Watching the NBA playoffs is possible with a VPN, either through free services or those offering free trials. This page will help guide you to the best platforms for watching your team’s quest to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
Stream the NBA playoffs with Locast.org
Channel: ABC
Locast is an excellent free option for the games broadcast on ABC. Check the schedule to see which games are available to watch live on local TV through the not-for-profit service.
To stream the playoffs with Locast:
- Get ExpressVPN
- Fire up the ExpressVPN browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or Edge
- Connect to a server location in the U.S. like New York or Los Angeles
- Go to Locast.org and sign up
- Select the market that corresponds with the server location you’re connected to
- Tune in to the local ABC channel and enjoy the basketball!
Learn more about watching Locast with ExpressVPN.
Want it on the big screen? Check out this handy guide.
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Watch playoff games live on Sling TV Orange
Price: 10 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 of the top broadcasters for streaming playoff basketball securely this season: TNT and ESPN.
To watch basketball live on Sling TV:
- Get ExpressVPN
- Connect to a secure server location in the U.S. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat
- Go to Sling TV Orange and sign up. You will need a U.S. credit/debit card or PayPal to subscribe.
- Enjoy the games!
Learn more about how to watch Sling TV with ExpressVPN.
Want it on the big screen? Check out this handy guide.
Securely stream the action on YouTube TV
Price: 65 USD/month
Channels: TNT, ESPN, and NBA TV
YouTube TV provides secure access to all four channels that broadcast the playoffs: ABC, TNT, ESPN, and NBA TV. A five-day free trial is available.
To watch basketball live on YouTube TV:
- Get ExpressVPN
- Connect to a secure server location in the U.S. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat
- Head to YouTube TV and use the free trial.
- Enjoy the games!
Learn more about watching YouTube TV with ExpressVPN.
Want it on the big screen? Check out this handy guide.
Stream live playoff basketball 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 to subscribe. There’s a seven-day free trial included.
To watch NBA playoff games live on Hulu+Live TV:
- Get ExpressVPN
- Connect to a secure server location in the U.S. For assistance, contact ExpressVPN Support via live chat
- Visit Hulu+Live TV and use the free trial
- Enjoy the games!
Learn more about connecting to Hulu+Live TV with ExpressVPN.
Want it on the big screen? Check out this handy guide.
Round 2 playoff matchups
Philadelphia 76ers (1) vs. Atlanta Hawks (5)
This series potentially hinges on Joel Embiid’s health. If the dominant center is able to play through a partially torn meniscus in his right knee—and remain effective—it’s tough to like the Hawks‘ chances. The 76ers have been the most consistent team in the Eastern Conference all season, and have too many weapons for the Hawks to handle when everyone’s healthy. If Embiid is out of commission, however, it’s a different story. Trae Young proved himself as a playoff performer in the first round, and the Hawks’ potent offense could give Philadelphia nightmares if the club is missing its defensive centrepiece.
[Hawks lead 3-2]
Brooklyn Nets (2) vs. Milwaukee Bucks (3)
The combination of Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving may be unguardable, but that doesn’t make the Nets invincible. The Bucks have a pretty solid big three of their own in Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jrue Holiday, and Khris Middleton, and their defense is stronger. After a history of recent playoff heartbreaks, Milwaukee has become more adaptable on both ends of the floor, and they look better than ever. Whether the team’s improvement is enough to handle Brooklyn’s overwhelming offensive explosiveness remains to be seen.
[Brooklyn leads 3-2]
Phoenix Suns (2) vs. Denver Nuggets (3)
The Suns are flying high after eliminating LeBron James in the first round for the first time in the living legend’s career. Chris Paul is banged up, but Devin Booker and DeAndre Ayton have carried the load effectively. The Nuggets did an admirable job against the Portland Trail Blazers, but Phoenix is on another level and it seems like the absence of Jamal Murray is going to catch up to them eventually. Perhaps Nikola Jokić and Michael Porter Jr. can carry the load, but this series will be an uphill battle.
[Phoenix wins 4-0]
Utah Jazz (1) vs. Los Angeles Clippers (4)
Coming into the playoffs these two teams looked like the strongest contenders in the Western Conference, but some shine has come off the Clippers after they were pushed to the brink by the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. Los Angeles doesn’t seem to play to the talent of its roster, while Utah has been getting the most out of its players all season long. It’s possible that Kawhi Leonard and Paul George take over this series, but the Jazz possess a combination of three-point shooting and interior defense that’s tough to beat.
[Clippers lead 3-2]
Who’s going to win the NBA title?
The Clippers are arguably the 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; the Suns, who have been a fixture near the top of Western Conference standings; and the Jazz, who have been unbelievable thanks to a combination of three-point shooting and lockdown defense.
In the East, 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, and they’ve been outstanding as an overall unit. Their biggest issue from here on out is Embiid’s health. The Bucks will always have a seat at the table as long as they feature Giannis Antetokounmpo. And 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 — even if they’ve hardly played together.
Here’s a list of the teams with the best chance of winning it all with the first round wrapping up according to FiveThirtyEight:
| Team | Championship Probability |
| Brooklyn Nets | 25% |
| Los Angeles Clippers | 23% |
| Utah Jazz | 19% |
| Phoenix Suns | 10% |
| Philadelphia 76ers | 9% |
| Milwaukee Bucks | 5% |
| Atlanta Hawks | 5% |
| Denver Nuggets | 4% |
2021 NBA calendar
Here is a list of some of the most important 2021 NBA playoff and offseason events. Dates listed here may be subject to change.
| Event | Date |
| NBA play-in tournament starts | May 18, 2021 |
| First game of the first round | May 22, 2021 |
| First game of the NBA Finals | July 8, 2021 |
| NBA Draft | July 29, 2021 |
| NBA free agency begins | August 6, 2021 |