What channel is Thunder vs. Suns on today? Time, TV schedule, live stream to watch Game 1 of NBA Playoffs series

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After a season of raising banners in Oklahoma City, the Thunder are back to their winning ways, standing atop the Western Conference for the third time in a row.

Standing in their way is the Phoenix Suns, who made it through the Play-In Tournament, earning the No. 8 seed. Phoenix, led by Devin Booker and Jalen Green, will be looking to pull off a major upset after being one of the league's better 3-point shooting teams in 2025-26.

The Thunder appear to be the heavy favorites on the back of a flurry of strong seasons. Most notably is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who appears to be the clear favorite to win his second MVP award. Fellow All-Star Chet Holmgren and SG Jalen Williams are expected to be back for the playoffs as well. 

The Suns fell to the Trail Blazers in the Play-In Tournament, but thanks to their following win over the Warriors, they will continue on in the postseason.

Here's what you need to know about Sunday's matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns, including broadcast information and start time.

What channel is Thunder vs. Suns on today?

Thunder vs. Suns Game 1 will be broadcast by ABC and will stream live on the ESPN app.

Now you can watch ESPN without cable. Stream live NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, plus SportsCenter, First Take, and all your favorite ESPN shows—anytime, anywhere—only in the ESPN app.

Thunder vs. Suns start time

  • Date: Sunday, April 19
  • Time: 3:30 p.m. ET

Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs series between the Thunder and Suns is set to tip off at 3:30 p.m. ET from the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

Thunder vs. Suns series schedule

DateGameTime (ET)Watch
April 19Game 1 at Oklahoma City3:30 p.m.ABC, ESPN app,
April 22Game 2 at Oklahoma City9:30 p.m.ESPN, ESPN app,
April 25Game 3 at Phoenix3:30 p.m.Peacock/NBC
April 27Game 4 at PhoenixTBATBA
April 29Game 5* at Oklahoma CityTBATBA
May 1Game 6* at PhoenixTBATBA
May 3Game 7* at Oklahoma CityTBATBA

*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. 

EventDates
Play-In TournamentApril 14-17
First round beginsApril 18
Conference semifinals beginMay 4*
NBA Draft LotteryMay 10
Eastern Conference finals beginMay 19*
Western Conference finals beginMay 20*
NBA Finals beginJune 3
NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)June 19

* Can move up depending on earlier series

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