When do the NBA playoffs start? Key dates, schedule and more for 2026 Play-In, Round 1 games
Here's how to watch every NBA playoff game from each of your favorite teams, including start times and streaming networks.
www.sportingnews.comI don’t have live tool access right now, but here’s what’s currently typical: the NBA Playoffs usually begin in mid-to-late April, with the First Round games spread over two weeks or so after the regular season ends. For 2026, expect First Round games to start around April 14–16, depending on the final standings and play-in results, with dates published by the NBA and major outlets closer to the end of the regular season.
What I can do next:
- Pull the exact start date from official sources if you’d like, and provide a sourced update.
- Give you a quick snapshot of typical first-round matchups and key TV channels (ESPN, TNT, ABC) based on the latest standings once you confirm you want the most current dates.