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How to Safely Watch Every Game of the 2025 NBA Playoffs

A basketball swishing through a basketball hoop.

With superstars like Luka Dončić, Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, and LeBron James all chasing a title, the 2025 postseason is sure to be stacked with drama, rivalries, and highlight-reel moments. Whether you’re watching from your couch or on the go, we’ll show you exactly where to catch every game, without resorting to sketchy streams that could put your device (and data) at risk.

A Brief Look at the Matchups

The 2025 NBA Playoffs are finally here, and each of the first-round matchups offers its own storylines, rivalries, rising stars, and high stakes.

Eastern Conference

Here’s a look at what to expect from the top teams in the East:

#1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat

The Cavaliers enter the playoffs with the second-most efficient offense in NBA history and a rested roster led by Donovan Mitchell. But they’ll face a battle-tested Miami team that thrives as an underdog. Tyler Herro leads the Heat attack, but he’ll need help to take down Cleveland. This Cavaliers team is not the same squad that made an early playoff exit last season, but Miami’s playoff experience will certainly test their resolve.

#2 Boston Celtics vs. #7 Orlando Magic

The Celtics enter the series as heavy favorites against the Magic, despite dropping two of three regular-season games to them. Boston’s elite three-point shooting and depth are expected to overpower a young Orlando squad known for gritty defense and half-court physicality. If the Celtics stay healthy, they’re widely expected to advance.

#3 New York Knicks vs. #6 Detroit Pistons

The Knicks face a surging Pistons team in a matchup loaded with contrast. New York brings star power and playoff expectations, while Detroit arrives with confidence after a historic turnaround season. Cade Cunningham torched the Knicks during the regular season, but Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns give New York a clear talent advantage. Expect a rugged, tactical series that could go the distance.

#4 Indiana Pacers vs. #5 Milwaukee Bucks

Having split eight intense meetings over the past year and a half, this is a brewing rivalry. While Giannis Antetokounmpo is poised for a dominant return to playoff form, questions remain about Damian Lillard’s availability and Indiana’s ability to contain Milwaukee’s star duo. With Tyrese Haliburton thriving against his home-state team and Indiana owning a 15-3 post-break home record, this series is sure to bring the intensity.

Western Conference

Here’s a look at what to expect from the top teams in the West:

#1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. West #8 Seed

After a dominant season, Oklahoma City is a clear favorite against a Memphis Grizzlies team that has struggled with inconsistency. Despite getting into the playoffs through the NBA play-in tournament, the Grizzlies will need a near-perfect effort from Ja Morant and company to take down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Thunder. Expect Oklahoma City’s tempo, depth, and talent to carry them through.

#2 Houston Rockets vs. #7 Golden State Warriors

Despite the red-hot form of Houston, many analysts and experts are picking Golden State to complete the upset. It’s a battle between youth and experience, and even though the Rockets have been a defensive powerhouse throughout the year, the Warriors have surged behind a revitalized Stephen Curry and the midseason addition of Jimmy Butler.

#3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #6 Minnesota Timberwolves

In a rematch of last year’s Western Conference Finals, the star-studded Lakers — now led by Luka Dončić and LeBron James — look favored to take this series. Despite Minnesota’s toughness and a strong season from Julius Randle, Dončić’s arrival to L.A. has reinvigorated the Lakers.

#4 Denver Nuggets vs. #5 Los Angeles Clippers

After a late-season coaching shakeup, the defending champion Nuggets aren’t entering the postseason in good form. The Clippers, on the other hand, have been on a hot streak, looking like one of the league’s most dangerous two-way teams. While Nikola Jokić is clearly the top player in the series, a healthy Kawhi Leonard and a deep, versatile lineup give the Clippers a real edge.

Where You Can Watch the Games

This year’s playoff action will air across a combination of broadcast network channels, cable channels, and streaming platforms. Here are all the channels and services you’ll need:

ABC
ESPN
TNT
NBA TV
Streaming Services: You can catch games on any streaming services that offer the channels above (Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV), via network apps with a cable login, etc. Max is also broadcasting select TNT games.

