Exploring the NBA Playoffs 2024:Schedule, Format, and Streaming Details

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The NBA Playoffs 2024, a heart-pounding battle for the Larry O’Brien trophy, is just around the corner. Filled with anticipation, the teams have gone the extra mile to prove their worth for the NBA 2024 title. On Friday night, the play-in tournament, a pivotal part of the NBA playoffs, concluded with the New Orleans Pelicans and Miami Heat securing their division’s eighth and final playoff spot. The NBA playoffs 2024 are set to kick off on April 20, 2024, and will reach its crescendo in June 2024. With a rich history of NBA playoffs, the 1949 edition is the most memorable. Once the season starts, 30 teams will battle it out within the conference and the other conference team to secure their seat in the playoffs. The most successful teams are the Boston Celtics and Los Angeles Lakers, and other successful teams such as the Chicago Bulls, San Antonio Spurs, and Golden State Warriors have clinched the most NBA Championships. As expected, the Boston Celtics also dominated the Eastern Conference this season with their formidable home-court advantage.

The 2024 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, a stage set for a nail-biting competition, unfolded from April 16-19, 2024. This tournament, introduced in 2021 by the NBA Board of Governors, is a crucial part of the NBA playoffs as it determines the 7th and 8th places in each conference. In a heart-stopping match, the New Orleans Pelicans clashed with the Los Angeles Lakers, with the Lakers emerging triumphant with a score of 110-106. The Kings outshone the Warriors in the second game, scoring 118-94. The 76ers narrowly overcame the Miami Heat by a single point, securing their seventh place. With a stellar performance, the Bulls outplayed the Hawks with a score of 131. The final two games of the Play-In Tournament were a battle of nerves between the Heat and Bulls for the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference. The Miami Heat emerged as the victors with 112 points, securing their place in the playoffs. In the Western Conference, the Pelicans overcame the Kings with a score of 105-98, adding to the unpredictability and excitement of the tournament.

In the NBA playoffs 2024 format, eight teams were meticulously selected from the Eastern and Western Conferences and seated in the proper seeding order. The top spot was taken by the team with the highest regular season record, followed by the second-highest, and so on. The first six teams were chosen based on their winning percentage in the NBA regular season. As mentioned earlier, the 7th and 8th places were determined by the play-in tournament. Once both the Eastern and Western conferences had their eight teams, the NBA playoffs commenced. It involves elimination games between the top teams in the Eastern and Western conferences. The playoff format has evolved over the years, with changes in the number of teams, the inclusion of the play-in tournament, and the seeding process. Still, it typically features a best-of-seven series in each round, with the winner leveling up to the further round until the NBA championship is ultimately claimed.

How many games are there in the first round of the NBA playoffs?

All playoff series are best of seven with a 2-2-1-1-1 format. The higher seed hosts Games 1, 2,

5 and 7. The lower seed hosts Games 3, 4, and 6. The team with the most wins at the end of the series advances to the next round.

The first-round NBA playoff schedule is as follows:

Eastern Conference

No. 1 Celtics vs. No. 8 Heat

April 21, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. ET, 10:00 a.m PT, 10:30 p.m IST
April 24, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 p.m PT, 4:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 27, 2024 – 6:00 p.m. ET, 3:00 p.m PT, 3:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 29, 2024 – TBD
May 1, 2024 – TBD
May 3, 2024 – TBD
May 5, 2024 – TBD

No. 2 Knicks vs. No. 7 76ers

April 20, 2024 – 6:00 p.m. ET, 3:00 p.m PT, 3:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 22, 2024 – 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m PT, 5:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 25, 2024 – 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m PT, 5:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 28, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. ET, 10:00 a.m PT, 10:30 p.m IST
April 30, 2024 – TBD
May 2, 2024 – TBD
May 4, 2024 – TBD

No. 3 Bucks vs. No. 6 Pacers

April 21, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 p.m PT, 4:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 23, 2024 – 8:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m PT, 6:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 26, 2024 – 5:30 p.m. ET, 2:30 p.m PT, 3:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 28, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 p.m PT, 4:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 30, 2024 – TBD
May 2, 2024 – TBD
May 4, 2024 – TBD

No. 4 Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Magic

April 20, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. ET, 10:00 a.m PT, 10:30 p.m IST
April 22, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 p.m PT, 4:30 a.m IST (Next Day),
April 25, 2024 – 7:00 p.m. ET, 4:00 p.m PT, 4:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 27, 2024 – 1:00 p.m. ET, 10:00 a.m PT, 10:30 p.m IST
April 30, 2024 – TBD
May 3, 2024 – TBD
May 5, 2024 – TBD

Western Conference

No. 1 Thunder vs. No. 8 Pelicans

April 21, 2024 – 9:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m PT, 7:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 24, 2024 – 9:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m PT, 7:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 27, 2024 – 3:30 p.m. ET, 12:30 p.m PT, 1:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 29, 2024 – TBD
May 1, 2024 – TBD
May 3, 2024 – TBD
May 5, 2024 – TBD

No. 2 Nuggets vs. No. 7 Lakers

April 20, 2024 – 8:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m PT, 6:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 22, 2024 – 10:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m PT, 7:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 25, 2024 – 10:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m PT, 7:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 27, 2024 – 8:30 p.m. ET, 5:30 p.m PT, 6:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 29, 2024 – TBD
May 2, 2024 – TBD
May 4, 2024 – TBD

No. 3 Timberwolves vs. No. 6 Suns

April 20, 2024 – 3:30 p.m. ET, 12:30 p.m PT, 1:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 23, 2024 – 7:30 p.m. ET, 4:30 p.m PT, 5:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 26, 2024 – 10:30 p.m. ET, 7:30 p.m PT, 8:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 28, 2024 – 9:30 p.m. ET, 6:30 p.m PT, 7:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 30, 2024 – TBD
May 2, 2024 – TBD
May 4, 2024 – TBD

No. 4 Clippers vs. No. 5 Mavericks

April 21, 2024 – 3:30 p.m. ET, 12:30 p.m PT, 1:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 23, 2024 – 10:00 p.m. ET, 7:00 p.m PT, 7:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 26, 2024 – 8:00 p.m. ET, 5:00 p.m PT, 5:30 a.m IST (Next Day)
April 28, 2024 – 3:30 p.m. ET, 12:30 p.m PT, 1:00 a.m IST (Next Day)
May 1, 2024 – TBD
May 3, 2024 – TBD,
May 5, 2024 – TBD

Where to watch the 2024 NBA playoffs

NBA playoff games will be broadcast nationally across ESPN, TNT, NBA TV, and ABC. This comprehensive coverage ensures that fans can catch all the thrilling moments of the playoffs, no matter where they are.

ABC and ESPN games will be available to stream on ESPN.com and the ESPN app. TNT games can be streamed on TNTdrama.com and the TNT app. Games on NBA TV can be streamed on NBA.com and the NBA app.

NBA Outright Odds

NBA Weekly Odds

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Phoenix Suns

The Minnesota Timberwolves, showing remarkable resilience, are set to face the Phoenix Suns in the first round of the playoffs and the second game of the Western Conference series on April 24, 2024, at the Target Center in Minneapolis, MN. The Timberwolves emerged victorious with a stunning 120-95 triumph. The standout performer was Anthony Edwards, who notched up 33 points, nine rebounds, and six assists. His 18 points in the third quarter were a game-changer for the Timberwolves. Karl-Anthony Towns also played a crucial role, contributing 19 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, while Nickeil Alexander-Walker added 18 points on efficient shooting. Rudy Gobert’s defensive prowess was on full display with 14 points and an impressive 16 rebounds, altering shots and protecting the lane.

Meanwhile, the Phoenix Suns have struggled with depth and size. On game day, they were outrebounded 52-28 and outscored 52-34. The Phoenix Suns were led by Kevin Durant, who had 31 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block. While they played their complete game, they could not match the Minnesota Timberwolves’ overall performance. Before the playoffs, the Phoenix Suns blew away the Minnesota Timberwolves by a dominating score of 106-125 but suffered a letdown in their second game. This was a significant turnaround from their previous encounter, where the Timberwolves were dominant. Although the Timberwolves were dominant in the first game of the playoffs, we can expect the previous defeat to make the Phoenix Suns more active in this game and win.

Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers

The six-seed Indiana Pacers will play the third-seeded Milwaukee Bucks again in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series on April 24, 2024, at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, WI. After finishing the regular season with two straight losses, the opening round of the playoffs for the Milwaukee Bucks was fascinating and phenomenal, as they defeated the Indiana Pacers by a score of 109-94. Even though the Milwaukee Bucks were without their key player Giannis Antetokounmpo due to his calf injury, Damian Lillard took control of the game and led the Bucks with 35 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Lillard’s aggressive play throughout the game helped set the tone for the Bucks in this postseason run. Despite the loss, Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with a playoff-high 36 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing his exceptional skills and resilience.

However, the Pacers struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 8 of 39 from three-point range. In terms of scoring, the Indiana Pacers are averaging 123.3 points per game in the regular season, which ranks 1st in the league. They are giving up 120.2 points per game, which is 27th in the league defensively, while the Milwaukee Bucks have an offensive average of 119.0, which ranks them 4th, and they have given up an average of 116.4 points, 21st in the league. For this upcoming game, the Milwaukee Bucks will be missing Giannis Antetokounmpo, but Damian Lillard will act as the backbone of the Bucks. The Milwaukee Bucks, with their excellent performances at home, will likely be the favorites in this game, but the Indian Pacers offense will upset the Bucks. The Pacers will need to improve their three-point shooting and tighten their defense to counter the Bucks’ offensive prowess.

Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks

To level the streak, the Los Angeles Clippers and Dallas Mavericks will face off on April 24, 2024, at the Los Angeles Arena in Los Angeles, California, in an upcoming first-round playoff game in NBA action. This season, the Dallas Mavericks suffered their third straight loss against the Los Angeles Clippers by a score of 109-97. Despite missing Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers showed their prowess, with James Harden leading the charge as he scored 28 points and sank 6 of 11 three-pointers. In addition, Ivica Zubac significantly contributed to a double-double, collecting 20 points and 15 rebounds. The Clippers outscored the Mavericks in the three-point game, making 18 of 36 attempts from beyond the arc compared to 10 of 33 for the Mavericks. Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 33 points and 13 rebounds, but the supporting cast needed help to contribute effectively.

The Dallas Mavericks are averaging 117.6 points per game. They scored 97 points on 38.8 percent field goal and 30.3 percent three-point shooting in their last game. However, they struggled defensively, allowing the team 115.6 points per game. They scored 109 runs in their previous match, and they will need to continue to do so if they want to win this match. On the other hand, the Los Angeles Clippers are averaging 115.5 points per game and scored 109 points on 46 percent field goals and 50 percent three-pointers in their last game. While they also struggle defensively, giving up 112.2 points per game, The Clippers play well and have held their last three opponents under 108 points per game, which should help them keep Dallas from scoring too many points. The Clippers’ recent defensive performance has been impressive, and they will need to maintain this level of play to secure a win against the Mavericks.