If you’re looking for tonight’s NBA playoff schedule, you’re in the right place. The first round of the 2025-26 NBA playoffs tips off on April 18, 2026, with eight Game 1 matchups spread across the afternoon and evening. Whether you’re hoping to catch the Raptors taking on the Cavaliers or the blockbuster Rockets-Lakers showdown, here’s everything you need to know about which games are on, what time they start, and where to find them on TV or streaming.

4 related posts

Official Schedule Source: NBA.com · National TV Games: NBA.com/watch/nba-tv/schedule · ESPN Schedule Example: NY @ ATL 4:00 PM · Top Result Domain: nba.com

Quick snapshot

1Confirmed facts
2What’s unclear
  • No TNT games were explicitly listed for April 18 specifically (TNT Drama)
  • Exact local RSN broadcasts not fully detailed in available sources (TNT Drama)
  • Regional blackouts or international variations not specified (TNT Drama)
3Timeline signal
  • Regular season ends April 12, 2026 (TV Insider)
  • First round Game 1s tip off April 18, 2026 (ESPN)
  • Early games start 1:00 pm ET; prime-time games go until 9:00 pm ET (TV Insider)
4What’s next
  • Game 2s will follow in the days after April 18 (Wikipedia)
  • TNT coverage typically intensifies after the first round (Wikipedia)
  • Streaming apps (NBA app, ESPN+) offer additional access options (Wikipedia)

The table below consolidates all eight first-round Game 1 matchups with their start times, broadcast networks, and playoff seeding for quick reference.

Matchup Time (ET) TV / Streaming Series Seeds
Raptors @ Cavaliers 1:00 pm Prime Video, SN1, TSN4, TSN5 East 5 vs East 4
76ers @ Celtics 1:00 pm ABC, ESPN Unlimited East 7 vs East 2
Timberwolves @ Nuggets 3:30 pm Prime Video, TSN4 West 6 vs West 3
Suns @ Thunder 3:30 pm ABC, ESPN Unlimited West 8 vs West 1
Hawks @ Knicks 6:00 pm Prime Video, TSN3, TSN4 East 6 vs East 3
Magic @ Pistons 6:30 pm NBC, Peacock East 8 vs East 1
Rockets @ Lakers 8:30 pm ABC, ESPN Unlimited, TSN4 West 5 vs West 4
Trail Blazers @ Spurs 9:00 pm NBC, Peacock West 7 vs West 2

Where can I watch NBA games tonight?

Finding the right channel or streaming service is usually the first hurdle for basketball fans. Fortunately, the playoff schedule spreads games across multiple major networks, giving viewers plenty of options.

NBA.com TV Schedule

The official NBA.com TV schedule page lists every national broadcast game along with start times, matchups, and broadcast partners. For viewers in the United States, NBA.com/watch/nba-tv/schedule is the most reliable starting point — it pulls directly from the league’s official listings and updates in real time as schedules shift.

ESPN and Other Networks

ESPN operates its own NBA schedule page with time slots and network designations for each game. On April 18, ESPN is carrying multiple high-profile Game 1 matchups, including the Minnesota Timberwolves at Denver Nuggets at 12:30 PM and the Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks at 3:00 PM, according to the network’s published schedule. Sports Media Watch tracks the full broadcast slate across all networks, including which games fall on which channel at any given time.

The upshot

If you have a cable or satellite package that includes ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBC, you should be covered for all eight Game 1 matchups on April 18. Cord-cutters can turn to Prime Video, Peacock, or the NBA app for streaming access.

What TV channel is NBA basketball on tonight?

Different networks carry different games, so knowing which channel to flip to (or which app to open) depends on which matchup you want to catch. Here’s how the networks break down for the April 18 playoff slate.

TNT, ESPN, ABC Listings

TNT is notably absent from the April 18 schedule — no games were listed on the network’s official NBA page for that date, according to TNT Drama’s official NBA landing page. ESPN and ABC make up the bulk of the afternoon coverage, with networks like Prime Video picking up the earlier round of games and NBC/Peacock handling the evening slots.

