How to watch the NBA on ESPN in 2024
The 2023-2024 NBA season is shaping up to be a thrilling one with a myriad of games to be broadcasted on ESPN. Whether you’re a die-hard basketball fan or someone who tunes in for the high-stakes games, knowing how to watch the NBA on ESPN is essential. This article breaks down streaming the NBA schedule on ESPN and explores the best live TV streaming options to ensure you don’t miss a beat of the action.
In Short:
- 86 NBA games on ESPN this season
- Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers lead with 10 appearances each
- Special games for Thanksgiving and Christmas will be on ESPN
- You can find LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and more on ESPN this season
- There are plenty of streaming options for watching the NBA on ESPN
- We recommend DIRECTV STREAM for comprehensive coverage
- We recommend Sling TV as a budget-friendly choice
NBA on ESPN
Number of Games Played on ESPN:
The ESPN platform is set to host a total of 86 games for the NBA 2023-2024 season, presenting a myriad of opportunities for fans to catch their favorite teams and players in action. This extensive coverage not only signifies the popularity of the NBA but also the enduring partnership between ESPN and the NBA, aimed at bringing basketball action closer to fans. With a schedule running from October 2023 to April 2024, ESPN’s commitment to broadcasting a significant number of games allows fans to follow the season closely, witnessing all the crucial moments as teams vie for a spot in the playoffs.
Teams with the Most Games on ESPN:
Leading the charge in ESPN appearances are the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, each with 10 games scheduled on the platform. This isn’t surprising given the massive fan bases and historical significance these teams hold in the NBA landscape. Following closely are the Golden State Warriors and New York Knicks, with 9 games each, reflecting not only their popularity but also the high expectations surrounding their performance this season. The frequency of appearances by these teams on ESPN provides a testament to their marketability and the action they promise.
Here are all the teams and the number of games they will play on ESPN this season:
- Boston Celtics: 10
- Los Angeles Lakers: 10
- Golden State Warriors: 9
- New York Knicks: 9
- Dallas Mavericks: 8
- Phoenix Suns: 8
- Denver Nuggets: 7
- Miami Heat: 7
- San Antonio Spurs: 7
- Philadelphia 76ers: 6
- LA Clippers: 5
- Memphis Grizzlies: 5
- Milwaukee Bucks: 5
- Cleveland Cavaliers: 4
- Sacramento Kings: 4
- Atlanta Hawks: 3
- Brooklyn Nets: 3
- Chicago Bulls: 3
- Oklahoma City Thunder: 3
- New Orleans Pelicans: 3
- Detroit Pistons: 1
- Houston Rockets: 1
- Minnesota Timberwolves: 1
- Utah Jazz: 1
- Washington Wizards: 1
- Charlotte Hornets: 1
Special Games on Thanksgiving and Christmas:
The NBA has a tradition of scheduling marquee matchups on special days, and this season is no different with a loaded slate on Christmas Day. These games are a holiday staple for many basketball fans, providing entertainment and a chance to see top teams and players showcase their talents. The Christmas Day schedule includes enticing matchups such as the Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers, capturing the long-standing rivalry between these storied franchises, and the Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat, featuring a clash of Eastern Conference titans. These special day games not only offer high-quality basketball but also come with a unique ambiance, making them a must-watch on ESPN.
Games with the Most Watched NBA Players:
The star power in the NBA is unmatched, and ESPN’s schedule is loaded with games featuring the league’s marquee names. Fans will have numerous opportunities to see LeBron James lead the Los Angeles Lakers, Stephen Curry’s sharpshooting prowess with the Golden State Warriors, and Kevin Durant’s scoring ability with the Phoenix Suns. Moreover, the defending champions, Denver Nuggets, will showcase their dynamic duo of Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. The New York Knicks, with Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, promise to bring excitement, as does the San Antonio Spurs’ young sensation Victor Wembanyama. These players not only represent the elite talent in the NBA but also the future of the league, and watching them on ESPN is bound to be a thrilling experience.
| Player Name | Team | Number of Games on ESPN |
|---|---|---|
| LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | 10 |
| Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | 9 |
| Kevin Durant | Phoenix Suns | 8 |
| Jayson Tatum | Boston Celtics | 10 |
| Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets | 7 |
| Jamal Murray | Denver Nuggets | 7 |
| Jalen Brunson | New York Knicks | 9 |
| Julius Randle | New York Knicks | 9 |
| Victor Wembanyama | San Antonio Spurs | 7 |
The Best Live TV Streaming Option for ESPN
When it comes to catching all the NBA action, having access to a variety of channels is crucial. The games are broadcasted not only on ESPN but also on regional sports networks (RSNs), ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. With this in mind, DIRECTV STREAM emerges as the top choice for watching the NBA on ESPN and beyond, followed by Sling TV as a budget-friendly option.
