Whether you’re looking to stream NBA games for free, find the best way to watch on NBA League Pass, or test cord-cutting services that include NBA action, you can do it all with the help of a VPN.
On this page you can find information on how to watch the league you love, analyses and predictions for big games coming up, and which team looks like a good bet to win it all.
Stream NBA games free — or listen along
There are a couple of options if you want to follow the NBA all season long without paying a dime. We recommend Locast.org as an option for taking in nationally-televised games on ABC, and ESPN Radio for fans who are on the go, love to multitask, or just can’t get enough of an old-school experience.
Watch NBA games on ABC using Locast.org
Price: Free
Channel: ABC
Locast.org is a not-for-profit service that offers free local programming from a variety of major American media markets. With its help you can tune into nationally-televised games that appear on ABC. Not only do you get prime-time matchups during the season, ABC’s offerings skyrocket during the playoffs and include the NBA Finals.
To watch the NBA live on Locast:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Fire up the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
- Connect to a server location in the U.S. that Locast serves (such as Chicago or Los Angeles).
- Go to Locast.org and sign up for a free profile.
- Select the market that corresponds with the server location you’re connected to.
- Tune into the local ABC channel and enjoy the game!
Learn more about watching Locast with ExpressVPN.
Follow basketball games on ESPN Radio
Price: Free
While ABC, TNT, ESPN, and NBA TV hold TV broadcasting rights, ESPN Radio offers a free online audio broadcast of the entire season.
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a secure server location in the U.S. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Head to the official website of ESPN Radio.
- You’re all set!
Listening on mobile? Fire up the ESPN app on your Android or iOS device.
Stream NBA games using NBA League Pass
If you are a serious fan who wants access to every single game, or at least all of your team’s games, there isn’t a better option than NBA League Pass. You can enjoy the games without blackouts by using the international version of the service.
Use NBA League Pass international to watch every game without blackouts
Want to catch all the NBA action throughout the year with the privacy and security of a VPN? NBA League Pass is your best option. To make things even better, it currently comes with a seven-day free trial.
Price: 14 USD/season
To watch basketball on NBA League Pass:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a fast and secure server location. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Head to NBA League Pass and sign up.
- Enjoy the games!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Stream NBA games using services with free trials
There are a number of services available that should cover your basketball needs. They can be slightly pricey, but offer free trials so you have ample opportunity to see if they’re worth it for you.
Watch live basketball games on YouTube TV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: ABC, TNT, ESPN, Stadium, and NBA TV
YouTube TV provides secure access to all four channels that broadcast the 2019-2020 basketball regular season: ABC, TNT, ESPN, and NBA TV. A five-day free trial is available.
Note: Some locally televised games may not be available.
To watch basketball live on YouTube TV:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a secure server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Head to YouTube TV and use the free trial.
- Enjoy the games!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the YouTube TV app on your Android or iOS device.
Stream NBA games on Hulu + Live TV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: ESPN, ABC, and TNT
Hulu’s live TV package includes three channels for secure NBA streams: ESPN, ABC, and TNT. You may need a U.S. credit card or PayPal account to subscribe. While some locally televised games may not be available, you can try the service with a seven-day free trial.
To stream the NBA on Hulu:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a secure server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Visit Hulu and use the free trial.
- Enjoy the games!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the Hulu app on your iOS device.
Learn more about connecting to Hulu with ExpressVPN.
Watch basketball games live on Sling TV Orange
Price: 25 USD/month and up
Channels: ABC, ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV (NBA TV is available via the “Sports Extra” add-on for an extra 10 USD/month)
Use ExpressVPN and Sling TV to watch two out of four channels for streaming basketball securely this season: TNT and ESPN. While some locally televised games may not be available, you can try the service with a three-day free trial.
To watch live NBA games on Sling TV:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a secure server location in the United States, such as Los Angeles. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Go to Sling TV and sign up for a free trial.
- Enjoy the games!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the Sling TV app on Android and iOS.
Learn more about how to watch Sling TV with ExpressVPN.
