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Stream every game of the 2026 NBA Playoffs!

Stream every game of the 2026 NBA Playoffs!

We’ll show you all the channels and streamers you’ll need to stream the NBA postseason from start to finish

David Satin
David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.
Read full bio ›
David Satin
•
Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.
Known for breaking major streaming stories, he’s covered everything from Netflix policy shifts to Peacock’s ad-tier changes. A sci-fi fan and Toshiba Fire TV user, he brings sharp analysis and a love for the genre to his reporting.

The 2026 NBA Playoffs are about to begin! The first round begins on Saturday, April 18 at 1 p.m. ET, and games will be shown on a host of platforms this year: ABC and ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and NBC Sports Network, and Prime Video. You’ll have to do some stacking of streaming services to get all the games from the NBA postseason this year, but we recommend watching it with subscriptions to Prime Video, Peacock, and the DIRECTV MySports Genre Pack.

How to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs

Everything you need to know about the 2026 NBA Playoffs

Where to watch each round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs

First and second rounds

Unlike years past, no games in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs will be on regional sports networks (RSNs). They’re all set to air on national channels or streaming services. Each series from both conferences will see games played on multiple platforms, so you’ll have to have at least two or three subscriptions to get them all through the first two rounds of the playoffs.

All games on ABC and ESPN will appear on linear TV, as will games on NBC. Any games scheduled to be Peacock exclusives will be simulcast on NBC Sports Network which is available on some — but not all — cable, satellite, and live TV streaming services, and games that are slated to appear on Prime Video will be shown on local broadcast channels in the markets of the two teams playing.

Conference Finals

The 2026 Eastern Conference Finals will be shown on ESPN and ABC, and will stream on ESPN Unlimited, while the Western Conference Finals will be shown on NBC and Peacock.

NBA Finals

The 2026 NBA Finals will air exclusively on ABC.

Why do we recommend watching the 2026 NBA Playoffs on DIRECTV, Peacock, and Prime Video?

It was a hard choice between DIRECTV and YouTube TV for watching games on traditional TV channels this NBA postseason. Here’s why DIRECTV gets the edge: its MySports Genre Pack is discounted to $45 per month for new customers’ first two months of service — $10 cheaper than the introductory offer that YouTube TV is offering on its Sports Plan.

Here’s the rub: MySports does not currently include NBC Sports Network, which is available in the YouTube Sports plan. That means you’ll have to add Peacock Premium for $11 per month to MySports to get all NBA Playoff games on that streamer. But even so, you’ll pay just $1 more in total for the bundle of Peacock and DIRECTV MySports than you would for YouTube Sports, plus you’ll get all the on-demand entertainment on Peacock, and access to ESPN Unlimited, which hasn’t been launched with YouTube Sports yet.

MySports also comes with a five-day free trial, and includes 20+ channels in total, including FS1 and TNT. You’ll need Prime Video on top of whichever live TV streamer you want to watch all NBA Playoff games; Prime Video is available as a benefit of the Prime subscription bundle for $15 per month, or as a standalone subscription starting at $9 per month.

  • 5-Day Trial
    directv.com

    DIRECTV

    DIRECTV is one of The Streamable’s top choices for the best live TV streaming service overall in 2026, especially for users who want the most channels or want to watch the most live sports. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, three main signature packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV remains a premier choice for any cord-cutter.

    …

    Following the launch of several genre-specific Genre Packs, there are now even more flexible ways to watch DIRECTV. Options like MySports, MyEntertainment, MyNews, and MiEspañol provide affordable, targeted alternatives to larger bundles, allowing viewers to subscribe to a specific set of channels that match their interests without the cost of a full lineup.

    DIRECTV starts at $59.99 / month for its Entertainment package. You can access your local regional sports network with the Choice package, which begins at $64.99 / month, as well as the MySports Pack $44.99 / month. At the top end, they also have an Ultimate ($94.99) for 218 channels. Slimmer Genre Packs for entertainment and news are MyEntertainment for $42.99 / month and MyNews $39.99 / month. There is no contract or broadcast TV fees with this DIRECTV streaming option.

    The service was previously called DIRECTV STREAM, preceded by AT&T TV.

    How much does DIRECTV cost in 2026?

    DIRECTV now offers flexible entry points starting at $19.99/month for the MyKids Genre Pack, while full Signature Packages like Entertainment start at $84.99/month. See the full list: DIRECTV Pricing & Plans

    Does DIRECTV have a free trial?

    Yes, DIRECTV offers a 5-Day Free Trial for new customers, which includes access to your chosen package and any added Genre Packs.

    What are DIRECTV Genre Packs?

