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As we enter the conference semi-finals this weekend, it's a great time to check out the latest details on how to watch the NBA playoffs online. We'll be keeping this guide updated with the latest channel information as they're confirmed so you'll be able to tune in with ease. The NBA Playoffs are live-streamed and broadcasted across TNT, ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV. With the NBA Finals set to begin on June 1, there's plenty of games to enjoy before then.
How to watch the NBA Playoffs in the US
You can watch the NBA Playoffs on ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV, with select games scheduled across each channel. Games on ABC are free to watch if you have access to broadcast TV, but you'll need to have a pay-TV provider to access ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV.
If you don't have cable, you can sign up for a live TV streaming service like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, or FuboTV to watch NBA playoff games. Games on ABC will typically be streamed via ESPN3 as well.
The Sling Orange package includes ESPN, ESPN3, and TNT for half price for the first month at just $20 easily making it the most affordable streaming service to watch the NBA Playoffs. NBA TV is available through Sling with the Sports Extra add-on for an additional $11 a month. NBA TV will only feature games during the first round of the playoffs so the window of its usefulness to watch NBA playoffs online is growing smaller.
What if you're not in the US?
If you're not in the US right now, you might be in a location that doesn't have access to the NBA Playoffs. Thankfully, there's an easy fix: A VPN. A virtual private network, or VPN, will enable you to stream the NBA Playoffs through services like Sling TV no matter where you are, while also creating a more secure connection.
Our picks for the best VPN service is ExpressVPN, and new members get a 30-day money-back guarantee. For more VPN recommendations, check out our full list of the best VPN providers.
How to watch the NBA Playoffs with a VPN
- Sign up for a VPN if you don't already have one.
- Install it on the device you're using to watch the NBA Playoffs.
- Turn it on and set it to any US location.
- Sign up for Sling TV's Orange tier - 50% off the first month
- Open Sling TV and select the channel the game is playing on.
2023 NBA Playoffs schedule
Game | Date and time | Channel |
| Sacramento Kings at Golden State Warriors | April 28, 8 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Memphis Grizzlies at LA Lakers | April 28, 10:30 p.m. ET | ESPN |
| Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets | April 29, 8:30 p.m. | TBD |
| Miami Heat at New York Knicks | April 30m, 1:00 p.m. ET | ABC |
| Golden State Warriors at Sacramento Kings | April 30, TBD | TBD |
Note: The use of VPNs is illegal in certain countries and using VPNs to access region-locked streaming content might constitute a breach of the terms of use for certain services. Insider does not endorse or condone the illegal use of VPNs.