NBA playoffs 2021 live streams: How to watch online

NBA playoffs 2021 live streams
(Image credit: Dustin Bradford / Stringer)

Today's possibly the end of the 2021 NBA playoffs live streams. The Phoenix Suns are in a win or go home situation tonight, as Game 6 is an elimination game for Chris Paul's crew. And they're going to be in Milwaukee, on enemy territory for this Suns vs Bucks live stream, and Deer District will be filled with fans salivating for that downfall.

The "BUCKS IN SIX!" chants will be vociferous, as Milwaukee fans react to that famous "Suns in four!" guy.  That said, the Phoenix Suns aren't going down easy. They've even bought a "GO SUNS!" billboard in Milwaukee.  

And so the game tonight will be all about Phoenix trying to force a Game 7. This is their first big point of concern after being down 2-1 against the Lakers, and the time they spent without Chris Paul. Speaking of Paul, is he the one who needs to join in with the big points games to assist Devin Booker, who put 40 up in Game 5?

NBA Playoffs standings

• Bucks vs Suns: MIL up 3-2

But, yes, the new big overarching story of these NBA Playoffs is the injuries that keep stacking up. Giannis and Young were temporarily with the likes of James Harden and LeBron James, as well as  Joel Embiid and Anthony Davis — among many others. We're not going to say this season is cursed, but something isn't right.

And let's consider those who aren't even able to get to these playoffs. Doc Rivers told the press that the team will work with Ben Simmons to address his shooting concerns, which seem to be in his head. Simmons' decision to not dunk the ball at the end of the playoffs became an instant moment, and not in a good way at all.

How to watch NBA live streams with a VPN

If you're away from home, or you're subject to regional blackouts, can't watch the NBA live streams from where you are, you can still get the livestreams with a virtual private network, or VPN. A VPN makes it so that you can appear to be surfing the web from your home town, so you can 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 <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Foffer%2Ftomsguide%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree%26a_fid%3D744" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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.

How to watch the NBA playoffs live streams in the US

In the U.S., the NBA's nationally televised games are airing on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV. 

If you don't have a cable or satellite package, and have cut the cord, you can get those channels via live TV streaming services (depending on your region), including Sling TV, Hulu With Live TV, Fubo TV and AT&T TV.

Of these options, we recommend Sling TV, which starts at $35 a month and offers more than 50 channels, including ESPN (in its Orange package). Sling may not have ABC, but ABC NBA playoff games will be simulcast on ESPN3 — which Sling has.

Sling TV:

<a href="https://sling-tv.pxf.io/c/221109/1132376/14334?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sling.com%2F" data-link-merchant="sling.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">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.

Fubo.TV:

<a href="https://www.fubo.tv/?irad=366904&irmp=221109&subId1=hawk-custom-tracking" data-link-merchant="fubo.tv"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Fubo.TV: If you love sports, you probably want to check out Fubo.TV. It's got a 7-day free trial so you don't need to pay up front. Fubo's dozens of channels include local networks like ABC and ESPN. You can also add on NBA TV. Fubo doesn't have TNT.

NBA live streams in the UK

Basketball fans in the UK can watch the NBA bubble games on Sky Sports, via Sky, BT and Virgin Media packages. Games are broadcast live, so tipoff times range from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. BST. Those without Sky Sports can pick it up from Now TV, with prices starting at £9.99.

Brits can also get the NBA League Pass UK package, which costs £42.99 and gets you the NBA live streams for the playoffs and finals.

NBA live streams in Canada

Canadian b-ball fans can watch the NBA playoffs on TSN, SportsNet and NBA TV Canada. 

NBA League Pass is also available in Canada.

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.