How to Watch the NBA Playoffs in 2023

The NBA Playoffs are an exciting time for basketball fans. With numerous options for watching the games live, you don’t have to miss any of the action in 2023. This article covers the different ways you can catch the NBA Playoffs live, including cable TV channels and streaming services.

2023 NBA playoff TV schedule

As the excitement and intensity of the NBA playoffs continue to unfold, sixteen teams from both the Eastern and Western Conferences are battling it out for a chance to lift the coveted Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Basketball fans around the globe eagerly follow the thrilling matchups, unforgettable moments, and nail-biting finishes that define the NBA postseason.

Here is the updated 2023 NBA playoff TV schedule, detailing the dates, times, and channels for each game as they become available, ensuring you don’t miss a moment of the action.

DateTime ETGameTV
Mon, Apr 247:30pBucks – Heat (Round 1, Game 4)TNT
Mon, Apr 2410:00pGrizzlies – Lakers (Round 1, Game 4)TNT
Tue, Apr 257:30pHawks – Celtics (Round 1, Game 5)TNT
Tue, Apr 259:00pTimberwolves – Nuggets (Round 1, Game 5)NBA TV
Tue, Apr 2510:00pClippers – Suns (Round 1, Game 5)TNT
Wed, Apr 267:00pKnicks – Cavaliers (Round 1, Game 5)NBA TV
Wed, Apr 267:30pLakers – Grizzlies (Round 1, Game 5)TNT
Wed, Apr 269:30pHeat – Bucks (Round 1, Game 5)NBA TV
Wed, Apr 2610:00pWarriors – Kings (Round 1, Game 5)TNT
Thu, Apr 27TBDCeltics – Hawks (Round 1, Game 6)TNT or NBA TV
Thu, Apr 27TBDSuns – Clippers (Round 1, Game 6)TNT or NBA TV
Thu, Apr 27TBDNuggets – Timberwolves (Round 1, Game 6)NBA TV or TNT
Fri, Apr 28TBDCavaliers – Knicks (Round 1, Game 6)ESPN or ESPNEWS
Fri, Apr 28TBDBucks – Heat (Round 1, Game 6)ESPNEWS or ESPN
Fri, Apr 28TBDKings – Warriors (Round 1, Game 6)ESPN or ESPNEWS
Fri, Apr 28TBDGrizzlies – Lakers (Round 1, Game 6)ESPN or ESPNEWS
Sat, Apr 29TBDSixers – Celtics (Round 2, Game 1, if BOS beats ATL in 5)TNT
Sat, Apr 29TBDHawks – Celtics (Round 1, Game 7)TNT
Sat, Apr 29TBDClippers – Suns (Round 1, Game 7)TNT
Sat, Apr 29TBDTimberwolves – Nuggets (Round 1, Game 7)TNT
Sun, Apr 30TBDKnicks – Cavaliers (Round 1, Game 7)ABC or TNT
Sun, Apr 30TBDLakers – Grizzlies (Round 1, Game 7)ABC or TNT
Sun, Apr 30TBDWarriors – Kings (Round 1, Game 7)ABC or TNT
Sun, Apr 30TBDHeat – Bucks (Round 1, Game 7)ABC or TNT

NBA Channels on Live TV Streaming Services

Streaming ServiceESPNTNTABCNBA TV
DIRECTV STREAMYesYesYesYes
FuboTVYesYesYesYes
Hulu + Live TVYesYesYesNo
Sling TVYesYesNoYes
YouTube TVYesYesYesYes

Watch NBA Playoffs Live on DIRECTV STREAM

Watch NBA Playoffs live on DIRECTV STREAM by subscribing to their Choice package for $84.99 per month. The Choice package includes channels that broadcast NBA Playoffs games, such as ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV.

The Choice package features over 90 channels, including a variety of popular sports networks. A subscription includes unlimited DVR storage, and subscribers can watch on an unlimited number of screens. DIRECTV STREAM has a 5-day free trial.

To start watching NBA Playoffs live on DIRECTV STREAM, follow these three simple steps:

  1. Visit the DIRECTV STREAM website and sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one. Choose the Choice package for $84.99 per month, which includes the channels necessary for watching NBA Playoffs games.
  2. Complete the purchase and set up your payment information.
  3. Start streaming live NBA Playoffs games on your preferred device by downloading the DIRECTV STREAM app or visiting the website. Remember that DIRECTV STREAM offers a 5-day free trial for new subscribers, allowing you to test the service before committing to a monthly plan.

Watch NBA Playoffs Live on FuboTV

Watch NBA Playoffs live on FuboTV by subscribing to their Starter plan for $64.99 per month. This plan includes access to channels that broadcast NBA Playoffs games, such as ESPN, TNT, and ABC. Note that FuboTV does not carry NBA TV in its Starter plan, but you can still catch most of the Playoff games through the other channels.

