How to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs: Schedule, Bracket, How to Watch, TV Channels & Streaming Guide

What's New About the 2026 NBA Playoffs Broadcast

This year is a big deal for how hoops gets delivered to your screen. The 2026 NBA Playoffs mark a significant shift in how fans consume the postseason, as a landmark media rights deal introduces a three-pronged distribution model featuring ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. 

While the NBA Finals remain the exclusive property of ABC, earlier rounds are split across these platforms, including the entirety of the Play-In Tournament moving exclusively to Prime Video.

NBA Playoff Broadcasting Channels in 2026

NBA playoff games are broadcast across Prime Video, NBC, ABC, and ESPN. Games that air on NBC will also stream on Peacock. Games on ABC and ESPN are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited.

Here's a quick breakdown of which streaming services carry which playoff channels:

*ABC available only in select markets via Sling. Prime Video requires a separate Amazon subscription on all platforms.

2026 NBA Playoff Schedule & Results

Eastern Conference — First Round (Complete)

Detroit Pistons (1) defeated Orlando Magic (8) — Pistons win series 4-3. Detroit advanced to the East semifinals for the first time since 2008.

Philadelphia 76ers (7) defeated Boston Celtics (2) — 76ers win series 4-3. Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey led the Sixers to victory in Game 7 at TD Garden, completing a stunning 3-1 series comeback.

New York Knicks (3) defeated Atlanta Hawks (6) — Knicks win series.

Cleveland Cavaliers (4) defeated Toronto Raptors (5) — Cavaliers win series. Cleveland pulled away from the Raptors behind a dominant performance from Jarrett Allen.

Western Conference — First Round (Complete)

Oklahoma City Thunder (1) swept the Phoenix Suns (8) 4-0.

Houston Rockets (5) defeated Los Angeles Lakers (4).

Minnesota Timberwolves (6) defeated Denver Nuggets (3).

San Antonio Spurs (2) defeated Portland Trail Blazers (7).

Eastern Conference Semifinals (Now Underway)

(3) New York Knicks vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers

Jalen Brunson scored a game-high 35 points (27 in the first half) as the Knicks cruised to a 137-98 victory in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinal.

(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (4) Cleveland CavaliersDetroit and Cleveland face off in the East semifinals after each winning Game 7s in the first round.

Western Conference Semifinals (Now Underway)

(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (4) Los Angeles LakersHealthy and injured superstars loom large as the Lakers take on the defending champion Thunder in the West.

(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (6) Minnesota TimberwolvesVictor Wembanyama set a single-game playoff record with 12 blocked shots in Game 1 of San Antonio's West semifinal vs. Minnesota, though Anthony Edwards returned to the lineup off the bench and the Timberwolves still won 104-102.

Conference Finals

The Eastern Conference Finals begin May 19 on ESPN/ABC (can move up to May 17). The Western Conference Finals begin May 20 on NBC/Peacock (can move up to May 18).

2026 NBA Finals

The 2026 NBA Finals will begin Wednesday, June 3, with each game tipping off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

*If necessary

How to Watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs on DIRECTV Genre Pack

DIRECTV's MySports Genre Pack includes access to ESPN (and the ESPN Unlimited streaming tier), local ABC, and NBC, covering the majority of 2026 NBA Playoff games. 

The MySports Genre Pack starts at $44.99/month for the first two months, then goes up to $64.99/month thereafter, and includes a 5-day free trial. For the games that land on Prime Video, you'll just need your existing Amazon account. With DIRECTV Genre Packs, there are no annual contracts. 

Start Your 5-Day Free Trial With DIRECTV Genre Packs

FAQ

What channels are the 2026 NBA Playoffs on?

NBA playoff games are broadcast across Prime Video, NBC, ABC, and ESPN. Games that air on NBC will also stream on Peacock. Games on ABC and ESPN are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited.

When do the 2026 NBA Conference Semifinals start?

The Conference Semifinals began Monday, May 4, with the Knicks hosting the 76ers at 8 p.m. ET and the Spurs hosting the Timberwolves at 9:30 p.m. ET.

Who is the defending NBA champion?

The Oklahoma City Thunder entered the 2026 playoffs as defending champions and the top seed in the Western Conference.

When does the 2026 NBA Finals start?

The 2026 NBA Finals begin Wednesday, June 3, with each game tipping off at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

Does NBA League Pass air the 2026 playoffs?

NBA League Pass does not carry live playoff games. You'll need one of the streaming services listed above — or an Amazon Prime subscription for Prime Video-exclusive games — to watch postseason action.

How many viewers are watching the 2026 NBA Playoffs?

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are delivering an average of 3.91 million viewers per game across ABC, ESPN, NBC/Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video.

What was the biggest story of the 2026 NBA First Round?

The Detroit Pistons became the 15th team in NBA history to overcome a 3-1 series deficit, doing so against the Orlando Magic — the same team they previously overcame a 3-1 deficit against back in 2003. They were also the first 1-seeded team since the 2016 Golden State Warriors to overcome a 3-1 deficit and win Game 7 at home.