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With the end of the NBA Play-In Tournament, all eyes on the best 16 remaining teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers, Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, San Antonio Spurs, New York Knicks, L.A. Lakers and others, ready to compete for the NBA Finals this summer.
Coverage for the 2026 NBA Playoffs is split across various networks, such as ESPN, ABC and NBC, with a variety of ways to stream the action live online without cable. Below is everything you need to know to watch the NBA postseason:
When Are the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The NBA Playoffs games are scheduled on Saturday, Apr. 18 and run until the NBA Finals in June. For a complete schedule for the NBA Playoffs, including matchups, networks and start times, click here.
How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on TV
NBA Playoff games broadcast across ESPN, ABC and NBC, as well as livestreams on Prime Video and Peacock. If you don’t have cable, there are still plenty of ways stream the game live online on streamers such as DirecTV, Sling TV and Hulu+ Live TV.
How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs Online
Starting at $59.99 for the first month of service and $94.99/month afterwards (with a 5-day free trial), DirecTV has every channel you’ll need to catch all playoff games, including ESPN, ABC and NBC. 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 NBA TV, ESPN2, FOX Sports, TNT, TBS and others.
Sling TV
Sling TV is the most comprehensive and affordable way to stream all the necessary networks. The streamer’s Sling Orange + Blue package includes ESPN, NBC and ESPN3 (for ABC simulcast).
If you want 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. For NBA TV, Sling offers the Sports Extra package, which also includes ESPNU, MLB Network, NHL Network and more, for an additional $11/month.
Please note: Prices and channel availability depends on your local TV market.
Amazon
The NBA games throughout the playoffs livestream on Prime Video. However, it’s not broadcasting on any network like NBC, ABC and ESPN, so the best way to watch it is online with a Prime Video membership.
Not a member? Sign up for a 30-day free trial to take advantage of all that Amazon Prime has to offer, including access to Prime Video and Prime Gaming; fast free shipping in less than two days with Prime Delivery; in-store discounts at Whole Foods Market, access to exclusive shopping events — like Prime Day and Black Friday — and more.
You can purchase the livestream feed of the game starting at $8.99/month for the standalone Prime Video plan, or $139.99/year when you sign up for an annual Amazon Prime subscription here.
NBCUniversal
The NBA on NBC livestreams on Peacock for subscribers only. Not a subscriber? You can purchase the livestream feed of the game starting at $10.99/month for the ad-supported plan, or $109.99/year when you sign up for an annual subscription here. In addition, you can go ad-free for $16.99/month, or $169.99/year for the annual plan.
Aside from the NBA on NBC games, Peacock is the home to other sports leagues, including the Premiere League, PGA, NASCAR, IMSA, Big Ten Football and more.
Hulu
Starting at $89.99/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 broadcast this season (ABC, ESPN and NBC), you’ll also be able to watch Hulu’s extensive lineup of original shows and movies, as well as Disney+ and ESPN Unlimited at no additional cost. NBA TV is not included with Hulu + Live TV.
Fubo
Fubo TV is an another options for streaming the NBA. The Pro Plan gets you more than 200 channels, including ESPN, ABC and NBA TV, and NBC. In general, Fubo TV is one of the best options for streaming live sports, with 35 RSNs and local networks such as CBS Sports Network, FOX Sports, FS2, BeIn Sports, the Big 10 and the Golf Channel. They’re currently offering a 5-day free trial.
ESPN
ESPN Unlimited includes everything ESPN has to offer, including ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, ESPN on ABC, ESPN Deportes, SECN, ACCN, SECN+, ACCNX and ESPN+. It includes live NHL games, as part of its service. You’ll get access to other sports leagues, like UFC, F1, MLB, NHL, La Liga and others. ESPN Unlimited goes for $29.99/month.
For a limited time, you can get ESPN Unlimited bundles with Disney+ and Hulu for same price, $29.99/month for 12 months. You’re basically getting Disney+ and Hulu for free for an entire year with the bundle.
NBA
If you want a one-stop shop for every NBA game, then go with NBA League Pass. Starting at $109.99 per season, you can access every game with live analysis, as well as access to the NBA archive of past games and history. You can also stream NBA TV at no additional cost. It’s really the streaming service to get, if you’re a die-hard NBA fan.
