Where to Watch NBA Playoffs Games
If you want to watch every game in the NBA playoffs, or at least have the option, then these are the channels that you’ll need to have access to:
ABC: For the 17th consecutive year, ABC has the sole rights to broadcast the NBA Finals. If you want to watch the finals, you need access to ABC.ESPN: ESPN has the rights to the Western Conference Finals. If your team is playing in the Western Conference Finals, you need to prioritize ESPN.TNT: The Eastern Conference Finals’ rights are owned by TNT. If your team is set to play in the Eastern Conference Finals, prioritize TNT.NBA TV: Some first-round games will air on NBA TV. If you don’t want to miss anything, it’s worth finding a package that includes this network.Regional sports networks: These networks have the rights to broadcast first-round games that involve local teams. If your local team makes it to the first round, you can count on your regional sports network. The exception is that if a game is broadcast on ABC, it won’t be available on your regional sports network.
How to Access NBA Playoff Livestreams From ABC, TNT, ESPN, and NBA TV
Since individual games will appear on four networks, the best way for cord-cutters to catch the NBA playoffs is through a live TV streaming television service. These streaming services offer a direct replacement for cable or satellite television because they allow you to stream live television over the internet. All you need is a computer, a phone, a streaming device or service like Roku, or a game console that’s connected to high-speed internet. While these services do the same thing, all offer different combinations of channels. That means some of them offer access to every NBA playoff game, some only give you access to one set of conference games, and others have some combination of the two. These services offer some type of free trial, so you can start streaming the NBA playoffs without paying anything upfront. Here are your options, including the relevant channels each offer: DirecTV Stream is a viable option as well, but the channels you need are only included with more expensive plans. Sling TV is also a fine option if you live in one of the select markets where they offer ABC as an add-on. The worst options for streaming the NBA playoffs are fuboTV, since ESPN isn’t included, and Hulu with Live TV because NBA TV isn’t included. Since the NBA finals are only available on ABC, and the availability of ABC differs from one service to the next depending on the specific deals each one has signed, it’s important to check each service to see if ABC is available in your ZIP code.
Livestream the NBA Playoffs on Your Phone, Tablet, or Streaming Device
If you want to watch the NBA playoffs on your mobile device, set-top box, or game console, here are the apps you’ll need:
