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How to watch the 2025 NBA Playoffs online and without cable: Your livestreaming options
The 2025 SoFi Play-In Tournament featured electric performances from the Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Memphis Grizzlies, the Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, and the Sacramento Kings.
But now, we're deep into the final games of the First Round, and NBA teams are now gearing up for the Second Round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, tipping off this week.
NBA Playoff broadcasting channels in 2025
The NBA playoffs will air on ESPN, TNT, NBA TV and ABC. We've compiled a quick, visual guide for what providers offer which broadster within their respective channel lineup:
| Channel | DIRECTV | Fubo | Hulu + Live TV | Sling TV |
YouTube TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN | ✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
| TNT | ✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
|
| NBA TV | ✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
||
| ABC | ✓ |
✓ |
✓ |
✓* |
✓ |
*Local channels available only in select locations
2025 NBA Playoff Schedule
| Playoff Round | Current Matchup Status & Schedule |
|---|---|
| Eastern Conference - First Round | |
| (1) Cleveland vs. (8) Miami | Cavaliers win series 4-0 |
| (2) Boston vs. (7) Orlando | Celtics win series 4-1 |
| (3) New York vs. (6) Detroit | Knicks lead series 3-2 Game 6: Thu. May 1, 7:30 ET, TNT Game 7: Sat. May 3, TBD (if necessary) |
| (4) Indiana vs. (5) Milwaukee | Pacers win series 4-1 |
| Western Conference - First Round | |
| (1) Oklahoma City vs. (8) Memphis | Thunder win series 4-0 |
| (2) Houston vs. (7) Golden State | Warriors lead series 3-1 Game 5: Wed. April 30, 7:30 ET, TNT Game 6: Fri. May 2, TBD (if necessary) Game 7: Sun. May 4, TBD (if necessary) |
| (3) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (6) Minnesota | Timberwolves lead series 3-1 Game 5: Wed. April 30, 10 ET, TNT Game 6: Fri. May 2, TBD (if necessary) Game 7: Sun. May 4, TBD (if necessary) |
| (4) Denver vs. (5) LA Clippers | Nuggets lead series 3-2 Game 6: Thu. May 1, 10 ET, TNT Game 7: Sat. May 3, TBD (if necessary) |
| Conference Semifinals | |
| Eastern: (1) Cleveland vs. (4) Indiana | Game 1: Sun. May 4, TBD Games 2-7: TBD (Game 7 if necessary) |
| Eastern: (2) Boston vs. TBD | Schedule TBD |
| Western: (1) Oklahoma City vs. TBD | Schedule TBD |
| Conference Finals | |
| Western Conference Finals | Begin May 20 on ESPN (possible move up to May 18) Games scheduled through June 1 (if necessary) |
| Eastern Conference Finals | Begin May 21 on TNT (possible move up to May 19) Games scheduled through June 2 (if necessary) |
| NBA Finals | |
| 2025 NBA Finals presented by YouTube TV | Begin June 5 on ABC Game 1: June 5 Game 2: June 8 Game 3: June 11 Game 4: June 13 Game 5-7: June 16, 19, 22 (if necessary) |
Watch the 2025 NBA Playoffs on DIRECTV with a 5-day free trial
DIRECTV STREAM has rebranded and consolidated solely to DIRECTV and has several packages to choose from in 2025. With over 90 channels, including ABC, ESPN, and TNT you'll get the courtside viewing experience. NBA TV is included in the Choice package and above. The DIRECTV Streaming App is also one of the few services to offer a full lineup of regional sports networks (RSNs) in addition to local channels, giving subscribers everything they need to keep up with their favorite NBA teams all season long. DIRECTV has a five-day free trial for new customers.
Watch the 2025 NBA Playoffs on Fubo with a 5-day free trial
Fubo is a sports-focused streaming service with three plans to choose from. While every plan includes ABC and ESPN in its channel lineup, Fubo is missing TNT, so you won't be able to watch some games. To watch NBA TV, you'll need to upgrade to Elite or pay the additional monthly fee for add-on that includes it, like Sports Plus with NFL RedZone. Similar to DIRECTV, Fubo also has a full list of RSNs available, making it easy to keep up with games that aren't nationally aired during the season. The streaming service offers a seven-day free trial.
Watch the 2025 NBA Playoffs on Hulu + Live TV and use Hulu's 3-day free trial option
With Hulu + Live TV, you'll get ABC, ESPN and TNT in the 95+ channel lineup. Hulu + Live TV subscribers also get access to ESPN Plus for more sports coverage. Subscribers have the option of adding even more sports channels to their plan with the Sports Extra which includes NFL RedZone and more. Hulu + Live TV now has a three-day free trial to test the service out before committing to a monthly subscription.
Watch the 2025 NBA Playoffs on Sling TV and get 50% off your first month
Sling TV is an affordable live TV streaming service that has some of the channels you'll want for the Playoffs. Sling Orange. It includes both ESPN and TNT in its 32-channel lineup. For an extended channel lineup, you can also opt for the Sling Orange & Blue plan which includes every channel from both the Orange and Blue plans.
Sling customers can also add the Sports Extra package to get more sports coverage, including NBA TV. New Sling TV subscribers can get typically get a discount during their first month of service.
Watch the 2025 NBA Playoffs on YouTube TV with a 2-day free trial
YouTube TV has over 100 channels and is still a premier livestreaming platform in 2025. That lineup includes ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV, allowing subscribers to catch all the playoff action. YouTube TV also has features that allow fans to see stats, key plays, and live scores on demand for any game. Try YouTube TV out with a five-day free trial.
FAQ
When does the Second Round of the 2025 NBA playoffs start?
The second round is set to begin on May 6-7 but could be moved up to May 4-5, depending on when the first round ends and how deep the first round matchups go.
What channels are the 2025 NBA playoffs on?
If you want to catch all the NBA playoff action, the games will be broacasted on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV which are offered by the DIRECTV Streaming App, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, Sling, and YouTube TV.
Does NBA League Pass air the playoffs?
Unfortunately, no, the 2025 NBA playoff games will not be shown to subscribers on League Pass.
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