NBA Playoff Schedule 2026: Bracket, scores, dates, times, live stream, how to watch on TV postseason matchups.
The 2025-26 NBA postseason is finally here. After a long 82-game regular season, the remaining playoff spots will be decided in the Play-In Tournament before the real action begins.The NBA Play-In Tournament will take place from April 14–17, 2026, and the 2026 NBA Playoffs will officially begin on Saturday, April 18.
MORE: 2026 NBA Play-In Tournament, Schedule, games dates, format, start times how to watch, Stream Live.
When does the NBA 2026 regular season end?
The 2025-26 NBA regular season concludes on Thursday, April 16, 2026.
When is the 2024 SoFi Play-In Tournament?
Play-In Tournament: April 14–17, 2026
When do the 2026 NBA Playoffs start?.
The 2026 NBA Playoffs are scheduled to begin on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The postseason officially kicks off immediately after the Play-In Tournament, which runs from April 14–17
2026 NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule & How to Watch
All Play-In games will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.
Tuesday, April 14
7:30 p.m. ET: (10) Miami Heat vs. (9) Charlotte Hornets
10:00 p.m. ET: (8) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (7) Phoenix Suns
Wednesday, April 15
7:30 p.m. ET: (8) Orlando Magic vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers
10:00 p.m. ET: (10) Golden State Warriors vs. (9) Los Angeles Clippers
Friday, April 17
7:30 p.m. ET: East – Winner of Heat/Hornets vs. Loser of Magic/76ers
10:00 p.m. ET: West – Winner of Warriors/Clippers vs. Loser of Trail Blazers/Suns
2026 NBA Playoffs Schedule, Play-In dates, Times, TV info: kick off first round matchups.
2026 NBA Playoffs First Round Schedule
The first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs begins on Saturday, April 18.
Saturday, April 18
Raptors at Cavaliers – 1:00 p.m. ET (Prime)
Timberwolves at Nuggets – 3:30 p.m. ET (Prime)
Hawks at Knicks – 6:00 p.m. ET (Prime)
Rockets at Lakers – 8:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
Sunday, April 19
East No. 7 seed at Celtics – 1:00 p.m. ET (ABC)
East No. 7 seed at Celtics – 1:00 p.m. ET (ABC)
West No. 8 seed at Thunder – 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC)
East No. 8 at Pistons – 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
West No. 7 at Spurs – 9:00 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
2026 NBA Playoff Bracket (First Round)
Eastern Conference
(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Play-In Winner
Eastern Conference
(1) Detroit Pistons vs. (8) Play-In Winner
(4) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (5) Toronto Raptors
(3) New York Knicks vs. (6) Atlanta Hawks
(2) Boston Celtics vs. (7) Play-In Winner
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Play-In Winner
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) Play-In Winner
(4) Los Angeles Lakers vs. (5) Houston Rockets
(3) Denver Nuggets vs. (6) Minnesota Timberwolves
(2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Play-In Winner
When do the NBA conference semifinals start?
The 2026 NBA Conference Semifinals are tentatively scheduled to begin on Monday, May 4, 2026.
However, the start date is flexible; if the first-round series conclude earlier than expected, the semifinals may move up to May 2 or May 3.
When does the 2026 NBA Finals start?
The 2026 NBA Finals are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. All games will be broadcast exclusively on ABC and are slated for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off.
How can I watch the NBA Finals, stream games online ?
The NBA Finals will exclusively 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.
2026 NBA Finals Schedule, dates, times, TV channels.
The 2026 NBA Finals are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 3, 2026. All games will be broadcast exclusively on ABC and are slated for an 8:30 p.m. ET tip-off.
Full Schedule of Dates:
Game 1: Wednesday, June 3
Game 2: Friday, June 5
Game 3: Monday, June 8
Game 4: Wednesday, June 10
Game 5 (if necessary): Saturday, June 13
Game 6 (if necessary): Tuesday, June 16
Game 7 (if necessary): Friday, June 19
How can I watch the NBA Playoffs?
The NBA Playoffs will be broadcast across ABC, ESPN, TNT, NBC, and Prime Video. You can also stream games on services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and DIRECTV STREAM.
How many teams make the NBA playoffs?
Sixteen teams qualify for the NBA Playoffs — eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. The top six seeds in each conference get a direct spot, while the No. 7 and No. 8 seeds are decided by the Play-In Tournament.
Please check back for more information on Sportshistori.com for latest playoff scheduling including series matchups, broadcast information and a complete first round schedule. The 2025-26 NBA regular season.
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