NBA playoffs live streams 2023: Schedule, channels, how to watch Finals games online

(L, R) Nikola Jokic and Jimmy Butler will face off in the NBA Playoffs live streams for the Finals, with the Nuggets and Heat
(Image credit: AAron Ontiveroz and Megan Briggs / Getty Images)

Tonight may deliver the final 2023 NBA playoffs live stream, as Denver is up 3-1 in the NBA Finals. And, so, the Heat vs Nuggets live stream of Game 5 could be an elimination opportunity.

NBA playoffs channels

Where to watch in the U.S.: NBA Playoffs games air on TNT, ABC, NBA TV and ESPN. All available on Sling TV, with ABC games simulcasting on ESPN3, currently on sale at 50% off for the first month.
Watch from anywhere: with ExpressVPN.

Yes, Game 4 saw Nikola Jokic without his magic touch early, plus, he had to leave the court twice. The first after turning his angle in the first quarter, and again after accruing his fifth foul with a lot of time to play in the fourth quarter. But during that second window? The Nuggets kept nearly all of their lead, only losing a point on it.

This was thanks to contributions from around the team. Jamal Murray, Bruce Brown, Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope all stepped up. And now they go home one win shy of the championship.

For Game 5, Miami will hope Max Strus, among others, figures it out. Strus put up 0 points in game 4, off of four field goal attempts gets back to his usual dangerous self, as he's been playing sick. And the question of will Tyler Herro come back is still unanswered. 

Here's everything you need to know to watch the NBA playoffs online:

How to watch NBA playoffs live streams from anywhere on Earth with a VPN

Having trouble actually getting ESPN, ABC, TNT or NBA TV? Even if you can't watch the NBA playoffs live streams on cable, you're not out of luck. With a virtual private network, or VPN, you can appear to be surfing the web from your home town (or somewhere that blackouts won't hit), and access the same streaming services you already paid for. 

Not sure which VPN is right for you? We've tested many different services and our pick for the best VPN overall is ExpressVPN. It offers superb speeds and excellent customer service. But you've got other VPN options as well. Here are our top picks.

ExpressVPN

We think speed, security and simplicity make ExpressVPN second to none. During our tests, we saw fast connection times, and we're impressed by the service's ability to access more than 3,000 services spread out across 160 locations in 94 countries. 

NBA playoffs live streams around the world

NBA playoffs live streams in the U.S.

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The NBA playoffs live streams air on TNT, ESPN NBA TV and ABC (whose games air on ESPN3). 

If you've already cut the cord and don't have a cable package? With the right pick from our best cable TV alternatives, you'll be able to watch all of these games. But for as much as we like FuboTV, it doesn't have TNT. 

Instead, you should get Sling TV, one of the best streaming services. ESPN3 is included in the Sling Orange package, which costs $40, which is pretty low for live TV services (and the lowest rate for one with ESPN). 

Oh, and not only is Sling 50% off for the first month is a perfect place to watch all of the NBA playoffs, as ABC games will simulcast on ESPN3. Sling Orange gets you TNT, ESPN, ESPN3, and its Sports Extra pack gets you NBA TV.

Of course, you can also watch the games on the more expensive services, such as YouTube TV ($73 per month, but $63 per month for the first three months), Hulu + Live TV ($70 per month) and DirecTV Stream ($75 per month, down to $65 per month for the first three months).

ABC is also available with Sling Blue, but that package doesn't have ESPN, and its games can be pulled down with one of the best TV antennas.

Sling TV:50% on your first month!

Sling TV: You can get ESPN and TNT in the Sling Orange package. The 30-plus channels in the lineup include AMC, CNN, Food Network, AMC, Comedy Central, HGTV and many more. And you can save 50% on your first month!

NBA playoff live streams in the UK

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NBA fans in the U.K. need look no further than Sky Sports for all their Playoff needs. Sky will be showing all games on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Arena, though the timings aren't great for U.K. fans, with games typically starting at 1.30 a.m. BST.

If you already have a Sky subscription that doesn't include Sports, you'll need to pay £24/month to add those channels. You'll also gain access to coverage in 4K and HDR, so long as you also have an HDR-ready Sky Q box and HLG-compatible TV.

If you don't want to shell out for a full Sky sub, you could also consider its Now Sports streaming service. Pricing starts at £11.98 for day & mobile month membership, with month-long access for £34.99.

Not in the U.K. right now? You may need a little help from a service such as ExpressVPN.

NBA playoffs live streams in Canada

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Hoops fans in Canada can catch the 2023 NBA Playoffs live streams on TSN and on the Sportsnet Now streaming service, SN Now

NBA playoffs live streams in Australia

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Aussies can watch the 2023 Playoff live streams on Kayo Sports, a major destination for NBA action. ESPN Australia, if you get it, is another means.

Kayo offers a 14-day free trial for both its Basic and Premium plans, more than enough time to confirm they're actually showing the games. The Kayo One package costs $25 per month thereafter, and Kayo Basic is $30.

The $35 per month Premium Kayo plan gives you all the same things as the normal plan, but it offers three simultaneous streams. The Basic plan gives you two streams at the same time. 

Not in Australia but usually a Kayo subscriber? You may need a little help from a service such as ExpressVPN.

NBA playoffs schedule

All times below are in ET — and all games are on ABC and ESPN3

* = If necessary

  • Game 1: Nuggets 104, Heat 93
  • Game 2: Heat 111, Nuggets 108
  • Game 3: Nuggets 109, Heat 94
  • Game 4: Nuggets 108, Heat 95
  • Game 5: Mon., June 12, Heat vs. Nuggets @ 8:30 p.m.
  • * Game 6: Thu., June 15, Nuggets vs. Heat @ 8:30 p.m.
  • * Game 7: Sun., June 18, Heat vs. Nuggets @ 8 p.m.

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Henry T. Casey
Managing Editor (Entertainment, Streaming)

Henry is a managing editor at Tom’s Guide covering streaming media, laptops and all things Apple, reviewing devices and services for the past seven years. Prior to joining Tom's Guide, he reviewed software and hardware for TechRadar Pro, and interviewed artists for Patek Philippe International Magazine. He's also covered the wild world of professional wrestling for Cageside Seats, interviewing athletes and other industry veterans.