The 2026 NBA Playoffs are shattering expectations on all levels – including television. With the league forming an increased number of streaming partnerships to air this year’s playoff games, among the records being broken is that of viewers tuning in to watch their favorite teams fight for a chance to advance.
For both the avid NBA fans and the casual observers alike, there’s been plenty of reason to tune in to watch this year’s playoff rivalries. In addition to broadcast and streaming viewership being on the rise, the NBA Playoff content hasn’t been in lack of drama, nail-biting competition, nor action-packed battles on the court. Streaming options for at-home viewing of the 2026 NBA Playoffs include Amazon Prime Video and NBC’s Peacock platform, while official broadcast channels include ABC, ESPN, and NBC.
NBA Makes Official Announcement About Breaking Television Viewership Record On The League’s Social Media
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 28: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles against Nickeil Alexander-Walker #7 of the Atlanta Hawks during the first half of Game Five of the Eastern Conference First Round NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 28, 2026 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
 As viewers tune in to watch this year’s NBA Playoffs, the surge in ratings comes at a time when the NBA has faced years of debate surrounding load management, declining cable subscriptions, and changing viewing habits. This is why the transition to including an increased number of streaming options has benefited the league and fans hoping to catch the action as it unfolds alike.
To announce the record-breaking viewership numbers, the NBA took to their official social media accounts to celebrate the feat. As reported by Yahoo! Sports and HoopsHype, there are approximately 3.91 million viewers who have been watching each game of the first round of the NBA playoffs across the various broadcast and streaming outlets. Ultimately, this number has shattered a 33-year record for viewership.
Upcoming Game 6 Matchups Scheduled In Round One of NBA Playoffs, Including Boston Celtics Versus Philadelphia 76ers
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – APRIL 26: Jayson Tatum #0 of the Boston Celtics fouls Kelly Oubre Jr. #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half of game four of the Eastern Conference first round playoffs at Xfinity Mobile Arena on April 26, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Emilee Chinn/Getty Images)
As Game 6 matchups get underway following several tightly contested Game 5 battles between top tier teams, here are the game times so that you can tune in to watch your favorite teams and players as they continue vying to advance to the next round of NBA Playoff competition:
Thursday April 30, 2026
- New York Knicks vs Atlanta Hawks, 7:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM CT / 4:00 PM PT
- Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers, 8:00 PM ET / 7:00 PM CT / 5:00 PM PT
- Denver Nuggets vs Minnesota Timberwolves, 9:30 PM ET / 8:30 PM CT / 6:30 PM PT
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