The LA Clippers are currently making waves and may just dominate the 2024 NBA play-offs. But the Celtics, Cavs, Knicks, Bucks, and Nuggets all have a shot at winning the 2024 NBA title, with the Timberwolves, Thunder, and Suns as potential wildcards.
We're set for an exciting play-off season. And the best part? You no longer need to work with the traditional constraints of cable. But with so many TV streaming services, the challenge lies in finding the perfect match for your viewing needs.
Using my knowledge and experience of over a decade in film and pop culture, I'll take you through my top five NBA play-off streaming platforms. With the right app, you can access customizable lineups, exclusive sports content, and even streaming services with free/paid trials. Let me explain how to watch the NBA play-offs without cable.
» Still relying on cable TV? Discover why you should use a TV streaming service instead.
2024 NBA Play-Offs Key Dates
The 2024 NBA play-in tournament kicks off on April 16th. Here's the schedule for the upcoming NBA play-offs and finals:
Our 5 Best NBA Play-Off Streaming Services at a Glance:
- Sling TV - Best NBA play-off streaming service overall
- fuboTV - Best for an extensive sports channel lineup
- DIRECTV Stream - Best for accessing regional sports networks
- Hulu + Live TV - Best for unlimited cloud DVR feature
- Paramount+ - Best for a no-ads option
1. Sling TV
Best NBA play-off streaming service overall
View Plans
Cost - From $40/month
Free Trial - 3 days
Special Offers - New users can get $10 off their first month
Sling TV is a budget-friendly option for streaming the NBA play-offs without cable. There are two base plans: Sling Orange, which includes ESPN, and Sling Blue, which shows NBA TV. You can also combine them if you have specific viewing preferences but want to catch the NBA excitement.
What sets Sling TV apart is its unique channel menu, which lets you customize your lineup based on your preferences. It also integrates with AirTV devices to give you an option for local channels. This expands your access to regional sports coverage beyond standard offerings.
Why we chose Sling TV for the NBA play-offs:
- Allows streaming on multiple devices
- Specialized sports extras and niche networks
- Comprehensive NBA coverage
Supported devices:
- Web browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari
- Mobile devices: Apple iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets
- TV-connected devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Xbox, LG Smart TVs, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs
2. fuboTV
Best for an extensive sports channel lineup
View Plans
Cost - From $79.99/month
Free Trial - 7 days
Special Offers - N/A
fuboTV is another of my top sports fans' choices for the NBA play-offs as it has an extensive sports-centric lineup. I love fuboTV's emphasis on live events, particularly NBA TV. I also appreciate how easy fuboTV's interface is to use. It even lets me go through different menus while the show I'm watching continues to play.
Its cloud DVR feature allows you to record and revisit play-off games at your convenience. Plus, fuboTV supports 4K streaming for select content to give you a clear experience of all the action.
Why we chose fuboTV for the NBA play-offs:
- Multiview feature
- User-friendly navigation
- On-demand content library
Supported devices:
- Web browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari
- Mobile devices: Apple iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets
- TV-connected devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox
3. DIRECTV Stream
Best for accessing regional sports networks
View Plans
Cost - From $69.99/month
Free Trial - 5 days
Special Offers - $50 discount over the first two months
DIRECTV provides a premium streaming experience for NBA play-offs enthusiasts like myself. It offers a diverse lineup, including TNT and ESPN. Plus, its 4K Ultra HD capability provides a thrilling live sports experience. It also has advanced search functionality to find and broadcast specific play-off games or related NBA content.
DIRECTV's exclusive NFL Sunday Ticket adds additional value for sports fans. This service allows you to access all out-of-market NFL games on Sundays. This is especially appealing if you want to follow your favorite teams or players.
Why we chose DIRECTV for the NBA play-offs:
- Sports Mix channel
- Exclusive sports bundles
- Premium movies and shows
Supported devices:
- Web browsers: Chrome, Edge, Safari
- Mobile devices: Apple, Android, Amazon Fire Tablet
- TV-connected devices: Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Google TV, Chromecast, Roku, Samsung, Telly TV
» Ready to be the MVP of streaming? Find out how to watch the NBA All-Star game.
4. Hulu + Live TV
Best for unlimited cloud DVR feature
View Plans
Cost - From $76.99/month
Free Trial - 30 days
Special Offers - $49.99 for the first three months
Hulu + Live TV is a versatile streaming solution that combines live TV with a vast on-demand content library. Some of my favorites from the service include "Echo," "Daughters of the Cult," and "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Access to significant sports channels like ESPN and TNT gives you full NBA play-off coverage.
Hulu + Live TV has on-demand content, so you can catch up on shows when it suits you. The service also provides cloud DVR to record and store all your favorite play-off games if you want to watch them later.
Why we chose Hulu + Live TV for the NBA play-offs:
- Multiple screen viewing
- Bundles with Disney+ and ESPN+ for extra sports and entertainment content
- Customizable user profiles
Supported devices:
- Web browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, Safari
- Mobile devices: Apple iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets
- TV-connected devices: Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Echo Show, Fire Tablets, Samsung Smart TVs, Roku
5. Paramount+
Best for a no-ads option
View Plans
Cost - From $5.99/month
Free Trial - 7 days
Special offers - 25% discount for college students on Essential plan
Paramount+ embodies one of the biggest reasons streaming is so worth it: Affordability. Its $11.99 no-ads option is tempting for NBA play-off enthusiasts. The service combines live TV, including CBS Sports, with a diverse library of movies and shows like "Babylon," "NCIS: Hawai'i," and "Yellowjackets."
Additionally, Paramount+ allows cross-platform accessibility. This means you can start watching on one device and continue on another without interruption. It's handy for anyone on the move, especially when combined with its offline downloads feature.
Why we chose Paramount+ for the NBA play-offs:
- Live sport streams with the SHOWTIME plan
- Offline downloads for all content
- Simultaneous streams on three devices
Supported devices:
- Web browsers: Chrome, Safari, Edge
- Mobile devices: iOS, Android
- TV-connected devices: Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Xbox, PlayStation, Smart TVs
Additional Basketball Coverage
Sling TV gives you plenty of basketball games to watch. You could spend about $263 monthly on cable and an NBA League Pass for NBA games. But with Sling TV, you only pay $45/month, saving you more than $200.
Fubo TV also offers the NBA League Pass for an extra $11/month, giving you access to about 90 regular-season games.
If you opt for Hulu + Live TV, you get ESPN+, which shows national games. Even though Hulu + Live TV doesn't focus solely on the NBA, it has excellent basketball movies and shows like "The Last Dance."
All these services include channels that air NBA action, so you have local coverage. But you'll need an NBA League Pass for games outside your area.
» Want more entertainment? Read why you should bundle your streaming services.
Stream the NBA Play-Offs Your Way
It's never been easier to enjoy the NBA play-offs without the shackles of cable. With so many streaming choices available, you can tailor your viewing to suit your preferences and make sure you don't miss any of the action.
From Sling TV alternatives to various sports streaming platforms and websites, the possibilities are virtually endless. Whether you're tuning in for the highlights or every heart-stopping moment, finding your way to basketball bliss is just a click away.
» Bored with the same old cable routine? Learn how to move beyond traditional cable TV.