The FuboTV Starter plan features over 100 channels, unlimited screens, and 250 hours of DVR space. Sports fans can also enjoy channels like NFL Network, MLB Network, and more.

To start watching NBA Playoffs live on FuboTV, follow these three simple steps:

  1. Visit the FuboTV website and sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one. Choose the Starter plan for $64.99 per month, which includes the channels necessary for watching NBA Playoffs games.
  2. Complete the purchase and set up your payment information.
  3. Start streaming live NBA Playoffs games on your preferred device by downloading the FuboTV app or visiting the website. Remember that FuboTV offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers, allowing you to test the service before committing to a monthly plan.

Watch NBA Playoffs Live on Hulu + Live TV

You can watch NBA Playoffs live on Hulu + Live TV, a streaming service that combines live television channels with Hulu’s extensive on-demand library. Hulu + Live TV includes channels like ESPN, ABC, and TNT, which are known for broadcasting NBA Playoffs games.

To watch NBA Playoffs live on Hulu + Live TV, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the Hulu website and sign up for a new account, or log in if you already have one.
  2. Choose the Hulu + Live TV plan, which is priced at $69.99 per month with ads or $82.99 per month without ads. This plan includes ESPN, ABC, TNT, and other channels for NBA coverage.
  3. Complete the purchase and start streaming live NBA Playoffs games on your preferred device.

Hulu + Live TV offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Keep in mind that not all NBA Playoffs games may be available on Hulu + Live TV, as some games could be subject to local or national broadcast restrictions.

Watch NBA Playoffs Live on Sling TV

Watch NBA Playoffs live on Sling TV by subscribing to both the Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages for a combined cost of $50 per month. This combination will give you access to ESPN and TNT, which broadcast a majority of the NBA Playoff games. To watch games on ABC, you’ll need an over-the-air antenna or another streaming service, as Sling TV does not carry ABC.

Sling Orange + Sling Blue offers over 50 channels, 50 hours of DVR storage, and allows you to watch on up to 4 screens simultaneously.

To start watching NBA Playoffs live on Sling TV, follow these three simple steps:

  1. Visit the Sling TV website and sign up for a new account or log in if you already have one.
  2. Choose both Sling Orange and Sling Blue packages, which together cost $50 per month, to get the channels you need to watch NBA Playoff games.
  3. Complete the purchase and start streaming live NBA Playoffs games on your preferred device. Remember that Sling TV offers a 3-day free trial for new subscribers, so you can test the service before committing to a monthly plan.

Watch NBA Playoffs Live on YouTube TV

You can watch NBA Playoffs live on YouTube TV, a streaming service that offers a wide range of live television channels, including those that broadcast NBA games. YouTube TV includes channels like ESPN, ABC, and TNT, which typically cover NBA Playoffs games.

To watch NBA Playoffs live on YouTube TV, follow these steps:

  1. Visit the YouTube TV website and sign up for a new account, or log in if you already have one.
  2. Choose the base package, which is priced at $64.99 per month and includes ESPN, ABC, TNT, and other channels for NBA coverage.
  3. Complete the purchase and start streaming live NBA Playoffs games on your preferred device.

YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Keep in mind that not all NBA Playoffs games may be available on YouTube TV, as some games could be subject to local or national broadcast restrictions. Check the NBA Playoffs schedule to see which games are available for streaming.

Conclusion

In 2023, basketball fans have numerous options for watching the NBA Playoffs live. From live TV streaming platforms such as DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV to cable TV channels like ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV, there’s a solution for every fan’s preference and budget. With these options, you can stay connected to the NBA Playoffs and never miss a moment of the action.

FAQS

Can I watch the NBA Playoffs on local TV channels?

While some NBA Playoff games may be broadcast on local channels, the majority of the games will be shown on national networks like ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV. Check your local TV listings for specific game schedules and channel availability.

Can I stream the NBA Playoffs live without cable?

Yes, there are several streaming services that allow you to watch the NBA Playoffs live without a cable subscription. These services include DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV

Can I watch the NBA Playoffs live on mobile devices?

Yes, most streaming services mentioned in this article, including DIRECTV STREAM, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV, have mobile apps for smartphones and tablets. These apps allow you to watch the NBA Playoffs live on your mobile devices.

Are there any free options to watch the NBA Playoffs live?

While there are no completely free options to watch the NBA Playoffs live, some streaming services may offer free trials for a limited time. You can take advantage of these trials to watch games without a long-term commitment. However, remember to cancel before the trial period ends to avoid charges.

Can I watch the NBA Playoffs on-demand?

Most live TV streaming services offer some form of on-demand access to NBA Playoff games, but the availability may vary depending on the platform and the specific game. Additionally, the NBA’s official website and app may provide highlights and recaps of playoff games.

James Idayi