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NBA Playoffs bracket 2026: Updated schedule, TV channels, scores for every round of postseason games
TL;DR
The 2026 NBA Playoffs have begun, featuring the Detroit Pistons as the top seed in the Eastern Conference and the Oklahoma City Thunder leading the West. The first round starts on April 18, with teams vying for the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026: Updated schedule, TV channels, scores for every round of postseason games originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The NBA Playoffs are officially here. After 82 games of grinding through the regular season, the marathon has finally turned into a sprint, as the 2025-26 postseason field is set to narrow through the high-stakes crucible of the Play-In Tournament.
In the Eastern Conference, the Detroit Pistons have completed a historic resurgence to claim the top seed, while the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers have secured their spots and are resting up for a deep run. In the West, the defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder have locked up the No. 1 seed, with the San Antonio Spurs right behind them.
With the first round officially tipping off on Saturday, April 18, the margin for error has vanished, and the quest for the Larry O'Brien Trophy is finally underway.
Here's everything you need to know for the 2026 NBA playoffs, from schedule to streaming information.
NBA playoffs bracket 2026
The bracket will be updated as teams are locked into seeds.
Eastern Conference
- (1) Pistons vs. (8) Play-In TBD
- (2) Celtics vs. (7) Play-In TBD
- (3) Knicks vs. (6) Raptors/Hawks
- (4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Hawks/Raptors
Western Conference
- (1) Thunder vs. (8) Play-In TBD
- (2) Spurs vs. (7) Play-In TBD
- (3) Nuggets/Lakers vs. (6) Timberwolves
- (4)Â Lakers/Nuggets vs. (5) Rockets
Where to watch NBA Playoffs 2026: TV channels, live streams
- **TV channels:**ABC |Â ESPN | NBC
- Live streams:DIRECTV | ESPN app | Peacock | Prime Video
NBA Playoff action is spread across ABC, ESPN, NBC and Prime Video, though the NBA Finals remain the exclusive domain of ABC. Fans have a wide range of streaming options to catch the postseason, including Prime, the ESPN app, and Peacock, with each service carrying specific games depending on their broadcast rights.
All games airing on ABC, ESPN and NBC are also available via DIRECTV Stream.
Catch every game â try DIRECTV FREE today! Stream live MLB, March Madness, soccer and more with must-have sports channels like TNT, TBS, truTV, ESPN, FS1, and NFL Networkâall included with DIRECTV.
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NBA Playoffs 2026: Updated schedule for every round of postseason games
This section will be filled in when series schedules are announced.
Play-In Tournament
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tue., April 14 | East No. 7 vs. East No. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| No. 7 Suns vs. No. 8 Blazers/Clippers | 10 p.m. | Prime Video | |
| Wed., April 15 | East No. 9 vs. East No. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| No. 9 Clippers/Blazers vs. No. 10 Warriors | 10 p.m. | Prime Video | |
| Fri., April 17 | East No. 7/8 loser vs. No. 9/10 winner | 7:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| West No. 7/8 loser vs. No. 9/10 winner | 10 p.m. | Prime Video |
Eastern Conference first round
**(1)**Pistons vs. (8) TBD
(2) Celtics vs. (7) TBD
(3) Knicks vs. (6) Raptors/Hawks
(4) Cavaliers vs. (5) Hawks/Raptors
Western Conference first round
**(1)**Thunder vs. (8) TBD
(2) Spurs vs. (7) TBD
(3) Nuggets/Lakers vs. (6) Timberwolves
(4) Lakers/Nuggets vs. (5) Rockets
NBA Playoffs round-by-round schedule 2026
- Play-In Tournament:Â April 14-17
- First round:Â April 18
- Conference semifinals:Â May 4-5Â (possible move up to May 2-3)
- Conference finals:Â May 19-20Â (possible move up to May 17-18)
- NBA Finals:Â June 3-June 19
Related Links
Q&A
What teams are the top seeds in the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The top seeds are the Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the Western Conference.
When do the 2026 NBA Playoffs start?
The first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs begins on Saturday, April 18.
What is the significance of the Play-In Tournament in the NBA Playoffs?
The Play-In Tournament determines the final playoff spots, allowing teams that finished just outside the top eight to compete for a chance to advance.
Which teams are expected to make a deep run in the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers are among the teams expected to make a deep run in the Eastern Conference.
