How to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs with DIRECTV: Conference Finals game schedule, where to stream, and more
We’ve reached the Conference Finals of the 2026 NBA playoffs. The Eastern tournament features the New York Knicks vs the Cleveland Cavaliers. On the Western side, the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the San Antonio Spurs. Games are happening every day this week. If you don’t want to miss out on a single one, we can tell you how to watch them all.
This round of NBA playoff games airs across ABC, NBC, and ESPN. Looking to watch the tournament with just one streaming service? With DIRECTV’s MySports® Genre Pack®, you’ll have everything you need to tune in. Well, apart from Prime Video — but who doesn’t have access to an Amazon account these days, anyway?
Here's what you need to know so you won't miss a single game of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.
How to watch the 2026 NBA playoffs:
Dates: April 18 - June, 2026
TV channels: NBC, ESPN, ABC
Streaming: DIRECTV
What channels are broadcasting NBA playoff games?
NBA playoff games will be broadcast across NBC, ABC, and ESPN.
How to watch the 2026 NBA playoffs without cable:
NBA playoff games that air on NBC, ABC, and ESPN are all available to stream with DIRECTV’s MySports® Genre Pack®, which includes access to ESPN (and the ESPN Unlimited streaming tier), local ABC, and NBC.
Cancel anytime. Local channels vary by market. Blackout restrictions apply. Select sales channels only.
This will not replace any existing Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, or Disney bundle subscription you may already have. All other accounts must be managed separately. You must remain on an eligible plan to retain your offer.
Note: You’ll still need Amazon Prime access to catch the Prime Video-exclusive NBA playoff games — but who doesn’t have Amazon Prime access these days?
Why we love DIRECTV:
As Senior Yahoo Tech writer Rick Broida puts it, DIRECTV is the “polished and likable” cable alternative that cord-cutters have been searching for. Miss flipping through endless channels on the hunt for a gem to tune into? DIRECTV’s got one of the best channel guides out there. And in terms of content diversity, DIRECTV has you covered there, too, with packages ranging from hyper-specific Genre Packs for sports fans and reality TV zealots to full-coverage options for TV fans who want it all. Sports fans, meanwhile, will appreciate that ESPN Unlimited is included with many DIRECTV plans to boot. And don't worry about missing your favorite shows, either: In addition to live channels, DIRECTV offers a full range of on-demand programming and unlimited DVR, too. That's why we called DIRECTV the best cable TV replacement in the streaming world.
2026 NBA playoffs schedule:
All times Eastern
May 18
San Antonio Spurs vs. OKC Thunder: 8:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Tuesday, May 19
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Wednesday, May 20
San Antonio Spurs vs. OKC Thunder: 8:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Thursday, May 21
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Friday, May 22
OKC Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs: 8:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Saturday, May 23
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, 8 p.m. (ABC)
Sunday, May 24
OKC Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs: 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Monday, May 25
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
If necessary:
Tuesday, May 26
OKC Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs: 8:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Wednesday, May 27
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Thursday, May 28
OKC Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs: 8:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Friday, May 29
New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
Saturday, May 30
San Antonio Spurs vs. OKC Thunder: 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Sunday, May 31
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. New York Knicks, 8 p.m. (ESPN)
2026 NBA playoffs key dates:
May 4: Conference Semifinals begin (can move up to May 2 or 3)
May 19: Eastern Conference Finals begin on ESPN/ABC (can move up to May 17)
May 20: Western Conference Finals begin on NBC/Peacock (can move up to May 18)
June 3: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 5: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 8: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 10: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET
June 13: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
June 16: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
June 19: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)
