NBA Playoffs: What You Need to Know
The NBA playoffs are the biggest basketball event of the year. After a long regular season, the top eight teams from each conference battle it out in a best‑of‑seven series. If you’re new to the postseason or just want a quick refresher, this guide breaks down the format, dates, and ways to catch every game.
Playoff Format and Timeline
The playoffs start in mid‑April and run through early June. First, the conference quarter‑finals pit the No.1 seed against the No.8 seed, No.2 versus No.7, and so on. Winners move to the conference semifinals, then the conference finals, and finally the NBA Finals. Each round is a best‑of‑seven, so the first team to win four games advances.
Home‑court advantage goes to the higher seed, meaning they host Games 1, 2, 5, and 7 if needed. This makes the regular‑season record crucial – teams fight hard for those top spots to get extra home games when the series gets tight.
How to Watch the Games
In the UK, the NBA is broadcast live on NBA TV and Sky Sports. Both channels stream every playoff game, and you can also stream through the NBA’s official app or the Sky Go app if you have a subscription. For those without cable, a basic NBA League Pass subscription gives you access to all games on desktop, phone, or tablet.
Don’t forget the social side. Twitter and Reddit have active threads where fans discuss every play, and Instagram stories often feature highlights in real time. If you prefer a quieter experience, set up a YouTube playlist of game recaps after the night ends.
Here are a few quick tips to make the most of your playoff viewing:
- Check the schedule ahead of time – time zones can be tricky, especially for West Coast games.
- Pick a comfortable spot with a good screen and sound; the crowd noise adds to the excitement.
- Invite friends over for a watch party. Friendly bets on the next game’s MVP keep the energy high.
The NBA playoffs aren’t just about the big teams; underdogs often make a splash. Look out for ninth‑seeded squads that pull off an upset in the first round – it happens more often than you think, and it creates unforgettable moments.
Finally, keep an eye on player injuries and rest days. A star missing a Game 3 can swing a series dramatically. Websites like ESPN and Basketball‑Reference update injury reports daily, so you’ll know who’s actually on the floor.
Whether you’re a die‑hard fan or just curious, the NBA playoffs deliver drama, skill, and stories you won’t want to miss. Grab your snacks, set up the streaming, and enjoy the ride to the championship.