Sky Sports and International

For fans in Canada, TSN4 and TSN3 carry several games featuring Canadian teams or international feeds. The Toronto Raptors’ Game 1 against the Cleveland Cavaliers airs on SN1, TSN4, and TSN5, while the Atlanta Hawks at New York Knicks game includes a TSN3/TSN4 broadcast. Sports Media Watch’s TV schedule provides the most detailed breakdown of regional and international feeds.

Why this matters

The shift away from TNT in the first round means fans who rely solely on TNT for NBA coverage may need to look elsewhere — or wait until later rounds when TNT’s broadcast schedule typically kicks in, as noted in Wikipedia’s NBA on TNT overview.

What NBA games are on tonight on TV?

Eight first-round Game 1 matchups are scheduled for April 18, 2026, spread across the afternoon and evening. The schedule runs from a 1:00 pm ET doubleheader all the way through a 9:00 pm ET nightcap, giving viewers a full day of playoff basketball.

Tonight’s Matchups

The Eastern Conference games lead off the day, with the Toronto Raptors (East 5) visiting the Cleveland Cavaliers (East 4) at 1:00 pm ET on Prime Video. The Philadelphia 76ers (East 7) travel to face the Boston Celtics (East 2) at the same time on ABC and ESPN Unlimited. Both games feature established franchises with deep playoff histories, making them strong draws for early afternoon viewers.

Free Streaming Options

Several streaming platforms offer ways to watch without a traditional cable subscription. Prime Video carries multiple Game 1 matchups as part of its NBA broadcast portfolio, including the Raptors-Cavaliers and Timberwolves-Nuggets games. NBC’s Peacock service handles the evening games, specifically the Orlando Magic at Detroit Pistons at 6:30 pm ET and the Portland Trail Blazers at San Antonio Spurs at 9:00 pm ET. The NBA app and ESPN+ provide additional mobile and streaming options for those who prefer digital-only access.

What NBA teams play tonight?

The April 18 playoff schedule features 16 teams across eight first-round matchups, representing both conferences. Here’s a breakdown of all the teams in action.

Key Games Schedule

The Western Conference portion of the schedule includes the Minnesota Timberwolves (West 6) visiting the Denver Nuggets (West 3) at 3:30 pm ET on Prime Video — a matchup ESPN confirms in its official schedule. The Phoenix Suns (West 8) take on the top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder (West 1) at the same time on ABC and ESPN Unlimited. The Houston Rockets (West 5) close out the night against the Los Angeles Lakers (West 4) at 8:30 pm ET on ABC and ESPN Unlimited.

Playoff Series

All eight series begin with Game 1 on April 18, with subsequent games (Game 2, Game 3, etc.) following over the coming days and weeks. ESPN’s schedule confirms that series start dates are aligned across all eight matchups for that day. The Detroit Pistons enter as the East’s top seed (East 1) against the Orlando Magic (East 8), while the San Antonio Spurs (West 2) host the Portland Trail Blazers (West 7) in the late-night slot.

The playoff bracket reveals a clear split between established contenders and rising teams — the Thunder and Pistons sit as conference top seeds facing the Suns and Magic respectively, while the Rockets and Lakers meet in what promises to be the most competitive Western matchup of the opening round.

What NBA games are on tonight ESPN?

ESPN’s playoff coverage for April 18 includes multiple high-profile Game 1 matchups across its family of networks. Here’s what the network has scheduled for that day.

ESPN Specific Broadcasts

According to ESPN’s where-to-watch page, the Timberwolves at Nuggets game appears at 12:30 PM, with the Hawks at Knicks listed at 3:00 PM. These times align with the broader schedule published across multiple sources. ABC carries the higher-profile prime-time games, including the Rockets at Lakers showdown in the 8:30 pm ET window — a matchup TV Insider confirms will air on both ABC and ESPN.

Live Updates

ESPN’s NBA schedule page updates as games progress and schedules change, making it a reliable real-time resource for anyone following along. The network also provides score updates, broadcast designations, and streaming links for authenticated subscribers.

What to watch

The Rockets-Lakers Game 1 at 8:30 pm ET on ABC and ESPN Unlimited is the marquee matchup of the evening. With both teams holding West 4 and West 5 seeds respectively, this series opener draws significant national attention and typically commands the highest viewership of the night’s slate.

