The New York Knicks comfortably bested the San Antonio Spurs to clinch the NBA Cup in December, but that was a one-off tie that didn't carry the weight of a 53-year championship drought. The NBA Finals are a different beast entirely, which is why the Spurs are being hotly tipped as favorites.
You can watch NBA Playoffs 2026 live streams from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for FREE!
NBA Playoffs 2026 live streams: TV schedule, dates
The 2026 NBA Finals run from Wednesday, June 3 until at least Wednesday, June 10.
• India — YouTube (FREE select games)
• China — CCTV5 (FREE select games)
• U.S. — ABC via Sling TV/ ESPN Unlimited
• Watch anywhere — Try Surfshark risk-free
OG Anunoby poured in 28 points to inspire the Knicks to a 124-113 victory on that occasion, and they were even more dominant when the teams met in March, Mikal Bridges racked up 25 points in a 114-89 beatdown.
But it's not just the scale of the occasion that's different. The Spurs and Victor Wembanyama came of age in a hard-fought seven-game victory over the Thunder, the holders and pre-playoff favorites, and Mitchell Robinson has broken his finger. It's only his pinky, but given that his primary task is suffocating Wemby, that pinky could change everything.
It means NBA Cup MVP and Larry Bird Trophy recipient Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns will need to be at their best and then some. However, the extended period of time they've had to prepare, especially in comparison to the tight turnaround the Spurs have had, should help new York's cause.
Check out all of the TV and streaming details below to find out how to watch NBA Playoffs 2026 from anywhere, including free options.
NBA Playoffs schedule 2026
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NBA FINALS
Knicks vs Spurs
Wed, June 3, 8:30 p.m. — Game 1 @ Knicks | ABC, ESPN Unlimited
Fri, June 5, 8:30 p.m. — Game 2 @ Knicks | ABC, ESPN Unlimited
Mon, June 8, 8:30 p.m. — Game 3 @ Cavaliers | ABC, ESPN Unlimited
Wed, June 10, 8:30 p.m. — Game 4 @ Cavaliers | ABC, ESPN Unlimited
Sat, June 13, 8:30 p.m. — Game 5 @ Knicks | ABC, ESPN Unlimited If needed
Tue, June 16, 8:30 p.m. — Game 6 @ Cavaliers | ABC, ESPN Unlimited If needed
Fri, June 19, 8:30 p.m. — Game 7 @ Knicks | ABC, ESPN Unlimited If needed
(All times ET)
Watch NBA Playoffs 2026 live streams for FREE
You can watch select NBA Playoff games free-of-charge on the NBA YouTube channel in India and on CCTV5 in China.
Away from home? You may not be able to watch the action like you normally would due to regional restrictions. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution — you can use a VPN to to unblock that free NBA coverage. Details below...
How to watch NBA Playoffs 2026 from anywhere
Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the NBA Playoffs on your usual subscription?
You can still tune in live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software allows your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is Surfshark. It's among the best on the market:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, Surfshark is our favorite.
2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're visiting the U.K. and want to view a U.S. service, select 'United States' from the list.
3. Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to Sling, sign in, and watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs live.
How to watch NBA Playoffs 2026 live streams in the U.S.
In the U.S., the NBA Playoffs are being televised on ESPN, ESPN2, ABC and NBC.
If you've already cut the cord and don't have a cable package, you can get all of those channels through an OTT cable TV alternative.
Sling will give you the most bang for your buck. Sling Blue includes local network affiliates from FOX, NBC and ABC (availability varies by market). Sling Orange carries ESPN and ESPN2.
Both plans start at $46/month, but you can combine them for $66/month. You'll get 50% off your first month if you subscribe to Blue or Orange & Blue.
Select games are exclusive to Prime Video, which costs $14.99/month or $139/year after a 30-day FREE trial.
ESPN and ABC simulcast their coverage on ESPN Unlimited, which carries ESPN Select and all ESPN channels, and costs $29.99/month or $299.99/year.
NBC simulcasts its games on Peacock. You'll need at least a Premium plan to watch live sports, including the Premier League, starting at $10.99/month or $109.99/year.
YouTube TV, the DirecTV Stream MySports Genre Pack and Hulu With Live TV will also get you comprehensive NBA Playoffs coverage, while the Fubo Sports + News plan carries ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 as standard.
How to watch NBA Playoffs 2026 live streams in the U.K.
In the U.K., the NBA Playoffs are split between Prime Video and Sky Sports.
Prime Video's coverage includes the NBA Finals. A subscription costs £8.99/month or £95/year after a 30-day FREE trial.
Sky Sports packages start from £22/month if you're an existing customer — ot check out Sky TV deals and packages if you want to sign up. Alternatively, Now Sports offers Daily, Monthly and Annual passes. Prices start at £14.99 for 24-hour access.
Alternatively, comprehensive NBA Playoffs coverage is available through NBA League Pass, which starts at £16.99/month or £37.99 for the rest of the season.
If you're not in the U.K. right now but already subscribe to one of these services, try using Surfshark to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs as if you were back at home.
How to watch NBA Playoffs 2026 live streams in Canada
In Canada, NBA Playoffs coverage is split between Sportsnet and TSN.
TSN+ grants access to everything TSN has to offer for CA$8/month or CA$80/year, and you can stream games live on Sportsnet Plus, which starts at CA$29.99/month CA$249.99/year.
If you live in Canada but aren't at home right now, you can still watch NBA Playoffs 2026 by using a quality VPN like Surfshark to unlock your usual service.
How to watch NBA Playoffs 2026 live streams in Australia
In Australia, NBA Playoffs coverage is available on ESPN via Foxtel, as well as Kayo Sports and Disney Plus.
Kayo plans start from AU$30/month after a 7-day FREE trial, and include NFL, cricket, AFL, rugby, F1 2026 and more.
Disney Plus starts at AU$15.99/month or AU$159.99/year.
Prime Video, meanwhile, is showing the Play-In tournament. A subscription costs AU$6.99/month or AU$59/year after a 30-day FREE trial.
Not in Australia right now? You can use a VPN like Surfshark to tune in on your account as if you were back home.
Who are the 2026 NBA Playoffs favorites?
The Oklahoma City Thunder and Detroit Pistons entered as the No.1 seeds and de facto favorites, by virtue of topping the Western and Eastern Conference standings respectively.
However, OKC were eliminated by the San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference Final, and Detroit fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.
When are the 2026 NBA Finals?
The 2026 NBA Finals are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, June 3.
The earliest they could end is Wednesday, June 10, and the latest Friday, June 19.
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