The 2025 NBA Playoffs picture is finally set, with 16 teams chasing the championship trophy. Even though TNT is a network cable channel, cord-cutters don’t have to be left out of the fun. Skinny bundle streaming services carry all the channels you need to catch NBA Playoffs games. So ditch the cable subscription, because we’re going to tell you how to watch every game in the NBA Playoffs without one.
How to Watch the 2025 NBA Playoffs Without Cable
Most playoff games will air on ESPN, ABC, and TNT, with first-round weekday games on NBA TV. Skinny bundle streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV, and Sling TV offer live TV channels — including ESPN, ABC, and TNT — without the bloated cable bill or long-term contract. That means you can use these services to catch live NBA Playoffs games, just like you would with cable. Skinny bundles let you start and cancel your subscription anytime, and most offer free trials that you can use to catch at least a few games completely free.
For additional analysis and coverage, ESPN+ is a great companion option. While it won’t stream every game, it covers ESPN games with additional commentary, highlights, and exclusive content you won’t find anywhere else.
For games broadcast on ABC, including the NBA Finals, there’s even better news. ABC broadcasts to local TV towers from affiliate stations across the country. That means you’ll likely be able to pick up these games for free over-the-air using an HD TV antenna.
Here are all the streaming options that will streaming options:
- DIRECTV (ESPN, ABC, TNT)
- FuboTV (ESPN, ABC)
- Sling TV (ESPN, TNT)
- Hulu + Live TV (ESPN, ABC, TNT)
- ESPN+ (ESPN)
- YouTube TV (ESPN, ABC, TNT)
- Free Over-the-Air TV (ABC)
2025 NBA Playoffs Schedule
The 2025 NBA Playoffs begin in mid-April and run until June. Below is a complete schedule with some times yet to be determined.
| Round | Date/Time (EDT) | Matchup | Network |
|---|---|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 15-April 18 | ||
| Western Conference | April 15 at 9 p.m. | Golden State Warriors vs. Memphis Grizzlies | TNT |
| April 16 at 9 p.m | Sacramento Kings vs. Dallas Mavericks | ESPN | |
| April 18 at TBD* | Loser of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | ESPN | |
| Eastern Conference | April 15 at 6:30 p.m. | Orlando Magic vs. Atlanta Hawks | TNT |
| April 16 at 6:30 p.m. | Chicago Bulls vs. Miami Heat | ESPN | |
| April 18 at TBD* | Loser of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2 | TNT | |
| Playoffs 1st Round | April 19-April 20 | ||
| Western Conference | April 19 at 3:30 p.m. | Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers | ESPN |
| April 19 at 8:30 p.m. | Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves | ABC | |
| April 20 at TBD* | Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Play-In Winner | TBD* | |
| April 20 at TBD* | Houston Rockets vs. Play-In Winner | TBD* | |
| Eastern Conference | April 19 at 1 p.m. | Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks | ESPN |
| NFC | April 19 at 6 p.m. | New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons | ESPN |
| AFC | April 20 at TBD* | Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Play-In Winner | TBD* |
| April 20 at TBD* | Boston Celtics vs. Play-in Winner | TBD* | |
| Conference Semifinals | May 3-4 or May 5-6 | TBD* | TBD* |
| Western Conference Finals | May 18 or May 20 | TBD* | TBD* |
| Eastern Conference Finals | May 19 or May 21 | TBD* | TBD* |
| NBA Finals | June 5 | TBD* | ABC |
Can I Watch the 2025 NBA Postseason on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and Chromecast?
With a postseason that’s going to leave you on the edge of your seat, you definitely don’t want to be stuck watching from just one spot. The good news is that major streaming platforms let you take the action with you. Whether you’re using a Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or Chromecast you can easily log in to your streaming service and catch every play on any screen you choose — whenever and wherever you want.
More to Watch for NBA Fans
If you want some context from the regular season of NBA games before the playoffs get started, you can still catch up with all the recorded games from this season on your favorite streaming services or with NBA League Pass. NBA TV offers 24-hour basketball with plenty of extra behind-the-scenes coverage. Once the Playoffs play out, you won’t want to miss the showdown at the NBA finals. When there’s no NBA, there’s always NCAA college basketball to get your fix throughout the year.
For all sports cravings, ESPN has got you covered. As the go-to destination for televised sports, you’ll find everything from basketball and tennis to UFC, lacrosse, and even esports.
Right behind it, FS1 holds strong as the second-largest sports network on TV, broadcasting NHL games, boxing matches, motocross, college basketball, and so much more.
In Canada none of those services are available. So… What to do? ?
Maybe VPN will give you access to US streaming services?
Antennas don’t look like that any more… I’m constantly surprised that people don’t know about OTA TV any more at all! A whole generation, apparently. HD antennas work very well and are very small and don’t live on towers (most of the time), and if you are fairly close to the source, indoor antennas may work.
I pick up 30+ channels with my OVA HD Antenna. It’s about the size of a piece of paper and is hanging on the back of a door. It’s only choppy when it’s windy and I’m assuming that’s due to the source signal as the wind doesn’t blow inside my house! I don’t watch it much and a lot of it is old reruns but the picture, if broadcast in HD, is as good as you’ll find anywhere. Most of the channels have what I call sub-channels (CBS.1 CBS.2 CBS.3 etc) and 18.1-18.8 (Charlotte area) has about 8 of those. Much of it is crap but for example 36.2 is non-stop crime/forensics TV. I flat out refuse to watch commercials so I don’t use it much but if it was all I had, it would suit just fine. As for NBA playoffs, ABC is all it’s got I’m afraid