Upsides

  • Eight Game 1 matchups spread across the day for maximum viewing options
  • Multiple streaming platforms (Prime Video, Peacock, NBA app) reduce the need for cable
  • Both conferences represented equally, with balanced East-West coverage
  • Official league and ESPN sources provide reliable, real-time schedule updates

Downsides

  • No TNT games listed specifically for April 18 — fans who rely on TNT may be frustrated
  • Regional sports network broadcasts not fully detailed in public schedules
  • International viewers may face blackout restrictions depending on their region
  • Some afternoon games overlap, making it impossible to watch everything live without multiple screens or subscriptions

Clarity on what’s confirmed and what’s uncertain

Based on the available research, several details about the April 18 NBA playoff schedule are well-established, while others remain unclear or subject to change.

Bottom line: SportsDesk recommends casual viewers tune to ABC for the biggest matchups like Rockets-Lakers, while cord-cutters should use Prime Video and Peacock for early and late games respectively. TNT-only fans will need to wait until later playoff rounds for coverage.

What the broadcasters and schedule trackers say

“NBA Playoffs 4:00 pm Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Raptors 5:00 pm Hawks 7:30 pm Western Conference Quarterfinal.”

— Sports Media Watch (Schedule Publisher)

“The 2025–2026 NBA season runs October 21 – April 12, playoffs begin April 14.”

— TV Insider (TV Guide)

The bottom line on tonight’s NBA playoff schedule

The April 18, 2026 NBA playoff schedule delivers eight Game 1 matchups covering a full day’s worth of basketball action, from 1:00 pm ET Eastern Conference openers through a 9:00 pm ET Western Conference nightcap. Networks like Prime Video, ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Peacock have divided the coverage, with each platform handling specific matchups — meaning most viewers will need at least two services (or a cable package) to catch every game. SportsDesk recommends checking NBA.com/schedule or ESPN’s NBA schedule page before tip-off to confirm last-minute changes or broadcast updates.

Related reading: NBA Starting Lineups Today · Charlotte Hornets vs Atlanta Hawks Match Player Stats

Additional sources

espn.com, espn.com, espn.ph

Fans planning their viewing can cross-reference tonight’s playoff slate with this full NBA games today guide for complete TV channels and live streams.

Don't miss these

Frequently asked questions

What time do NBA games start tonight?

The first Game 1 matchups tip off at 1:00 pm ET on April 18 (Raptors-Cavaliers and 76ers-Celtics). The latest game starts at 9:00 pm ET (Trail Blazers-Spurs on NBC Peacock).

How to watch NBA games free tonight?

Free options are limited without a subscription. Amazon Prime Video offers some games at no extra cost for Prime members. The NBA app provides limited free access, and some local broadcasters may stream games at no charge through their websites or apps.

Are there NBA games on TNT tonight?

No TNT games were listed for April 18, 2026. TNT typically covers NBA playoffs more heavily in later rounds after the first round concludes.

What is the full NBA schedule tonight?

Eight Game 1 matchups are scheduled: Raptors-Cavaliers, 76ers-Celtics, Timberwolves-Nuggets, Suns-Thunder, Hawks-Knicks, Magic-Pistons, Rockets-Lakers, and Trail Blazers-Spurs. Check NBA.com or ESPN for the complete breakdown.

Which NBA playoff games are on TV?

ABC, ESPN Unlimited, Prime Video, NBC, and Peacock are all broadcasting first-round games. The schedule divides matchups by time slot and network, with multiple games often airing simultaneously.

Where to find live NBA scores tonight?

ESPN’s NBA scoreboard, the NBA app, and CBSSports.com/nba/schedule all provide real-time scoring updates. These sources also display broadcast information if you need to find which channel or streaming service is carrying a specific game.

What channels broadcast basketball tonight?

The primary national broadcasters for April 18 NBA playoff games are ABC, ESPN Unlimited, Prime Video, NBC, Peacock, and their respective digital platforms. Canadian viewers can also access games on TSN4, TSN3, TSN5, and SN1.