NBA playoffs 2026: Where to watch the conference semifinals, updated TV schedule and more
The NBA playoffs are in full swing, and the New York Knicks have already cemented their spot in the Eastern Conference finals after demolishing the 76ers in four games. The Cavaliers and the Pistons are still in the midst of their Eastern Conference semifinal series, which is currently tied up at 2-2 and will run at least until Friday. In the Western Conference semis, we’ve got an identical situation; the Thunder also swept the Lakers in four, while the Timberwolves and Spurs are tied at two games apiece.
You can catch the remaining conference semifinals this week across NBC/Peacock and ESPN. 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 14 - June, 2026
TV channel: NBC, ESPN, ABC
Streaming: Peacock, ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV and more
What channels are broadcasting NBA playoff games?
NBA playoff games will be broadcast across Prime Video, NBC, ABC, and ESPN.
How to watch the 2026 NBA playoffs without cable:
NBA playoff games that air on NBC will also stream on Peacock. Games on ABC and ESPN are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited. You can find all these channels on streaming platforms like DirecTV and YouTube TV.
More ways to watch NBA playoff Games:
2026 NBA playoffs schedule:
All times Eastern
May 12
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
May 13
Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Detroit Pistons: 8 p.m. (ESPN)
May 15
Minnesota Timberwolves vs. San Antonio Spurs: TBD
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: TBD
May 17(if necessary)
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves: TBD
Detroit Pistons vs. Cleveland Cavaliers: TBD
2026 NBA playoffs key dates:
May 4: Conference Semifinals begin
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)
