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The Easiest Way to Record Your PC Screen
The Easiest Way to Record Your PC Screen
Hey guys, does anyone know where I can watch the NBA playoffs for free—or how to do it? It’d really help me out, thanks!
The 2026 NBA Playoffs are underway, with the Finals scheduled to begin in early June. Wondering where and how to watch NBA Playoffs for free? Check below.
Below are the key dates for the remainder of the postseason:
| Round | Date(s) | Notes |
| Play-In Tournament | April 14 – 17 | Concluded |
| First Round | Began April 18 | Ongoing |
| Conference Semifinals | May 5 – 6 (may begin as early as May 3–4) | The schedule may shift depending on earlier series |
| Conference Finals | Expected to begin around May 19–20 (TBD) | The Western Conference Finals will be on NBC/Peacock, the East on ESPN/ABC |
| NBA Finals Game 1 | Wednesday, June 3 | 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC |
| NBA Finals Game 2 | Friday, June 5 | 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC |
| NBA Finals Game 3 | Monday, June 8 | 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC |
| NBA Finals Game 4 | Wednesday, June 10 | 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC |
| NBA Finals Game 5 | Saturday, June 13* | 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC (if necessary) |
| NBA Finals Game 6 | Tuesday, June 16* | 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC (if necessary) |
| NBA Finals Game 7 | Friday, June 19* | 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC (if necessary) |
The full schedule can be found here.
The 2026 NBA playoffs are the first under the NBA's new 11-year media rights deal, shifting coverage from TNT to NBC and Amazon Prime Video. Here is the breakdown by round:
| Round | TV Channels (Official) | Live Streaming Platforms |
| Play-In Tournament | — (streaming exclusive) | Prime Video (exclusive) |
| First Round | ABC, ESPN, NBC | ESPN App, Peacock, Prime Video |
| Second Round | ABC, ESPN, NBC | ESPN App, Peacock, Prime Video |
| Eastern Conference Finals | ABC, ESPN | ESPN App |
| Western Conference Finals | NBC | Peacock |
| NBA Finals | ABC (exclusive) | ESPN App |
Now that you've seen the schedule and platforms, check out these tips to watch the NBA Playoffs and Finals for free and legally.
This is the best way to get temporary access to a much wider range of games, including those on cable channels. You can watch them free using trials like:
This method works best in regions where ABC is available, primarily in the U.S. With a digital antenna, you can watch games airing on local ABC channels for free—no subscription required.
Some platforms provide free, ad-supported content, while others offer limited-time trials you can use to watch games.
For a single big game, an antenna or a free trial from a service like FuboTV or YouTube TV is your best bet. To watch throughout the playoffs, rotate between different free trials—just remember to track trial periods and terms to avoid charges.
For those who want record NBA Playoffs or Finals for for later viewing, try iTop Screen Recorder for free. With up to 4K/120fps recording, hardware acceleration, and customizable settings, it handles fast-paced sports with zero lag. You can record live streams, save highlights, and replay key moments easily, while the scheduled recording feature lets you capture games automatically.
Record screen, webcam, audio and gameplay with ease. Create high-quality screen recordings with no lags and fps drops.
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