Watch NBA streams on fuboTV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: NBA TV and TNT
You can use fuboTV to securely watch two out of the four channels that carry the games: TNT and NBA TV. While some locally televised games may not be available, you can try the service with a seven-day free trial.
To watch the NBA on fuboTV:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a secure server location in the United States, such as Chicago. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat.
- Go to fuboTV and use a free trial.
- Enjoy the games!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the fuboTV app on Android
Learn more about watching fuboTV with ExpressVPN.
Pro tip: Use the free trials for all of the channels above for over a month of free streams!
Watch basketball highlights and more on the NBA’s official YouTube channel
Check out the latest highlights, interviews, funny moments, and more on NBA’s official YouTube channel.
To watch highlights on YouTube:
- Get ExpressVPN.
- Connect to a server location in the U.S.
- Go to the NBA YouTube channel.
- You’re all set!
Watching on a computer? For the best streaming experience, use the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.
Watching on mobile? Fire up the Amazon Prime Video app on your Android or iOS device.
NBA game blackouts: International League Pass vs. U.S. League Pass
What’s the difference between watching NBA League Pass in Germany, Australia, Canada, or the U.S.? The League Pass is available both inside and outside the States. However, there are key differences every fan needs to know.
The U.S. League Pass offers live games and full-game replays for all teams. However, blackouts apply. When a team is playing, that game will be “blacked out” on the U.S. League Pass for the team’s home market. Nationally broadcast games on ESPN, ABC, TNT, and NBA TV will also not be blacked out. (All blacked out games are available three days after broadcast. If you purchased the 3-Game Choice package, nationally telecast games will be available for purchase three hours after they have aired. Locally telecast games will be available for purchase three days after they air.)
Want to tune in without having to worry about blackouts? The International League Pass also offers live games for all teams but without a single blackout. If you only want to watch the games for a single team, select the “Team Choice” option to save some money!
Top NBA games this week
In this space we’ll highlight a few games that NBA fans should be circling on their calendar each week. To enjoy these without blackouts, just fire up your VPN!
Toronto Raptors vs. Philadelphia 76ers [Feb 23, 7:30 p.m. Eastern Time (U.S)]
After a disastrous start to the season, the Raptors have been one of the most dangerous teams in the Eastern Conference of late. They pulled off an upset of the 76ers on Sunday, and will look for a repeat in this game. The matchup is especially interesting from an X’s and O’s standpoint because the Raptors play a lot of small ball, but will have to contend with Joel Embiid on the block, making this game a balancing act for Nick Nurse.
Utah Jazz vs. Los Angeles Lakers [Feb 24, 10:00 p.m. ET]
With Anthony Davis out, the Lakers will need LeBron James to take things up a notch. Doubting the 36-year-old legend is rarely a smart move, but the Jazz won’t make things easy. Utah’s ability to play team basketball at an elite level is drawing comparisons to the 2004 Detroit Pistons and this club is starting to look like a true contender for the NBA title.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Brooklyn Nets [Feb 27, 8:30 p.m. ET]
In terms of pure offensive firepower, these teams are tough to beat. The Mavericks set the NBA record for offensive efficiency last season, and the Nets may have assembled the best trio of scorers the league has ever seen. Expect fireworks, and bet the over.
Los Angeles Clippers vs. Milwaukee Bucks [Feb 28, 3:30 p.m. ET]
No one would be shocked if these teams met in the NBA Finals, even if the Bucks’ current record leaves something to be desired. The Clippers’ formula of locking down the wings and outshooting opponents from beyond the arc has worked nicely this season, but stopping Giannis Antetokounmpo is always easier said than done. Despite all the complaints about the Greek Freak’s perimeter shooting and free-throw issues, the fact is that he has his team in the mix despite a supporting cast that is more solid than spectacular.
NBA Award Races
MVP – Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
Embiid is having a career season in terms of both volume scoring and efficiency. His three-point shooting has been a useful weapon as opposed to a tool to keep defenses honest, and the 76ers have been the most consistent team in the league this year. In the pace-and-space NBA it’s hard to imagine a seven-footer who relies on his post game winning this award, but Embiid may have the best case. Thanks to his newfound ability to stay out of foul trouble, he should be putting up eye-popping stats all season long.
