The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the New York Knicks have already cemented their spot in the Eastern Conference finals after demolishing the 76ers in four games. The Cavaliers and the Pistons are still in the midst of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, which is currently tied up at 2-2 and will run at least until Friday. In the Western Conference semis, we’ve got an identical situation; the Thunder also swept the Lakers in four, while the Timberwolves and Spurs are tied at two games apiece.
You can catch the remaining conference semifinals this week across NBC/Peacock and ESPN. Here's what you need to know so you won't miss a single game of the 2026 NBA playoffs.
How to watch the 2026 NBA playoffs:
Watch ESPN, NBC, ABC and more
DirecTV
Try free at DirecTV
Watch the NBA play-in tournament on Prime Video
Prime Video
From $14.99/month at Prime Video
Stream NBA playoff games
Peacock
$10.99/month at Peacock
Watch ABC, ESPN and more on ESPN Unlimited
ESPN
Starting at $29.99/month at ESPN
Dates: April 14 – June, 2026
TV channel: NBC, ESPN, ABC
Streaming: Peacock, ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV and more
What channels are broadcasting NBA playoff games?
NBA playoff games will be broadcast across Prime Video, NBC, ABC, and ESPN.
How to watch the 2026 NBA playoffs without cable:
NBA playoff games that air on NBC will also stream on Peacock. Games on ABC and ESPN are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited. You can find all these channels on streaming platforms like DirecTV and YouTube TV.
Watch ABC, ESPN and more on ESPN Unlimited
ESPN
ESPN’s streaming platform offers thousands of exclusive live events, original studio shows and acclaimed series that air across ESPN’s suite of seven linear channels, as well as exclusive content on ESPN+, ABC on ESPN, SEC+, ACCNX and more. Every game of the NBA Eastern Conference finals as well as the 2026 championship finals will stream on ESPN Unlimited. The new tier costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year.
ESPN Select allows subscribers to access exclusive content only available on the app, and an extensive archive of on-demand content (including the entire 30 For 30 library, select ESPN Films, game replays and more). Whether you purchase a standalone plan, add-on or Disney bundle plan, the service provides access to thousands of sports events for $12.99/month or $129.99/year.
Starting at $29.99/month at ESPN
Stream NBA playoff games
Peacock
For $11/month, an ad-supported Peacock subscription lets you stream live sports and events airing on NBC, including the NBA playoffs. Plus, you’ll get access to thousands of hours of shows and movies, including beloved sitcoms such as Parks and Recreation and The Office, every Bravo show and much more.
For $17 monthly you can upgrade to an ad-free subscription which includes live access to your local NBC affiliate (not just during designated sports and events) and the ability to download select titles to watch offline.
$10.99/month at Peacock
Get Peacock free with Walmart+
Peacock
Try free at Walmart+
More ways to watch NBA playoff Games:
Watch live NBC, ABC, ESPN and more
DirecTV
Try free at DirecTV
Watch NBC, ABC, ESPN and more
Hulu + Live TV
Try free for 3 days at Hulu
Watch select games with League Pass
NBA League Pass
$24.99/month at NBA League Pass
2026 NBA playoffs schedule:
All times Eastern
May 12
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San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
May 13
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Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons: 8 p.m. (ESPN)
May 15
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Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD
-
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: TBD
May 17 (if necessary)
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San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD
-
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: TBD
2026 NBA playoffs key dates:
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May 4: Conference Semifinals begin
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May 19: Eastern Conference Finals begin on ESPN/ABC (can move up to May 17)
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May 20: Western Conference Finals begin on NBC/Peacock (can move up to May 18)
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June 3: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
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June 5: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
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June 8: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
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June 10: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
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June 13: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
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June 16: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
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June 19: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
