The NBA season is heating up and that means the 2023 NBA Playoffs are here once again. If you’re a cord cutter without cable, you might wonder how to stream the NBA Playoffs?
Don’t fret- we’ve got you covered! Here is everything you need to know before you stream the 2023 NBA Playoffs without cable.
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How to Stream the 2023 NBA Playoffs: What to Know First
There are three channels you’ll need to stream the NBA Playoffs. Those are ABC, ESPN, and TNT. There’s additional coverage on NBA TV as well.
Here is a break-down of the NBA Playoffs schedule:
- NBA Play-in: April 11th-April 14th
- NBA Playoffs First Round: April 15th-30th
- NBA Playoffs Semifinals: May 1st-29th
- NBA Finals: June 1st-18th
For a full list of dates that updates as the Playoffs progress, go the NBA’s website here.
How to Watch the 2023 NBA Playoffs Without Cable
| Service | ABC | ESPN | TNT | NBA TV |
| Sling TV | Yes* (see note) | Orange or Orange and Blue plans | Yes | w/ add-on plan |
| Fubo TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | w/ add-on plan |
| YouTube TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| DirecTV Stream | Yes | Yes | Yes | w/ Choice plan |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
To access the three channels you’ll need to watch the NBA Playoffs without cable, you’ll need a live TV streaming service.
With a live TV streaming service you can watch the same channels you’d get with a cable subscription, but over the internet instead of with an actual “cable.” You won’t have any expensive equipment to install nor are you locked in to a pricey, long-term contract.
The live TV streaming services that include all three channels (ABC, ESPN, and TNT) are: Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo TV, and DirecTV Stream. These are your four best bets.
Sling TV has ESPN and TNT on either the “Orange” or “Orange and Blue” plans (for more details on Sling’s plans, check out our article here). ABC is available to Sling customers, but only in certain markets.
As for NBA TV, that’s available with YouTube TV’s base plan. Fubo TV, DirecTV Stream, and Sling TV offer NBA TV as part of an add-on package. Note that you’ll only need this for additional coverage, highlights, and recaps- not the games themselves.
Here's a chart that breaks down pricing and free trials for all the streaming services.
| Service | Price | Free Trial? | Sign-Up Link |
| Sling TV | $40-$55/mo. 1/2 off 1st mo | No | Sign Up Here |
| Fubo TV | $74.99/mo w/ 15% off 1st mo | Yes (7 days) | Sign Up Here |
| YouTube TV | $72.99/mo | Yes (up to 3 weeks) | Sign Up Here |
| DirecTV Stream | $74.99/mo $10 off 1st 3 mos | Yes (5 days) | Sign Up Here |
| Hulu + Live TV | $69.99/mo | No | Sign Up Here |
Final Thoughts: How to Stream the NBA Playoffs Without Cable
How do you plan to watch the 2023 NBA Playoffs? Which team are you rooting for? Let us know in the comment section below!