(Preseason prediction: Giannis Antetokounmpo)
Defensive Player of the Year – Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
Gobert didn’t get the nickname “The Stifle Tower” for nothing. He entered the week in the top two in the NBA in blocks, rebounds per game, and shots defended per game—and held opponents to approximately 40 percent on those shots. The Jazz have gotten off to an excellent start and behind their strong defense helps and he’s been the centerpiece of that success.
(Preseason prediction: Bam Adebayo)
Rookie of the Year – LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
While Ball still isn’t a particularly efficient scorer, or a valuable defender, he makes a varied and valuable contribution to the Hornets side. The 19-year-old has been effective as a playmaker, and on the glass, while providing some isolation scoring late in the shot clock. This rookie class hasn’t impressed thus far, but Ball looks like the best of the bunch in the early going. Anthony Edwards has been a slightly more prolific scorer, but he hasn’t made as much of a difference in other aspects of the game. Tyrese Haliburton could unseat Ball with his efficiency, and James Wiseman is heating up, but for now the Hornets guard is the favorite.
(Preseason prediction: LaMelo Ball)
Most Improved Player – Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics
Brown has been on an upward trajectory for years, but the step forward he’s taken this season is impressive. In previous years he’s been a top-level “three-and-D” guy who’s risen above role player status thanks to his athleticism. In 2020-21 he discovered an ability to pour in midrange buckets, which has elevated him to stardom—and made it clear that he’s Jayson Tatum’s co-star, not his sidekick.
(Preseason prediction: Ben Simmons)
Sixth Man of the Year – Jordan Clarkson, Utah Jazz
With games like his 40-point explosion on February 15, Clarkson has given the Jazz some serious offensive punch. Not only is the veteran providing volume scoring, but his three-point shot has been deadly, which has created space for his teammates. The 52 million USD contract Clarkson landed in the offseason raised some eyebrows around the NBA, but it looks like a strong investment by the Jazz so far.
(Preseason prediction: Dennis Schröder)
Coach of the Year – Doc Rivers, Philadelphia 76ers
Prior to the season we picked Rivers for this award thanks to the 76ers’ potential to turn things around and the likelihood that he’d get credit for that. So far, Philadelphia has been perhaps the only consistently great team in the Eastern Conference. Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons are co-existing effectively, and the duo of Tobias Harris and Seth Curry is providing enough outside shooting to keep the spacing reasonable. It’s hard to pinpoint how much of that Rivers is responsible for, but he seems to be having a positive impact.
(Preseason prediction: Doc Rivers)
Who’s going to win the NBA title?
We’re so early in the season that nothing we’ve seen thus far should shake our preconceived notions of what each team brings to the table. The Lakers are the favorites as long as Anthony Davis is healthy—but that’s far from a given. Their crosstown rival Clippers are probably the next-best team in the Western Conference, thanks to their perimeter shooting and potent wing combo of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard. Other contenders include the Nuggets, who shocked the Clippers in the playoffs last season, and the Jazz, who have been unbelievable this season thanks to a combination of three-point shooting and lockdown defense.
In the East, the Boston Celtics have a starting lineup that plays shutdown defense with a still-improving Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown anchoring the offense. The 76ers are grappling with whether their superstars, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, fit alongside each other, but they’ve got talent up and down the roster. Their shooting has improved, too. The Bucks will always have a seat at the table as long as they feature Giannis Antetokounmpo. Although they are almost allergic to defense, it’s impossible to ignore the Brooklyn Nets and their big three of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving.
Here are the 10 teams with the best chance of winning it all according to FiveThirtyEight:
| Team | Championship Probability |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 21% |
| Utah Jazz | 17% |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 14% |
| Los Angeles Lakers | 13% |
| Brooklyn Nets | 11% |
| Denver Nuggets | 7% |
| Boston Celtics | 6% |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 4% |
| Toronto Raptors | 3% |
| Phoenix Suns | 3% |
Key Dates for the NBA Season
| All-Star Break | March 5-10 |
| Playoff Play-in Tournament | May 18-21 |
| NBA Playoffs | May 22-July 22 |