After the NBA regular season ends on April 13, the 2025 NBA postseason tips off with the play-in tournament on April 15, followed by the first round of the playoffs on April 19.
Here's when and where you can watch the NBA playoffs and NBA Finals:
When do the NBA playoffs start?
Since 2020, the NBA playoffs have tipped off with the NBA play-in tournament. The play-in tournament begins on April 15. The first round of the NBA playoffs will then commence on April 19.
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How can I watch the play-in tournament?
The play-in tournament will be broadcast on ESPN and TNT.
How can I watch the NBA Playoffs?
The NBA playoffs will broadcast on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV. Most traditional cable/satellite subscriptions have packages including some or all of these channels. You also stream the full NBA playoffs with streaming providers Sling, fubo TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV and DIRECTV STREAM.
Can I watch the Playoffs and Finals for free?
If you have an over-the-air antenna, you can catch some playoff matchups and every NBA finals game on ABC. Some streaming services also have free trials available.
Who is in the 2025 NBA playoffs?
Teams are jockeying for position. Check out the latest NBA standings.
When do the NBA conference semifinals start?
The 2025 NBA conference semifinals begin on May 5-6, but could move up to May 3-4 if the playoff series ends early.
When do the NBA conference finals start?
The 2025 NBA conference finals begin on May 21-22, but could move up to May 19-20 if the playoff series end early.
When do the NBA Finals start?
The NBA Finals start on June 5, featuring the winners of the Eastern and Western Conference finals. The NBA Finals could end anytime from June 13 and June 22, depending on the series.
How can I watch the NBA Finals?
The NBA Finals will broadcast on ABC. ABC is available on many streaming services, including DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and YouTube TV. You can also catch NBA Finals games with an over-the-air antenna that has access to a local broadcasting station.
2025 NBA Finals Schedule
- Thursday, June 5: Game 1 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
- Sunday, June 8: Game 2 (8 p.m., ABC)
- Wednesday, June 11: Game 3 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
- Friday, June 13: Game 4 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
- Monday, June 16: Game 5 (8:30 p.m., ABC)*
- Thursday, June 19: Game 6 (8:30 p.m., ABC)*
- Sunday, June 22: Game 7 (8 p.m., ABC)*
* if necessary
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