2026 NBA Playoffs: Full Schedule, Live Stream Options, and TV Broadcast Guide
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — The annual quest for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy is officially in full swing, as the NBA Playoffs commence, promising two months of thrilling postseason...
POLICY WIRE — New York, USA — The annual quest for the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy is officially in full swing, as the NBA Playoffs commence, promising two months of thrilling postseason action throughout 2026.
Last year’s champions, Oklahoma City, are strongly positioned for a potential repeat performance, having concluded the regular season with an impressive 64-18 record, the best in the league. Both the Spurs and the Pistons have also established themselves as formidable contenders, each surpassing the 60-win threshold. Additionally, the Celtics, who secured the championship in 2024, are undoubtedly optimistic about their prospects this season.
However, the postseason environment is notoriously unpredictable; only one guarantee stands: elite talent will shine, and intense drama will unfold on the journey to the NBA Finals. For fans eager to follow every moment of today’s matchups and the broader playoff journey, here is an essential guide to viewing schedules and broadcast details.
Where to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs
Accessing the NBA Playoffs involves a variety of television networks and digital streaming platforms. Major broadcasters such as ABC, ESPN, and NBC are sharing coverage, ensuring extensive availability for viewers. While the NBA Finals themselves will exclusively air on ABC, the preceding rounds are distributed across multiple channels.
For those preferring digital access, numerous streaming services offer comprehensive coverage. Options include DIRECTV Stream, the ESPN app, Peacock, and Prime Video, each carrying specific games according to their respective broadcasting agreements. All contests shown on ABC, ESPN, and NBC are also accessible through DIRECTV Stream.
Today’s NBA Playoff Schedule (Monday, April 20)
The action-packed schedule for today features crucial matchups as teams vie for advancement:
- Cavs vs. Raptors Game 2: 7 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Knicks vs. Hawks Game 2: 8 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV Stream
- Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 2: 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV Stream
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Upcoming Playoff Games: April 21-27
Here’s a look at the exciting lineup for the remainder of the week and early next week:
Tuesday, April 21
- Celtics vs. 76ers Game 2: 7 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Spurs vs. Trail Blazers Game 2: 8 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV Stream
- Lakers vs. Rockets Game 2: 10:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV Stream
Wednesday, April 22
- Pistons vs. Magic Game 2: 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV Stream
- Thunder vs. Suns Game 2: 9:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV Stream
Thursday, April 23
- Hawks vs. Knicks Game 3: 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video
- Raptors vs. Cavs Game 3: 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video
- Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 3: 9:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Friday, April 24
- 76ers vs. Celtics Game 3: 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video
- Rockets vs. Lakers Game 3: 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video
- Trail Blazers vs. Spurs Game 3: 10:30 p.m. ET on Prime Video
Saturday, April 25
- Magic vs. Pistons Game 3: 1 p.m. ET on Peacock
- Suns vs. Thunder Game 3: 3:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV Stream
- Hawks vs. Knicks Game 4: 6 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV Stream
- Timberwolves vs. Nuggets Game 4: 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC, ESPN app, DIRECTV Stream
Sunday, April 26
- Raptors vs. Cavs Game 4: 1 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV Stream
- Trail Blazers vs. Spurs Game 4: 3:30 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN app, DIRECTV Stream
- 76ers vs. Celtics Game 4: 7 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV Stream
- Rockets vs. Lakers Game 4: 9:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock, DIRECTV Stream
Monday, April 27
- Magic vs. Pistons Game 4: TBD
- Suns vs. Thunder Game 4: TBD
- Nuggets vs. Timberwolves Game 5*: TBD
* If necessary, game times and broadcasts are subject to change.
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2026 NBA Playoff Round-by-Round Schedule
The entire postseason journey is structured as follows:
- Play-In Tournament: April 14-17
- First Round: Commences April 18
- Conference Semifinals: May 4-5 (potentially shifting earlier to May 2-3)
- Conference Finals: May 19-20 (potentially shifting earlier to May 17-18)
- NBA Finals: Scheduled from June 3 to June 19
