National Basketball Association

2023 NBA Playoffs Schedule: How to watch NBA Finals, TV, streaming, free

Updated May. 30, 2023 8:54 a.m. ET

The 2023 NBA postseason tipped off with the play-in tournament on April 11, followed by the first round of the playoffs on April 15.

Here's when and where you can watch the NBA playoffs and NBA Finals:

[2023 NBA Playoff Picture, Bracket: Updated standings, matchups, seeds]

2023 NBA Finals Schedule

Thursday, June 1: Heat at Nuggets - Game 1 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Sunday, June 4: Heat at Nuggets - Game 2 (8 p.m., ABC)
Wednesday, June 7: Nuggets at Heat - Game 3 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Friday, June 9: Nuggets at Heat - Game 4 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Monday, June 12: Heat at Nuggets - Game 5 (8:30 p.m., ABC)*
Thursday, June 15: Nuggets at Heat - Game 6 (8:30 p.m., ABC)*
Sunday, June 18: Heat at Nuggets - Game 7 (8 p.m., ABC)*

* if necessary

When do the NBA Finals start?

The NBA Finals start on June 1, featuring the winners of the Eastern and Western Conference finals. The NBA Finals could end anytime from June 9 and June 18, depending on the series.

How can I watch the NBA Finals?

The NBA Finals will broadcast on ABC. ABC is available on many streaming services, including DIRECTV STREAM, Hulu + Live TV, fuboTV, and YouTube TV. You can also catch NBA Finals games with an over-the-air antenna that has access to a local broadcasting station.

Can I watch the Playoffs and Finals for free?

If you have an over-the-air antenna, you can catch some playoff matchups and every NBA finals game on ABC. Some streaming services also have free trials available.

2023 NBA Conference Finals Schedule

Eastern Conference Finals

Wednesday, May 17: Heat at Celtics - Game 1 (8:30 p.m., TNT)
Friday, May 19: Heat at Celtics - Game 2 (8:30 p.m., TNT)
Sunday, May 21: Celtics at Heat - Game 3 (8:30 p.m., TNT)
Tuesday, May 23: Celtics at Heat - Game 4 (8:30 p.m., TNT)
Thursday, May 25: Heat at Celtics - Game 5 (8:30 p.m., TNT)
Saturday, May 27: Celtics at Heat - Game 6 (8:30 p.m., TNT)
Monday, May 29: Heat at Celtics - Game 7 (8:30 p.m., TNT)

Western Conference Finals

Tuesday, May 16: Lakers at Nuggets - Game 1 (8:30 p.m., ESPN)
Thursday, May 18: Lakers at Nuggets - Game 2 (8:30 p.m., ESPN)
Saturday, May 20: Nuggets at Lakers - Game 3 (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Monday, May 22: Nuggets at Lakers - Game 4 (8:30 p.m., ESPN)

When do the NBA playoffs start?

Since 2020, the NBA playoffs have tipped off with the NBA play-in tournament. The play-in tournament begins on April 11. The first round of the NBA playoffs will then commence on April 15.

How can I watch the play-in tournament?

The play-in tournament will broadcast on ESPN and TNT.

How can I watch the NBA Playoffs?

The NBA playoffs will broadcast on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV. Most traditional cable/satellite subscriptions have packages including some or all of these channels. You also stream the full NBA playoffs with streaming providers Sling, fubo TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and DIRECTV STREAM.