DIRECTV STREAM:
DIRECTV STREAM is a premium choice for sports that provides a comprehensive sports viewing package. It carries ESPN alongside a plethora of other essential channels for NBA fans including RSNs, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV. This extensive channel lineup ensures that subscribers won’t miss out on any game, regardless of whether it’s aired on ESPN or another network. Furthermore, DIRECTV Stream offers a cable-like experience with an intuitive interface, making it easy for subscribers to navigate through channels and find the games they want to watch. While it may come at a higher price point, the breadth of content and the inclusion of key sports channels justify the cost, making it the best option for die-hard NBA fans who want extensive coverage. Plus it comes with a 5-day free trial and a discount off your first few months for new subscribers.
Sling:
For those looking for a more budget-friendly alternative, Sling TV is a worthy contender. Sling TV’s Orange package includes ESPN at a competitive price, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious viewers. However, it’s important to note that Sling TV doesn’t offer RSNs, which means subscribers might miss out on some local games. Yet, the low cost and the ability to customize your channel lineup with additional sports packages make Sling TV a flexible and affordable choice for watching NBA games on ESPN.
While these are our top two, you can find ESPN on these are all the live TV streaming services that carry ESPN, along with their current monthly prices and offers:
| DTV STREAM | Fubo | Hulu | Philo | Sling TV | YouTube | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free Trial | Free Trial | Free 3-Day Trial | Free Trial | Get 50% OFF | Sign Up | |||
| $79.99 | $94.99 | $76.99 | $28 | $40 | $40 | $72.99 | ||
| ESPN | - | ✓ | ✓ | - | ✓ | - | ✓ | |
You’ll notice that ESPN+ is not one of them. That’s because the ESPN+ app does not show ESPN as it is a separate broadcast. This is a common mistake made by many who believe that getting the stand-alone ESPN+ app will give them access to the NBA games on ESPN. It will not.
Whether you go with DIRECTV STREAM, Sling TV, or one of the other providers like Fubo or YouTube TV, you should take into consideration your preferences and budget while ensuring that you get the other channels that will fill out the rest of the NBA season (not just those on ESPN). DIRECTV STREAM is the go-to option for comprehensive NBA coverage across multiple channels, while Sling TV provides a budget-conscious alternative for fans primarily interested in games aired on ESPN.
The NBA on ESPN Schedule for 2024
When it comes to figuring out if your favorite NBA team will be on ESPN or another channel, we’ve compiled the official schedule from ESPN’s scheduling data to give you a better look. Here are all the NBA games appearing this season on ESPN:
| Date | Time (ET) | Game |
|---|---|---|
| Oct. 25 | 7 p.m. | Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks |
| Oct. 25 | 9:30 p.m. | Dallas Mavericks vs. San Antonio Spurs |
| Oct. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami Heat vs. Boston Celtics |
| Oct. 27 | 10 p.m. | Golden State Warriors vs. Sacramento Kings |
| Nov. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | New Orleans Pelicans vs. Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Nov. 1 | 10 p.m. | LA Clippers vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Nov. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | New York Knicks vs. Milwaukee Bucks |
| Nov. 3 | 10 p.m. | Dallas Mavericks vs. Denver Nuggets |
| Nov. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | San Antonio Spurs vs. New York Knicks |
| Nov. 8 | 10 p.m. | Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets |
| Nov. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Brooklyn Nets vs. Boston Celtics |
| Nov. 10 | 10 p.m. | Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Nuggets |
| Nov. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers |
| Nov. 15 | 10 p.m. | Sacramento Kings vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Nov. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Sacramento Kings vs. San Antonio Spurs |
| Nov. 17 | 10 p.m. | Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz |
| Nov. 22 | 7:30 p.m. | Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics |
| Nov. 22 | 10 p.m. | Golden State Warriors vs. Phoenix Suns |
| Nov. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami Heat vs. New York Knicks |
| Nov. 24 | 10 p.m. | San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Dec. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Dallas Mavericks |
| Dec. 1 | 10 p.m. | Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns |
| Dec. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | TBD |
| Dec. 6 | 10 p.m. | TBD |
| Dec. 15 | 7:30 p.m. | Los Angeles Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs |
| Dec. 15 | 10 p.m. | New York Knicks vs. Phoenix Suns |
| Dec. 22 | 10 p.m. | Washington Wizards vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Dec. 25 | 12 p.m. | Milwaukee Bucks vs. New York Knicks |
| Dec. 25 | 2:30 p.m. | Golden State Warriors vs. Denver Nuggets |
| Dec. 25 | 5 p.m. | Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Dec. 25 | 8 p.m. | Philadelphia 76ers vs. Miami Heat |
| Dec. 25 | 10:30 p.m. | Dallas Mavericks vs. Phoenix Suns |
| Jan. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks |
