The 2023-24 NBA season is at an end, but the action does not stop there for the best basketball teams across North America. The 2024 NBA Playoffs are now here, and as teams from coast to coast prepare for their shot at history, they know only one can reign supreme come the end.
The top eight teams from both the NBA’s Eastern and Western Conferences will contest a knockout bracket, playing best-of-seven matchups until only the two winners remain. They will then meet in the NBA Finals to crown the 2023-24 NBA Champion.
Hot off a first franchise championship last term, the Denver Nuggets will be in the mix again, but plenty of familiar heavyweight faces are also looking to lay down a claim to silverware this time around - so just who will take part, who will face who and how can you watch it all unfold?
Below, GOAL guides you through the 2024 NBA Playoffs schedule, including all games, dates, results, and channels.
2024 NBA playoff dates
- April 20-21: Start of first round
- May 4-7: Start of second round
- May 19-22: Start of Conference Finals
- June 6: NBA Finals Game 1
- June 23: NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)
2024 NBA Playoffs Schedule
Celtics vs Cavaliers (Celtics lead 3-0)
| Date | Game | Result | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 7 | Celtics vs Cavaliers | 120 - 95 | / |
| May 9 | Celtics vs Cavaliers | 94 - 118 | / |
| May 11 | Cavaliers vs Celtics | 93 - 106 | / |
| May 13 | Cavaliers vs Celtics | TBD | TNT |
| May 15 | Celtics vs Cavaliers | TBD | TNT |
| May 17 | Cavaliers vs Celtics | TBD | / |
| May 19 | Celtics vs Cavaliers | TBD | / |
Knicks vs Pacers (Knicks lead 4-0)
| Date | Game | Result | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 6 | Knicks vs Pacers | 121 - 117 | / |
| May 8 | Knicks vs Pacers | 130 - 121 | / |
| May 10 | Pacers vs Knicks | 111 - 106 | / |
| May 12 | Pacers vs Knicks | 121 - 89 | / |
| May 14 | Knicks vs Pacers | TBD | TNT |
| May 17 | Pacers vs Knicks | TBD | / |
| May 19 | Knicks vs Pacers | TBD | / |
Thunder vs Mavericks (Mavericks lead 2-1)
| Date | Game | Result | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 7 | Thunder vs Mavericks | 117 - 95 | / |
| May 9 | Thunder vs Mavericks | 110 - 119 | / |
| May 11 | Mavericks vs Thunder | 105 - 101 | / |
| May 13 | Mavericks vs Thunder | TBD | TNT |
| May 15 | Thunder vs Mavericks | TBD | TNT |
| May 18 | Mavericks vs Thunder | TBD | / |
| May 20 | Thunder vs Mavericks | TBD | / |
Nuggets vs Timberwolves (Tied 2-2)
| Date | Game | Result | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 4 | Nuggets vs Timberwolves | 99 - 106 | / |
| May 6 | Nuggets vs Timberwolves | 80 - 106 | / |
| May 10 | Timberwolves vs Nuggets | 90 - 117 | / |
| May 12 | Timberwolves vs Nuggets | 107 - 115 | / |
| May 14 | Nuggets vs Timberwolves | TBD | TNT |
| May 16 | Timberwolves vs Nuggets | TBD | / |
| May 19 | Nuggets vs Timberwolves | TBD | / |
Where can I watch the 2024 NBA Playoffs and Finals?
Getty ImagesThe 2024 NBA Playoffs will be shown on linear and pay television across ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT across the United States, while ESPN+, MAX, and NBA League Pass will provide streaming coverage.
Regional and local broadcasters will carry games from the first round, with the exception of ABC matches. Across the first round and conference semifinals, ABC will typically air Sunday afternoon games through their NBA Sunday Showcase on the ABC banner; TNT will show games between Sunday and Wednesday, while ESPN will lead with ESPN NBA Friday coverage on Friday nights.
ABC and ESPN will exclusively show the Eastern Conference Finals, while TNT will carry the Western Conference Finals as part of the regular rotation. ABC will then have exclusive coverage of the 2024 NBA Finals.
Most games shown on TNT will be available to stream through MAX. Offering coverage from across the Warner Bros. Discovery stable of original content and library material, customers can watch NBA games and more from just the starting price of $9.99 per month.
Select matches from ABC and ESPN will be streamed through ESPN+. Offering coverage from all ESPN channels, including ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPN3, ESPN+ allows customers access to a wide variety of sporting content for just $10.99 per month.
FAQs
Getty imagesWhat teams will feature in the 2024 NBA Playoffs?
Sixteen teams are in the NBA Playoffs, with eight each from the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. They include the top six teams from each conference, based on their winning percentage, and a further two sides who qualify through a play-in tournament held shortly before the Playoffs.
How long are the 2024 NBA Playoffs?
The 2024 NBA Playoffs begin on Saturday, April 20. Depending on the length of respective playoff matchups in the first round, conference semifinals, and conference finals, they will last until Sunday, June 23, at the latest.
When is the final game of the 2024 NBA Playoffs?
The 2024 NBA Playoffs will be the last game of the 2024 NBA Finals between the two winners of the Eastern Conference and Western Conference. There is no fixed date yet, but it will take place between Friday, June 14, and Sunday, June 23.
Who is looking likely to win the 2024 NBA Finals?
As the team with the best regular-season record, the Boston Celtics are considered the nominal frontrunners to win the 2024 NBA Finals. The Massachusetts franchise enjoyed an excellent campaign and will hope to translate it into a run to the championship.
Who won the 2023 NBA Finals?
The 2023 NBA Finals were won by the Denver Nuggets, who won 4-1 over five games to defeat the Miami Heat and claim the first championship in franchise history. After his terrific game performances, Nikola Jokic was handed the 2023 NBA Finals MVP prize, which helped the Colorado outfit prevail impressively.