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The 2023 NBA Playoffs are here! For sports fanatics who want to watch their favorite teams face off, there are plenty of affordable streaming options that offer NBA coverage live and on-demand.
When do the NBA Playoffs start? Playoffs games kick off this Saturday (April 15) with four games including the Brooklyn Nets vs. Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics, New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings.
If you want watch the action in person, you can find playoffs tickets at StubHub, Vivid Seats, SeatGeek Ticketmaster and other ticketing sites for approximately $44 and up.
Read on for details on how to watch playoff games without cable.
NBA Playoffs Schedule: How to Stream Games Online
If you’re a die-hard basketball fan, NBA League Pass is an obvious choice during the regular season but things change for the playoffs. The service lets subscribers access hundreds of live games and 24/7 access to news, highlights, studio shows and classic games from the archives starting at $14.99/month, however NBA Playoffs games will broadcast and stream on ESPN and ESPN platforms.
ESPN’s coverage begins on Saturday with NBA Countdown Presented by Chime at 12 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN2 and streaming on the ESPN app. The special will feature commentary from Mike Greenberg, Jalen Rose, Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon, and Adrian Wojnarowski.
Saturday’s Nets vs. 76ers game is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN+ and the ESPN app; followed by the Hawks vs. Celtics at 3:30 p.m. ET; and Knicks vs. Cavaliers games airing at 6 p.m. on ESPN, ESPN Radio and the ESPN app.
Later in the evening, the Warriors will face the Kings at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC and the ESPN app, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Memphis Grizzlies game airs Sunday (April 16) at 3 p.m. ET. on ABC and the ESPN app.
ESPN platforms will broadcast and stream a dozen first-round playoff games.
Where can you watch ESPN and ABC without cable? You can stream ESPN, ABC and more on DirectTV Stream, Fubo, Sling TV and other platforms.
Most streamers offer a free trial or a discount at sign up, so you won’t necessarily have to pay out of pocket, depending on which platform you choose. To make shopping a little easier, we collected a short list of some of the more affordable options and what they offer.
DirectTV Stream’s Entertainment package starts at $64.99/month for more than 75 channels including ABC, NBC, ESPN, CBS, TNT, USA and TLC. The package includes DVR storage.
Direct TV also offers a Gemini streaming device, which allows you to watch live and on-demand channels alongside streamers like Prime Video, HBO Max, Disney+ and Netflix, all in once place.
How to Watch the NBA Playoffs on Sling, Fubo & More
Sling TV subscribers can watch ESPN, ESPN2, ABC, etc. for just $20 for the first month (regular $40/month). Sling’s Orange tier gets you access to 31 channels, 50 hours of DVR storage and one device stream.
For additional channels, DVR storage and up to three device streams, upgrade to Sling Blue currently discounted to $22.50 for the first month or the Orange & Blue tier currently $30 for the first month.
Fubo Pro is $74.99 a month, plus you get to stream free for the first week. The streaming packages includes 151 channels, over 100 sporting events, cloud DVR (1,000 hours) and streaming from unlimited screens at home. For Spanish-speaking sports fans, Fubo offer a Latino package, which is discounted to $24.99 a month (regular $32.99).
Another affordably-priced option, Vidgo Plus is $69.99/month to access ABC, ESPN and over 110 live and on-demand channels, plus DVR storage. Vidgo also offers Ultimate, Premium, and Vidgo Mas packages ranging from $34.95-$99.95 per month.
You can join Hulu + Live TV and stream over 75 channels, plus access to ESPN+, Hulu and Disney+, for less than $75 per month.
Other options for live television include Verizon Fios and T-Mobile, and if you’re streaming internationally, ExpressVPN lets you watch ESPN and other channels and streaming platforms from outside of the U.S.
See the full 2023 NBA Playoffs bracket here.