How to Watch the 2024 NBA Playoffs

It’s that time of the year where the NBA’s best and brightest battle for the ultimate goal — The Larry O’Brien Trophy. This year, the NBA regular season ends Sunday, April 14, and the Play-In Tournament begins Tuesday, April 16.

After the 7-10 seeds in the Eastern and Western Conference compete for the opportunity to enter the official postseason, the playoffs will start Saturday, April 20.

Below, we’ll explore the ins and outs of the 2024 NBA playoffs, including when, where, and how you can watch NBA playoff basketball this year.

2024 Playoff Schedule

Play-In Tournament Schedule

This year’s SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will determine the seventh and eighth seeds on each side of the bracket for the Eastern and Western Conference. It will start on Tuesday, April 16, and end on Friday, April 19.

Here’s everything you need to know about when you can watch:

• Tuesday, April 16: Each conference's 7th seeds will host the 8th seeds. The winner of this matchup will earn their spot in the playoffs (securing the 7th seed), while the losers will get another opportunity on April 19.
• Wednesday, April 17: The 9th and 10th seeded teams in each conference face off for their chance to advance to the final round in the play-in.
• Friday, April 19: The loser of the No. 7 vs. No. 8 game will face the winners of the No. 9 vs. No. 10 matchup for the final spot (8th seed) in the NBA playoffs. The loser is eliminated from contention.

Conference Semifinal and Final Playoff Schedule

The first round of the official NBA playoffs begins on Saturday, April 20. The exact dates are yet to be set. However, the NBA has published the following potential schedule for the tournament so far:

• May 6-7 (or May 4-5): The Conference semifinals start
• May 21-22 (or May 19-20): The Conference finals start

NBA Finals Schedule

While the Conference semifinal and Conference finals days are in flux, the NBA Finals are set in stone. Here’s what the schedule looks like:

• Game 1: June 6 (ABC)
• Game 2: June 9 (ABC)
• Game 3: June 12 (ABC)
• Game 4: June 14 (ABC)
• Game 5 (if necessary): June 17 (ABC)
• Game 6 (if necessary): June 20 (ABC)
• Game 7 (if necessary): June 23 (ABC)

Ways to Watch The NBA Playoffs

The 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament and playoffs will air on ESPN, ABC, NBA TV and TNT. It’s important to note that since the NBA playoffs and Finals are nationally televised live sports, they aren’t available on NBA League Pass. Here’s how to watch all the NBA playoff games:

• Cable or Satellite: Traditional cable or satellite providers will often offer access to the major channels broadcasting the playoffs. You may need to add a special channel package to access NBA TV. Here’s how to find the best cable provider near you.
• Streaming Services: Live TV streaming services, such as those outlined below, often carry similar channels as your cable provider.
• Over-the-Air Antenna: Some key playoff games may be available via a local affiliate network.

Important Note: Channel availability can vary depending on your TV provider, regional restrictions, blackouts, or streaming service.

Live Streaming Services

Here are some streaming services that may offer local channels in your area:

• Fubo
• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• DIRECTV Stream

How to Watch the NBA Playoffs for Free

If you want to watch the NBA playoffs for free, there are a few options. They include:

• Over-the-Air Antenna: Key playoff games, including some Finals matchups, may be broadcast on ABC, accessible with an antenna.
• Streaming Service Trials: Some streaming services offer seven-day free trials, allowing you to watch a portion of the playoffs without paying. Just make sure you time it correctly.

The Road to The Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy

This year’s NBA season has featured incredible games and storylines. While the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics are the favorites in their respective conferences, there are a few challengers who are ready to compete for the throne.

• The OGs: The Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Phoenix Suns have aging superstars, but they’re ready to give everything they have for another shot at the championship.
• Young & Hungry: The Oklahoma City Thunder, Indiana Pacers, and Minnesota Timberwolves might be young, but no one wants to face these high-powered teams in the postseason.
• Wild Cards: Teams like the Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Miami Heat and the New York Knicks have the ability to beat any NBA team, but will they? Tune in to find out!

Looking Ahead

Stay updated on the latest 2024 NBA playoffs schedule and broadcast information by checking the NBA’s playoff page and TV provider announcements as the season wraps up.

Get ready for buzzer-beaters, clutch performances, and the unforgettable moments that make playoff basketball a must-watch for any sports fan.

Whether you love the NBA, NFL, NCAA or other live sports, we’re here to help you stay up to date on your favorite teams. Check out our guide for tips on how and where to stream live sports events today.

Find the Right TV Provider to Catch Every Game

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