The 2019 NBA Playoffs start this weekend and it’s simple to watch the games if you’re a cord-cutter. There are now 6 services that offer NBA Playoff games, most of which you can try for free with a 7-Day Free Trial.
While most games throughout the NBA Playoffs will air on ESPN, TNT, and ABC — the first round will also see three games on NBA TV.
In your local market, your team will also be broadcast on your local RSN like NBC Sports Boston and YES Network. There are no local blackouts of telecasts in your home market — meaning you can choose to watch either the national or local broadcast.
While most Live TV Streaming Services can stream the games, Sling TV has a special promotion where you can get Sling Orange (which includes games on ESPN, TNT, and ABC) for just $15 a month for your first three months.
How to Stream NBA Playoff Games Without Cable
There are six major streaming providers that offer Live TV Streaming. These allow you to watch NBA Playoff games live using iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, Chromecast, and Web.
This is the best option for fans that want to watch their local channels (ABC), Regional Sports Networks, as well as nationally televised games on cable networks like ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV.
Top Picks
Sling TV
Price: $15
Includes: ESPN, TNT, ESPN3 (simulcast ABC games), NBA TV (+$5)
PlayStation Vue
Price: $50
Includes: ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBATV & Local RSN
National Telecasts
Most Live TV Streaming Services offer ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBA TV, and your local RSN. For games that will be broadcast on ABC, they will also simulcast the telecasts on ESPN3 which is available on PlayStation Vue, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
| AT&T NOW | Fubo | Hulu | PS Vue | Sling TV | YouTube | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sign Up | Free Trial | Free Trial | Sign Up | Get 50% Off | Sign Up | |||
| $54.99 | $91.99 | $76.99 | $50 | $40 | $40 | $72.99 | ||
| ESPN | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
| TNT | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| ABC | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | ✓ | |
| NBA TV | - | + $8 | - | + $5 | + $11 | + $11 | ✓ | |
| ESPN3 | ✓ | + $10 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
Locals Telecasts
Fans of 14 of the 16 NBA Playoff teams can stream their local RSN with a Live TV Streaming Service. While Denver Nuggets (Altitude) and Utah Jazz (AT&T SportsNet RM) are not available, streamers can watch their first round games on NBCSN/USA/CNBC without a local blackout.
For fans of the Houston Rockets who want to watch their local telecast, Fubo is the only service that offers AT&T SportsNet Southwest.
TBD
All Live Streaming Options
You can also stream the NBA games with Fubo, Hulu Live TV, DIRECTV NOW], and YouTube TV.
Sling TV
Price: $15
Includes: ESPN, TNT, ESPN3 (simulcast ABC games), NBA TV (+$5)
PlayStation Vue
Price: $50
Includes: ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBA TV & Local RSN
Fubo
Price: $55
Includes: Your Local RSN, TNT, & NBA TV
Hulu Live TV
Price: $45
Includes: ESPN, TNT, ABC, & Local RSN
DIRECTV NOW
Price: $70
Includes: ESPN, TNT, ABC, & Local RSN
YouTube TV
Price: $50
Includes: ESPN, TNT, ABC, NBA TV, & Local RSN
2019 NBA Playoffs TV Schedule
TBD