| Jan. 3 | 10 p.m. | Miami Heat vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Jan. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers |
| Jan. 5 | 10 p.m. | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Jan. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Philadelphia 76ers vs. Atlanta Hawks |
| Jan. 10 | 10 p.m. | New Orleans Pelicans vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Jan. 12 | 7:30 p.m. | Houston Rockets vs. Detroit Pistons |
| Jan. 12 | 10 p.m. | Charlotte Hornets vs. San Antonio Spurs |
| Jan. 17 | 7:30 p.m. | Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Jan. 17 | 10 p.m. | Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Jan. 19 | 7:30 p.m. | Denver Nuggets vs. Boston Celtics |
| Jan. 19 | 10 p.m. | Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Jan. 24 | 7:30 p.m. | Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs |
| Jan. 24 | 10 p.m. | Phoenix Suns vs. Dallas Mavericks |
| Jan. 31 | 7:30 p.m. | Phoenix Suns vs. Brooklyn Nets |
| Jan. 31 | 10 p.m. | Denver Nuggets vs. Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Feb. 4 | 6 p.m. | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Boston Celtics |
| Feb. 7 | 7:30 p.m. | Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics |
| Feb. 7 | 10 p.m. | New Orleans Pelicans vs. LA Clippers |
| Feb. 14 | 7:30 p.m. | Chicago Bulls vs. Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Feb. 14 | 10 p.m. | LA Clippers vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Feb. 23 | 7:30 p.m. | Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Philadelphia 76ers |
| Feb. 23 | 10 p.m. | Miami Heat vs. New Orleans Pelicans |
| Feb. 25 | 7 p.m. | Denver Nuggets vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Feb. 25 | 9:30 p.m. | Sacramento Kings vs. LA Clippers |
| Feb. 28 | 7:30 p.m. | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Feb. 28 | 10 p.m. | Los Angeles Lakers vs. LA Clippers |
| Mar. 1 | 7:30 p.m. | Dallas Mavericks vs. Boston Celtics |
| Mar. 1 | 10 p.m. | Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls |
| Mar. 3 | 7 p.m. | New York Knicks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Mar. 3 | 9:30 p.m. | Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Phoenix Suns |
| Mar. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Philadelphia 76ers |
| Mar. 6 | 10 p.m. | Milwaukee Bucks vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Mar. 8 | 7:30 p.m. | Atlanta Hawks vs. Memphis Grizzlies |
| Mar. 8 | 10 p.m. | Milwaukee Bucks vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Mar. 10 | 7 p.m. | Brooklyn Nets vs. Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Mar. 10 | 9:30 p.m. | Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers |
| Mar. 13 | 7:30 p.m. | Denver Nuggets vs. Miami Heat |
| Mar. 13 | 10 p.m. | Los Angeles Lakers vs. Sacramento Kings |
| Mar. 18 | 7:30 p.m. | Miami Heat vs. Philadelphia 76ers |
| Mar. 18 | 10 p.m. | New York Knicks vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Mar. 20 | 7:30 p.m. | Milwaukee Bucks vs. Boston Celtics |
| Mar. 20 | 10 p.m. | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Golden State Warriors |
| Mar. 27 | 7:30 p.m. | LA Clippers vs. Philadelphia 76ers |
| Mar. 27 | 10 p.m. | Phoenix Suns vs. Denver Nuggets |
| Apr. 3 | 7:30 p.m. | Memphis Grizzlies vs. Milwaukee Bucks |
| Apr. 3 | 10 p.m. | Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Phoenix Suns |
| Apr. 10 | 7:30 p.m. | Dallas Mavericks vs. Miami |
| Apr. 10 | 10 p.m. | Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets |
| Apr. 14 | 1 p.m. | TBD |
| Apr. 14 | 3:30 p.m. | TBD |
Conclusion
The NBA 2023-2024 season on ESPN is loaded with exciting matchups and star-studded performances waiting to unfold. With a total of 86 games scheduled on the platform, fans are in for a treat as they get to follow their favorite teams and players through the highs and lows of the season. The presence of NBA icons like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and emerging talents such as Victor Wembanyama adds a special flavor to the ESPN schedule.
When it comes to streaming these games, DIRECTV Stream stands out as the prime choice due to its extensive channel lineup including ESPN, RSNs, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV, ensuring a comprehensive NBA viewing experience. On the other hand, Sling TV serves as a budget-friendly alternative for fans who are keen on watching games aired on ESPN.
The various live TV streaming services each have their unique offerings, catering to different preferences and needs. Whether you’re looking for a cost-effective solution with Sling TV or opting for more extensive coverage with DIRECTV Stream, the options are plentiful. By aligning your choice with your viewing preferences and budget, you can enjoy the riveting NBA action on ESPN all season long. This season promises to be a thrilling ride full of buzzer-beaters, astonishing dunks, and strategic masterclasses from the best basketball minds in the world. So, gear up, pick the streaming service that suits you best, and dive into the exhilarating world of NBA basketball.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is The Streamable’s choice for the best live TV streaming service for users who want the most channels. With an unbeatable lineup of local, news, sports, and entertainment channels, four main channel packages, an unlimited DVR, and 20 simultaneous streams at home, DIRECTV STREAM is a great choice for any cord-cutter. Prices will be increasing October 6, 2024.