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The NBA playoffs are in full force, with all eyes on the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors as Lebron James and Stephen Curry face each other in the playoffs for the first time since 2018.
The Warriors came out on top on Wednesday night, with a 121-106 lead. During the game, Lakers star player Anthony Davis suffered a head injury that leaves uncertainty over whether he will be able to play Game 6 on Friday.
Other games to catch this week include the Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns on Thursday night and New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat on Friday night.
Coverage is split over TNT, NBA TV, ESPN and ABC, with a variety of ways to stream the action live online without cable. Below is everything you need to know to watch the 2023 NBA Playoffs:
When Are the 2023 NBA Playoffs?
The NBA Playoffs officially began on Saturday, April 15 with games scheduled until the finals in June.
How to Watch the 2023 NBA Playoffs on TV
Coverage will be split over TNT, NBA TV, ESPN and ABC. Saturday’s first game features the Brooklyn Nets at the Philadelphia 76ers at 1 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. If you don’t have cable, there are still plenty of ways stream the game live online on streamers such as Sling TV, Hulu+ Live TV, Fubo TV and DirecTV Stream.
How to Stream the 2023 NBA Playoffs Online
Sling TV is the most comprehensive and affordable way to stream all the necessary networks for the Playoffs. The streamer’s Sling Orange package includes ESPN, TNT and ESPN3. Plus, a limited-time deal cuts the price of your first month in half to only $20/month. To catch every game, you’ll want to sign up for their Orange + Blue Package, which also includes ABC, also half off for your first month ($30/month).
Hulu + Live TV is another great way to catch all the action live, with the option to record the games to watch later with Cloud DVR. In addition to having access to all the networks that will be broadcasting this year’s Playoffs (ABC, ESPN and TNT), you’ll also be able to watch Hulu’s extensive lineup of original shows and movies.
Fubo TV is one of the more expensive options for streaming the NBA, but it’s also the most comprehensive. The Pro Plan gets you more than 157 channels, including ESPN and ABC, but its lack of TNT might make Sling TV the better option for the Playoffs. In general, though, Fubo TV is one of the best options for streaming live sports, with 35 RSNs and local networks such as NBC, CBS, Fox, FS1, FS2, BeIn Sports, the Big 10 and the Golf Channel. They’re currently offering a 7-day free trial.
For $75/month (and a 5-day free trial), DirecTV Stream has every channel you’ll need to catch all the best games from the Playoffs. Although it’s the most expensive live TV streaming service, it boasts the most RSNs and special features for sports fanatics, in addition to the major networks like ESPN, TNT, FS1 and TBS.
2023 NBA Playoffs Schedule
This schedule will be continuously updated as the Playoffs progress.
Thursday, May 11 (ET/PT)
- Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers 4:30 p.m. / 7:30 p.m.
- Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns 7:00 p.m. / 10:00 p.m.
Friday, May 12 (ET/PT)
- New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat. 4:30 p.m. / 7:30 p.m.
- Golden State Warriors vs. Los Angeles Lakers. 7:00 p.m. / 10:00 p.m.
Sunday, May 14 (ET/PT)
- Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets
- Philadelphia 76ers vs. Boston Celtics
- Los Angeles Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors
Monday, May 15 (ET/PT)
- Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks
