Exploring the NBA Playoffs 2024:Schedule, Format, and Streaming Details
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
Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
On May 4, 2024, showcase the battle between two Eastern Conference teams, the Orlando Magic and Cleveland Cavaliers, at Kia Center in Orlando, FL. This match will be their sixth game of the round one series, where the Cleveland Cavaliers took the early lead in the best-of-seven series with a record of 3-1. This makes the game do or die for the Orlando Magic to continue in this playoff; otherwise, they will return to their home. Expect their two games in Orlando. The Cleveland Cavaliers were shown a dominant performance on their home court, which helped them win three games. In their fifth game, the Cleveland Cavaliers knocked off the Orlando Magic by a margin of one point. The Cleveland Cavaliers are coming off with an offensive average of 112.3 points per game, which ranks 21st in the league, and defensively, they are allowing 109.7 points per game.
In the prior game, with high support from Paolo Banchero (39 points), the Orlando Magic could not win. They have an offensive average of 110 points per game, which ranks 25th in the league, but their defense was quite impressive, allowing a defensive average of 107.9 points per game, which is second in the NBA. Both teams will miss some of their players for this upcoming game, especially the injuries, which were the worst part of the Cleveland Cavaliers story. G Craig Porter Jr. and C. Jarrett Allen are questionable to play. SG Gary Harris is doubtful for the Orlando Magic due to a hamstring. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers were highly ahead in their recent game, and it was challenging to raise when it comes to away from the road. So, considering the Orlando Magic home turf advantage, they will have a higher chance of winning this game.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Dallas Mavericks are preparing for a monumental homecoming as they gear up to face the Los Angeles Clippers in a high-stakes first-round game six series on May 4, 2024, at the American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX). This NBA showdown holds immense significance as the Dallas Mavericks have taken the lead in the best-of-seven series with a score of 3-2. In their previous encounter, the Dallas Mavericks showcased their dominance, winning with a score of 92-123. Despite the Los Angeles Clippers’ efforts to level the series, they suffered a home loss. Paul George led the Los Angeles Clippers with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. However, their defense was a complete mess, giving up 122 points per game compared to the Clippers’ average of 114.7 points.
On the other hand, the Dallas Mavericks bounced back more vital from their game four defeat and won game five. Luka Doncic, who has been a key player for the Mavericks throughout the season, led the team with 35 points, seven rebounds, and ten assists. The Dallas Mavericks have an offensive average of 117.1 points per game and are also struggling defensively, giving up 114.8 points. On one hand, the Dallas Mavericks are showing a solid offense, and the Los Angeles Clippers are fighting with their defensive side. In their last ten games, the Dallas Mavericks have averaged 109.1 points, 44.0 rebounds, and 22.3 assists, while the Clippers have averaged 104.8 points, 45.7 rebounds, and 22.1 assists. In this matchup, the Dallas Mavericks will miss Olivier-Maxence Prosper, Tim Hardaway Jr. due to an ankle injury, and Kawhi Leonard is out for the Clippers due to a knee injury. The Dallas Mavericks will likely win this match based on their overall performance.