Note: Using unofficial or pirated streaming sites can put your device and personal information at serious risk. Stick to reputable, legal platforms to ensure a safe, high-quality viewing experience.

TV Schedule for the 2025 NBA Playoffs

If you want to catch all the action, you can find all the dates, times, and channels below. All times are Eastern time. Any games marked with an asterisk (*) are only played as necessary.

Note: The NBA Finals series begins June 5, 2025.

Saturday, April 19

Game 1: Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks at 1:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Game 1: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers at 3:30 PM ET (ESPN)
Game 1: New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons at 6:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Game 1: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:30 PM ET (ABC)

Sunday, April 20

Game 1: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies at 1:00 PM ET (ABC)
Game 1: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic at 3:30 PM ET (ABC)
Game 1: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat at 7:00 PM ET (TNT/Max)
Game 1: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors at 9:30 PM ET (TNT/Max)

Monday, April 21

Game 2: New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons at 7:30 PM ET (TNT/Max)
Game 2: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers at 10:00 PM ET (TNT/Max)

Tuesday, April 22

Game 2: Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks at 7:00 PM ET (NBA TV)
Game 2: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies at 7:30 PM ET (TNT/Max)
Game 2: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves at 10:00 PM ET (TNT/Max)

Wednesday, April 23

Game 2: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic at 7:00 PM ET (TNT/Max)
Game 2: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat at 7:30 PM ET (NBA TV)
Game 2: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors at 9:30 PM ET (TNT/Max)

Thursday, April 24

Game 3: Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks (Time and TV Channel TBD)
Game 3: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Time and TV Channel TBD)
Game 3: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Time and TV Channel TBD)

Friday, April 25

Game 3: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics at 7:00 PM ET (ESPN)
Game 3: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers at 8:00 PM ET (ESPNU/NBA TV)
Game 3: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 9:30 PM ET (ESPN)

Saturday, April 26

Game 3: Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at 1:00 PM ET (ABC)
Game 4: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder at 3:30 PM ET (TNT/Max)
Game 4: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets at 6:00 PM ET (TNT/Max)
Game 3: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets at 8:30 PM ET (TV Channel TBD)

Sunday, April 27

Game 4: Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks at 1:00 PM ET (ABC)
Game 4: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 3:30 PM ET (ABC)
Game 4: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics at 7:00 PM ET (TNT/Max)
Game 4: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers at 9:30 PM ET (TNT/Max)

Monday, April 28

Game 4: Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 5: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Time and TV Channel TBD)
Game 4: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets at 10:00 PM ET (TNT/Max)

Tuesday, April 29

*Game 5: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 5: New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 5: Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 5: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers (Time and TV Channel TBD)

Wednesday, April 30

*Game 5: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 5: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 5: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Time and TV Channel TBD)

Thursday, May 1

*Game 6: Orlando Magic vs. Boston Celtics (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 6: Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 6: Memphis Grizzlies vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 6: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets (Time and TV Channel TBD)

Friday, May 2

*Game 6: Miami Heat vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 6: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 6: Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 6: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Time and TV Channel TBD)

Saturday, May 3

*Game 7: Boston Celtics vs. Orlando Magic (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 7: New York Knicks vs. Detroit Pistons (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 7: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Memphis Grizzlies (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 7: Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers (Time and TV Channel TBD)

Sunday, May 4

*Game 7: Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 7: Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 7: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors (Time and TV Channel TBD)
*Game 7: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Time and TV Channel TBD)

Stream Smart This Playoff Season

Regardless of which teams you’re planning to watch, it’s important to stick with official channels like ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV, or trusted streaming services.

Avoid sketchy sites that offer free streams because they often come with hidden risks like malware and poor quality. Choose safe, reliable platforms so you can focus on the action — not on protecting your device.