The 2026 NBA Playoffs feature 16 teams competing for the championship. The Oklahoma City Thunder are favorites after a strong season, with the San Antonio Spurs and Detroit Pistons also in contention.
Key points
2026 NBA Playoffs feature 16 teams
Oklahoma City Thunder are defending champions
Thunder had a 64-18 season
San Antonio Spurs are No. 2 in the West
Detroit Pistons secured No. 1 seed in the East
Oklahoma City ThunderSan Antonio SpursDetroit PistonsBoston Celtics
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The 2026 NBA Playoffs have arrived, pitting 16 of the nation’s top basketball teams against each other for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Where to Stream NBA Playoffs 2026: Watch Basketball Online for Free
Where to Stream NBA Playoffs 2026: Watch Basketball Online for Free
Q&A
How can I stream the 2026 NBA Playoffs online?
You can stream the 2026 NBA Playoffs through various online platforms that offer live sports coverage.
Which teams are competing in the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The 2026 NBA Playoffs include the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Detroit Pistons, and Boston Celtics among others.
What is the schedule for the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The schedule for the 2026 NBA Playoffs will be released closer to the start of the playoffs, typically in April.
Who are the favorites to win the 2026 NBA Playoffs?
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the favorites to win the 2026 NBA Playoffs, followed by the San Antonio Spurs in the West and the Detroit Pistons in the East.
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Coverage of the 2026 NBA Playoffs will be split up between ESPN, NBC, and ABC, with a few first and second round games available exclusively on Prime Video.
If you want to stream the NBA Playoffs online, the best way to maximize your setup is to get a live TV streaming service that carries ESPN, NBC, and ABC, as well as a Prime Video subscription. Here’s a breakdown of our favorite cable streaming services that carry all those channels.
Where to Stream NBA Playoffs 2026: Watch Basketball Online for Free
Where to Stream NBA Playoffs 2026: Watch Basketball Online for Free
➤ $69.99/month
➤ Five-day free trial
➤ Up to 185+ channels
DirecTV carries ESPN, NBC, and ABC in a few of its plans, and pricing starts at $69.99 a month for plans with all three channels. Plus, DirecTV offers a five-day free trial for all packages.
Where to Stream NBA Playoffs 2026: Watch Basketball Online for Free
Where to Stream NBA Playoffs 2026: Watch Basketball Online for Free
➤ $60.99/month
➤ Short-term passes available
➤ Up to 46 channels
Sling is another cable streaming service that basketball fans can use to stream the NBA Playoffs online. ESPN, NBC, and ABC are available in Sling’s Orange + Blue package, which starts at $60.99 a month. Sling does not currently offer a free trial.
Where to Stream NBA Playoffs 2026: Watch Basketball Online for Free
Where to Stream NBA Playoffs 2026: Watch Basketball Online for Free
Hulu + Live TV also carries all the channels you’ll need to stream the NBA Playoffs, and it starts with a three-day free trial. After the trial, service renews at $89.99 a month.
NBA Playoffs 2026 Schedule
The 2026 NBA Playoffs start on Saturday, April 18. The finals start on Wednesday, June 3.
