NBA Playoffs: Quick Guide to Format, Schedule & How to Watch

No NBA team has ever come back from a 0–3 hole to win a series — and that kind of do-or-die drama is exactly what makes the NBA playoffs must-see TV. If you want the clearest, simplest guide to how the playoffs work, where to watch them, and what to look for, this page gets you there fast.

How the playoffs actually work

Sixteen teams qualify for the playoffs: eight from the Eastern Conference and eight from the Western Conference. The top six teams in each conference earn a direct spot. Teams ranked 7–10 on each side play the play‑in tournament to grab the final two playoff berths. Once the field of 16 is set, every series is best-of-seven: first to four wins moves on.

Rounds move like this: first round, conference semifinals, conference finals, then the NBA Finals. Expect back‑and‑forth schedules with travel days between games. Home-court advantage goes to the team with the better regular-season record — that’s often decisive in close series.

Where to watch and follow the action

In the U.S., national broadcasters rotate: TNT, ESPN/ABC, and regional sports networks carry most games. If you stream, services that carry these channels — like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling or DirecTV Stream — are the usual options. For international viewers, NBA League Pass streams out-of-market games and replays; local broadcasters may have rights to live games in certain countries.

Want live updates without watching? Use the NBA app, follow team accounts on X (Twitter), and set push alerts for game winners and injuries. For real-time stats and advanced metrics, sites like Basketball-Reference and StatMuse are handy. If you plan to watch multiple games in a row, set a schedule: tip-off times shift and late games often start after 9pm ET.

Buying tickets? Check team websites and verified resale platforms only. Playoff tickets sell fast and prices surge for late-round games. If you’re going in person, arrive early — pregame shows and player warm-ups are worth it.

Key things to watch this postseason: depth on the bench (big for seven-game series), how teams adjust their defense between games, and star health. Matchups often decide outcomes: a team that defends the paint well can flip a series, even against a high-scoring opponent.

Want a quick tip for enjoying the playoffs at home? Host a small viewing group with scheduled breaks between games. That way you catch the best moments without burning out. And one last tip: skip illegal streams — they lag, they’re low quality, and they can expose you to malware. Use legal streams, set alerts, and enjoy the unpredictability. The playoffs are where legends are made — and missed shots become the moments we talk about for years.