    Genre Packs are targeted, contract-free plans introduced in 2025. They include MySports ($69.99/mo), MyEntertainment ($34.99/mo), MyNews ($39.99/mo), and MiEspañol ($34.99/mo), often bundling apps like Max, Disney+, or Hulu.

    How many channels does DIRECTV have?

    The channel count varies by plan: the Entertainment package starts with 90+ channels, while the Premier package offers over 185+ channels. See the full list: DIRECTV Channels.

    How many streams are allowed at once on DIRECTV?

    DIRECTV allows for unlimited simultaneous streams on your home network and up to 3 streams while on the go. See more details: DIRECTV Simultaneous Streams

    Does DIRECTV include local channels?

    Yes, local affiliates like ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in all Signature Packages and the MySports Genre Pack in most markets. See the full list: DIRECTV Local Channels.

    Does DIRECTV have live sports?

    DIRECTV is a leader in sports, offering ESPN, FS1, NFL Network, and MLB Network, plus Regional Sports Networks (RSNs) in the Choice plan and above. See the full list: DIRECTV Sports Channels.

    Does DIRECTV offer premium channels?

    Yes, you can add Max, Paramount+ with SHOWTIME, STARZ, and Cinemax. Many 2026 Genre Packs now include these services as part of the base price. See the full list: DIRECTV Premium Channels.

    Does DIRECTV offer 4K streaming?

    DIRECTV provides dedicated 4K channels (104-106) for live sports and special events at no extra cost, provided you have a compatible 4K device.

    Does DIRECTV have a DVR?

    Every DIRECTV plan includes Unlimited Cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record and save shows for up to 9 months.

    Is there a Regional Sports Network (RSN) fee on DIRECTV?

    An RSN fee of up to $15.99/month applies to the Choice package and above, as these plans include local sports coverage. This fee is determined by your zip code and the number of Regional Sports Networks available in your area.

    Can I avoid the RSN fee on DIRECTV?

    Yes. To avoid the RSN fee, you can subscribe to the Entertainment package or the MySports Genre Pack ($69.99/mo), which bundles sports content without a separate itemized RSN charge. See the breakdown: DIRECTV RSN Fees & Locations.

    5-Day Trial
    $59.99+ / month
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    Start streaming DIRECTV & save up to $30 off your 1st mo. of service! Learn how.

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    peacocktv.com

    Peacock

    Peacock is a subscription video streaming service from NBCUniversal that includes original shows, blockbuster movies, and classic television series. Peacock is home to “Yellowstone,” “The Office,” and original hits like “Poker Face” and “Bel-Air.” You can also watch live sports and NBC programming, including the NFL, MLB, WWE, the Olympics, the Premier League, NASCAR, the French Open, college football and basketball, and the PGA Tour. Premium Plus subscribers can stream their local NBC feed in all 210 markets.

    …

    Peacock also includes news, entertainment, sports, late-night, and reality from various NBCU properties, including NBC, Bravo, and E!. Additionally, Peacock has exclusives like “Below Deck: Down Under.” They also include live and on-demand access to Hallmark channels.

    The company has acquired the rights to many classic shows, including “Parks and Recreation” and the entire Dick Wolf library, which includes “Law & Order” and “Chicago Fire.”

    Peacock features weekly Sunday night NFL games during the regular season, available on the Premium and Premium Plus plans.

    Peacock again raised prices on August 18, 2026, with the cost of plans increasing to $8.99 for the Select, $12.99 for Premium, and $19.99 for Premium Plus.

    The service also features blockbusters and critically acclaimed films from Universal Pictures, Focus Features, DreamWorks Animation, Illumination, as well as content acquired from Hollywood’s biggest studios.

    Sign Up
    $8.99+ / month
    peacocktv.com
  • 30-Day Trial
    amazon.com

    Prime Video

    Prime Video is a subscription video streaming service that includes on-demand access to 10,000+ movies, TV shows, and Prime Originals like “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” “Jack Ryan,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “The Boys,” and more. Subscribers can also add third-party services like Max, Showtime, STARZ, and dozens more with Prime Video Channels. Prime Video also offers exclusive live access to NFL Thursday Night Football.

    …

    Prime Video is included with Amazon Prime for $14.99 per month ($139 per year), or can be purchased on its own for $8.99 per month. A standalone, ad-supported version costs $8.99 per month, while the upgraded Prime Video Ultra tier, costing an extra $4.99 per month or $45.99 per year, adds Dolby Atmos support, ups video quality to 4K UHD, removes ads, and allows for 100 downloads and 5 simultaneous streams. Prime Video offers a 30-day free trial.

    Prime Video currently offers over 25,000 movies and TV episodes, many of which are original productions. Live sports coverage includes NFL Thursday Night Football as well as select NBA, WNBA, and NWSL events.

