The time has come for postseason basketball. With the play-in tournament underway, two months' worth of NBA Playoff hoops have officially commenced.
In the Eastern Conference, all eyes are on regular-season favorites Boston and Cleveland. The Celtics are under added pressure with back-to-back titles on the line, but their versatile and experienced roster should help them out. The Cavaliers are solid, but may struggle to overcome postseason hardships.
The playoff picture is a bit muddier out West. While Oklahoma City is the clear frontrunner, the Lakers, Warriors, Clippers, Nuggets and Timberwolves stack the rest of the bracket. Can the Thunder pull through with a younger roster, or will someone else make a run?
Here's everything you need to know about the 2025 NBA Playoffs, including how to stream games from each series without cable.
NBA Playoffs live streams, TV channels 2025
- TV channels: ABC | ESPN | NBA TV | TNT
- Live stream: Sling
Basketball fans can watch NBA Playoff games on ABC, ESPN, NBA TV and TNT. The 2025 NBA Finals will air exclusively on ABC. Postseason games can also be streamed on Sling.
Sling is the home for sports fans, as it offers a wide range of channels. You can always cheer for your favorite teams with channels like ESPN, TBS, TNT, NFL Network, FS1 and more.
What is Sling TV?
Sling TV is a popular live streaming service that offers a flexible and affordable way to watch television without a traditional cable subscription. It provides a range of channel packages, allowing users to customize their viewing experience by choosing from various genres, including sports, news, and entertainment.
One of its best qualities is the no-contract model, which gives subscribers the freedom to start and stop service as they please. Additionally, Sling TV's user-friendly interface, compatibility with multiple devices, and the option for add-ons like premium channels make it an attractive choice for those looking to streamline their viewing options.
NBA Playoffs 2025: Updated schedule for every round of postseason games
NBA Play-In Tournament
Eastern Conference
Date | Scores |
April 15 | Magic 120, Hawks 95 |
April 16 | Heat 109, Bulls 90 |
April 18 | Heat 123, Hawks 114 (OT) |
Western Conference
Date | Scores |
April 15 | Warriors 121, Grizzlies 116 |
April 16 | Mavericks 120, Kings 106 |
April 18 | Grizzlies 120, Mavericks 106 |
Eastern Conference first round
(1) Cavaliers vs. (8) Heat
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
April 20 | Game 1 | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 23 | Game 2 | 7:30 p.m. | NBA TV, Sling |
April 26 | Game 3 | 1 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 28 | Game 4 | TBD | TBD |
April 30 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
May 2 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 4 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
(2) Celtics vs. (7) Magic
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
April 20 | Game 1 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
April 23 | Game 2 | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 25 | Game 3 | 7 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
April 27 | Game 4 | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 29 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
May 1 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 3 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
(3) Knicks vs. (6) Pistons
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
April 19 | Game 1 | 6 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
April 21 | Game 2 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 24 | Game 3 | 7 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 27 | Game 4 | 1 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
April 29 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
May 1 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 3 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
(4) Pacers vs. (5) Bucks
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
April 19 | Game 1 | 1 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
April 22 | Game 2 | 7 p.m. | NBA TV, Sling |
April 25 | Game 3 | 8 p.m. | NBA TV, Sling |
April 27 | Game 4 | 9:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 29 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
May 2 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 4 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
Western Conference first round
(1) Thunder vs. (8) Grizzlies
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
April 20 | Game 1 | 1 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
April 22 | Game 2 | 7:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 24 | Game 3 | 9:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 26 | Game 4 | 3:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 28 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
May 1 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 3 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
(2) Rockets vs. (7) Warriors
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
April 20 | Game 1 | 9:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 23 | Game 2 | 9:30 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 26 | Game 3 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
April 28 | Game 4 | 10 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 30 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
May 2 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 4 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
(3) Lakers vs. (6) Timberwolves
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
April 19 | Game 1 | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
April 22 | Game 2 | 10 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 25 | Game 3 | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
April 27 | Game 4 | 3:30 p.m. | ABC, Sling |
April 30 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
May 2 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 4 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
(4) Nuggets vs. (5) Clippers
Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
April 19 | Game 1 | 3:30 p.m. | ESPN, Sling |
April 21 | Game 2 | 10 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 24 | Game 3 | 10 p.m. | NBA TV, Sling |
April 26 | Game 4 | 6 p.m. | TNT, Sling |
April 29 | Game 5* | TBD | TBD |
May 1 | Game 6* | TBD | TBD |
May 3 | Game 7* | TBD | TBD |
*If necessary
NBA Playoffs bracket 2025

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