’re rooting for the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, or other NBA teams, it can be confusing trying to figure out where you can watch NBA playoffs action.

That said, we’ve provided answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about viewing the Eastern Conference and Western Conference playoffs this year.

Can I live stream the NBA Playoffs for free?

Yes, there are ways to watch without committing to a subscription, thanks to free trials offered by streaming platforms like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and fuboTV.

Just make sure you cancel your trial before it ends if you decide not to continue the service after watching the games.

Can I watch the NBA Playoffs without cable?

Watching the NBA Playoffs doesn't necessarily require signing up for a cable subscription. You can still follow all the action with live streaming services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, or NBA League Pass.

With these services, you'll be able to access ESPN, ABC, and TNT, so you can catch most of the games without any issues.

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