NBA Playoffs 2025: TV Schedule, current series rankings, how to watch today’s games
The Boston Celtics have launched title defense in pursuit of the franchise’s 19th NBA Championship. They took part in the NBA playoffs as the second seed in the East and currently dominates three games in the 7th Orlando Magic, the first round. The fourth (probably the final) game in that series will ring a hint on Tuesday, April 29th. The first seed in the East, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Western Conference champions of the Oklahoma City Thunder have already won spots in the semi-finals. Each team took their own series into four strands.
Thunder’s top scorer, Shy Gilgauss Alexander leads the league with 32.7 points, and is likely an MVP candidate, but faces tough competition from Nikola Jokic, who can easily win his fourth MVP in the last five years. The Denver Nuggets Center became the third player in NBA history, averaging triple doubles for the season, scoring (29.6 points per game) and rebounding (12.7 points per game) and second in assists (10.2 per game). The Nuggets’ series against the LA Clippers is currently tied 2-2. Game 5, which airs tonight on TNT, will have one of the teams in an advantage.
Luka Doncic, LeBron James and La Lakers – the three LS are third-place seeded in the West, playing against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round. Despite the Lakers’ star power, they won three ls. The Timberwolves hold a 3-1 advantage heading into Game 5 on Wednesday.
Last night we also saw an incredible performance from playoff Jimmy Butler, who remained true to his nickname during the postseason. He scored 27 points for the Golden State Warriors, leading the team to a victory over the Houston Rockets. The Warriors led that series 3-1 and played their next game on Wednesday night.
The first round of the 2025 NBA playoffs certainly makes things interesting, as some series are already over and others are still full-fledged. There’s everything you need to know to watch or stream the NBA playoffs.
Luka Doncic and LeBron James are positioning the Los Angeles Lakers as third-place seeded in the West for the 2025 NBA playoffs.
What is your NBA playoff schedule today?
Here’s the game schedule and weekend for today (All Times et):
Tuesday, April 29th
- Game 5: Magic on the Celtics, 8:30pm on NBA TV
- Game 5: Knicks’ Pistons, TNT, TRUTV, MAX at 7:30pm
- Game 5: Bucks on Pacers, 6pm on NBA TV
- Game 5: Nuggets’ Clippers, TNT, TRUTV, MAX at 10pm
Wednesday, April 30th
- Game 5 (if needed): The fever with the Cavaliers, 7pm on NBA TV
- Game 5: Rockets Warrior, TNT, TRUTV, MAX at 7:30pm
- Game 5: Lakers Timberwolve, TNT, TRUTV, MAX at 10pm
Thursday, May 1st
- Game 6 (if necessary): Magic Celtics, TBD
- Game 6 (if necessary): Knicks with the Pistons, TBD
- Game 6: Clippers’ Nuggets, TBD
Friday, May 2nd
- Game 6 (if necessary): Cavaliers at Heat, TBD
- Game 6 (if necessary): Bucks’ Pacer, TBD
- Game 6 (if necessary): Warriors’ Rocket, TBD
- Game 6 (if necessary): Lakers of the Timberwolves, TBD
Saturday, May 3rd
- Game 7 (if necessary): Celtics Magic, TBD
- Game 7 (if necessary): Knicks piston, TBD
- Game 7 (if needed): Nuggets Clipper, TBD
Sunday, May 4th
- Game 7 (if needed): Heat in the Cavaliers, TBD
- Game 7 (if needed): Pacers’ Bucks, TBD
- Game 7 (if needed): Lakers of the Timberwolves, TBD
- Game 7 (if necessary): Rocket Warrior, TBD
What does the NBA playoff bracket look like?
The Cleveland Cavaliers bordered the Boston Celtics with a top spot in the east, while the Oklahoma City Thunder escaped with the top seed in the west. This is what the 2025 NBA playoff matchups look like, and where each series is heading for the first round game of the rest.
Eastern Conference
- No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Heat (Cavs Win Series 4-0)
- No. 2 Boston Celtics vs. No. 7 Orlando Magic (Celtics Lead Series 3-1)
- No. 3 New York Knicks vs. No. 6 Detroit Pistons (Knicks Lead Series 3-1)
- No. 4 Indiana Pacers vs. No. 5 Milwaukee Bucks (Pacers Lead Series 3-1)
Western Conference
- No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 Grizzlies (Thunderwin Series 4-0)
- No. 2 Houston Rockets vs. No. 7 Golden State Warriors (Warriors Lead Series 3-1)
- No. 3 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 6 Minnesota Timber Wolves (Timber Wolves Lead Series 3-1)
- No. 4 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 5 Los Angeles Clippers (Series Tied 2-2)
How to watch the NBA Playoffs
The NBA playoffs will be displayed on ABC, ESPN, TNT/TRUTV and NBA TV. Cable subscription or Live TV Streaming Service.
Three of the five main services offer all four channels. Live TV’s Hulu does not have NBA TV. This shows only a handful of playoff games. Fubo does not have TNT. This shows the majority of the NBA playoffs, making Fubo a poor option for Hoops fans. You can also watch the playoff game TNT/TRUTV broadcasts on Max.
YouTube TV costs $83 per month and includes all four channels you need to watch all the NBA Playoff games. Connect the postal code above it Welcome page Check the local networks available in your area.
DirectV Stream’s $90/month selection plan includes ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV. You can use it Channel Lookup Tool Check if ABC is available wherever you live. If you’re willing to skip a handful of games on NBA TV, you can get three other channels in the entertainment package per $80 base on DirectV Stream.
Hulu with live TV is $83 a month and includes ABC, ESPN and TNT. As part of the add-on package, it is the only service that does not offer NBA TV. Click on the “View your local channel” link above Welcome page Check which local channels are provided in the postal code.
Watching live sports on Max requires a standard 17-month plan. (or any of the 21-month premium plans that add 4K streaming) MAX indicates the NBA playoff TNT/TRUTV broadcast. However, you miss ESPN, ABC, and NBA TV games on Max alone.
With all the live TV streaming services listed above, you will need to cancel at any time and have a solid internet connection. Looking for details? Check us Live TV Streaming Services Guide.