Best Streaming Services to Watch NBA Playoffs 2025 Live

The 2025 NBA playoffs are capturing the attention of basketball fans nationwide, with the Oklahoma City Thunder dominating the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Thunder, boasting the NBA's best regular season record at 68-14 and led by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, are just one win away from the NBA Finals, making this a must-watch series.

For fans eager to catch every moment, the NBA playoffs are broadcast across ABC, ESPN, and TNT. Access to these channels is crucial, and several streaming services provide comprehensive coverage:

• YouTube TV offers ABC, ESPN, and TNT for $83 per month, with local network availability depending on your ZIP code.
• Hulu + Live TV also includes all three channels at $83 per month, featuring local channel options based on location.
• DirecTV Stream’s Entertainment plan at $85 monthly covers ABC, ESPN, and TNT, with channel availability varying by region.
• Sling TV’s combined Orange-and-Blue plan for $61 per month includes ESPN and TNT, but ABC access is limited to select markets, which could impact viewing the NBA Finals.
• Max offers TNT broadcasts for $17 per month but lacks ABC and ESPN, so it’s best paired with other services for full playoff coverage.

The NBA playoffs schedule includes key games this week, with Game 5 of the Timberwolves vs. Thunder series airing on ESPN at 8:30 p.m. ET. The Eastern Conference finals between the New York Knicks and Indiana Pacers also feature prominently on TNT and Max.

Choosing the right streaming service depends on your budget, local channel availability, and which games you want to watch. Services allow cancellation anytime and require a reliable internet connection, offering flexibility for fans.

As live sports streaming evolves, understanding the nuances of channel lineups and service features is key to an uninterrupted viewing experience. Whether you’re a developer building streaming platforms or a business delivering live content, these insights highlight the importance of comprehensive channel access and user-centric service design.