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LeBron James turned back the clock once again in a series win over the Houston Rockets, but does he have enough in the tank to power the Los Angeles Lakers to an upset of the defending champions?
The Oklahoma City Thunder cruised past the Phoenix Suns in the opening round, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren both playing like stars. Oklahoma City overpowered the Lakers in the regular season, but the playoffs tend to bring out the best in every team.
Injuries are a factor for both teams entering the series. While Austin Reaves is back in the mix for the Lakers, Luka Doncic remains out and uncertain when he will return. Jalen Williams, meanwhile, isn't yet ready to return for the Thunder after suffering a hamstring injury in the first round.
Considering the Thunder were a level above the Lakers when they faced off in the regular season, it may take a massive effort without Doncic for L.A. to steal Game 1 on the road.
Here's what you need to know to watch Game 1 between the Thunder and Lakers, including TV channel and live streaming options.
What channel is Thunder vs. Lakers on today?
- TV channel: NBC
- Live stream: Peacock
Game 1 of the series between the Thunder and Lakers will be broadcast by NBC, with Mike Tirico and Reggie Miller on the call, and will stream live on Peacock.
Peacock features live coverage of NFL Sunday Night Football, the NBA, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Premier League soccer, Big Ten football and basketball, Notre Dame football, Big East and Big 12 basketball, PGA Tour golf, the Tour de France, and more.
Thunder vs. Lakers start time
- Date: Tuesday, May 5
- Time: 8:30 p.m. ET | 7:30 p.m. CT | 5:30 p.m. PT
Game 1 between the Thunder and Lakers will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City on Tuesday. It will be the final second-round series to tip off.
Thunder vs. Lakers series schedule
| May 5 | Game 1 at Oklahoma City | 8:30 p.m. | NBC, Peacock |
| May 7 | Game 2 at Oklahoma City | 9:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| May 9 | Game 3 at Los Angeles | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN app/DIRECTV |
| May 11 | Game 4 at Los Angeles | 10:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| May 13 | Game 5* at Oklahoma City | TBA | TBA |
| May 16 | Game 6* at Los Angeles | TBA | TBA |
| May 18 | Game 7* at Oklahoma City | TBA | TBA |
* If necessary
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4 |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series
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