    30-Day Trial
    $8.99+ / month
    amazon.com

Can you watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs for free?

You won’t be able to watch the entire NBA postseason for free, since it will stretch on through June. But there are services that will allow you to watch the first few games at no cost, at least.

Hulu + Live TV includes ABC, ESPN, and NBC, and has a three-day free trial for new customers. After the trial, plans start at $90 per month.

Fubo only carries ABC and ESPN as of now. Its Fubo Sports service costs $46 per month to start, and comes with a trial between one and seven days, depending on various factors.

YouTube TV’s trial can last as few as two days or as many as 21, depending on numerous variables.

New Amazon Prime customers get a 30-day free trial, with which they can watch Prime Video, enjoy two-day shipping, and take advantage of other benefits in the package.

Check out an NBA Playoffs preview

What are all the services you can use to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs?

We’ve laid out the NBA Playoff games you can watch on DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV already. DIRECTV is our favorite of these choices, but there are other options.

Sling TV will offer NBA Playoff games on ESPN in the Orange and Essential plans, and some customers can get ABC and NBC in the Blue and Select plans. Its prices range from $20 to $46 per month for base plans, and customers can purchase Passes for Sling Orange starting at $5 per day.

All NBA Playoff games on Peacock will be available on the Premium plan, starting at $11 per month.

Any games on ESPN and ABC will stream on ESPN Unlimited, costing $30 per month.

Prime Video costs $9 per month for ad-supported service, or $14 to go ad-free during on-demand content with Prime Video Ultra.

DIRECTV Fubo Hulu Philo Sling TV YouTube TV
Free Trial Free Trial Free 3-Day Trial Free Trial Save with Sling Free Trial
$20.99 $9.99 $28.99 $25 $19.99 $29.99 $45.99 $45.99 $64.99
ABC + $24 + $59 + $61 - - ✓ - ✓ ✓
ESPN + $24 + $59 + $61 - ✓ - ✓ - ✓
NBC + $19 + $11 + $61 - - ✓ - ✓ ✓

How to watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs from anywhere

If you’ll be away from home and can’t watch the 2026 NBA Playoffs as you normally would, you can still catch all of the action no matter where you are in the world with a VPN. A VPN can be used on your phone, tablet, or computer and make you appear to be back home — even when you’re not — making sure you feel at home no matter where you are. A VPN is a safe and secure way to stay protected online while streaming your favorite sports, movies, and shows on the go. Keep in mind that you will still need to be subscribed to a live TV streaming service like DIRECTV, as well as Peacock and Prime Video in order to stream the playoffs with a VPN.

NordVPN is one of the best providers around, at one of the best prices. Currently, you can get two full years of protection for just $3.59 per month — plus you’ll get three extra months FREE. A high-speed VPN with best-in-class security that can be used on up to 10 devices at once — what more could you ask for? Simply sign up, install the software on your device of choice, and start streaming just as you would back home. It couldn’t be easier!

While NordVPN is our recommendation for the best VPN to use while you are traveling, there are a number of other high-quality options available depending on what you are looking for.

  • Best Features: ExpressVPN | Starting at $5 per month
  • Best Budget Option: Surfshark | Starting at $2.50 per month
  • Best Free Option: Proton VPN | Free plan available

 

David Satin
David Satin has been a dedicated News Writer at The Streamable since 2022, covering a wide range of stories in the entertainment and streaming industries. With years of experience writing online, David previously worked as a list writer for Screen Rant, where he gained recognition for his extensive coverage of sci-fi and fantasy genres. His ability to break and analyze major stories has made him a trusted voice in the streaming world. Over the course of his career, Satin has become an integral part of The Streamable team, contributing to some of the most impactful stories in the industry.
Read full bio ›
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DIRECTV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $50 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for DIRECTV STREAM.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new DIRECTV STREAM subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • Purchase must be completed on the DIRECTV STREAM website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Sling TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $25 Uber Eats Gift Card when you sign up for Sling TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Sling TV subscribers to Sling Orange, Blue, or Sling Orange + Blue.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Sling TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.

Hulu Live TV Cash Back

Let us know your e-mail address to send your $35 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up for Hulu Live TV.

You will receive it ~2 weeks after you complete your first month of service.

Offer Terms

  • Only valid for new Hulu Live TV subscribers.
  • Only valid once per household.
  • You must pay and maintain service for at least one month to be eligible.
  • You must click from The Streamable and complete your purchase on the Hulu Live TV website.
  • You’ll receive gift card 4-6 weeks after purchase (~2 weeks after your first month).
  • Cannot be combined with any other promotion and won’t be eligible if you try to use a coupon code or cash back from another site.