You're looking at the calendar, checking the standings, and wondering: nba playoffs start when exactly? Most fans think they can just guess based on last year. They’re usually wrong.
The 2025-26 NBA season is moving fast. We’ve already seen the New York Knicks take home the NBA Cup in December. We’ve seen the Detroit Pistons—yes, those Pistons—climb to the top of the East. But the real chaos doesn't start until the spring.
The Short Answer
If you just want the date to circle in red: the 2026 NBA playoffs start on April 18, 2026.
That's a Saturday. It’s the day the real season begins. But if you’re waiting until that Saturday to tune in, you’re actually missing the most desperate games of the year. The postseason technically kicks off with a "mini-tournament" that decides who even gets to wear a playoff jersey.
The Brutal Week Before: The Play-In Schedule
Before the first round officially tips off, we have the SoFi Play-In Tournament. Honestly, this is where the most "do-or-die" basketball happens.
The regular season officially ends on Sunday, April 12, 2026. All 30 teams will be on the court that day. Some will be resting stars, while others will be fighting for their lives.
Then, the Play-In window opens:
- April 14 – April 17, 2026: This is the four-day gauntlet.
- The Format: The 7th and 8th seeds play for the #7 spot. The 9th and 10th seeds play an elimination game. The loser of the first game plays the winner of the second.
- The Stakes: Four teams enter the Play-In per conference. Only two survive.
If your team is sitting at the 9th spot on April 12, their season could be over by April 14. It's fast. It’s mean. It’s great TV.
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Why the April 18 Start Date Matters
When the nba playoffs start when April 18 rolls around, the intensity shifts from "desperate" to "tactical."
The first round is a different beast. Unlike the one-and-done Play-In, these are best-of-seven series. We’re talking about the 2-2-1-1-1 format. The higher seed gets home-court advantage for Games 1, 2, 5, and 7.
Key Dates for the Long Haul
Don't just plan for the opening weekend. If you’re trying to book a "sick day" for the Finals or clear your schedule for the Conference Semifinals, here is the projected timeline:
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- Conference Semifinals: Expected to begin around May 4-5, 2026. (Sometimes they move this up to May 2 if the first-round series end early. The NBA loves a quick turnaround).
- Conference Finals: Targeted for May 20, 2026.
- NBA Finals Game 1: Set for June 4, 2026.
If the Finals go the distance? You’re looking at a Game 7 on June 21, 2026. That’s Father's Day. Imagine the drama of a Game 7 on Father's Day.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Bracket
People assume the best team in the regular season has an easy road. Tell that to the 2023 Bucks.
The 2026 landscape is weird. As of mid-January, the Oklahoma City Thunder are the heavy favorites to repeat as champions. They have the assets, the youth, and the home-court advantage. But look at the Western Conference—it's a meat grinder. You’ve got the Nuggets, the Spurs (with a terrifyingly improved Victor Wembanyama), and a Timberwolves squad that won't go away.
In the East, it's even weirder. The Pistons and Raptors are currently holding top-4 seeds. Nobody had that on their bingo card in October.
Expert Note: Keep an eye on the March 1 waiver deadline. If a veteran player gets bought out and wants to join a contender, they have to be waived by March 1 to be eligible for the playoff roster. This is often when the "rich get richer."
How to Watch the 2026 Postseason
The TV landscape changed a bit this year. You’re going to need a mix of everything to see every game.
- ESPN and ABC: They still hold the big games, including the NBA Finals.
- NBC and Peacock: They are back in the mix big time this season.
- Amazon Prime Video: A new player for streaming certain playoff matchups.
- NBA TV: Usually handles the "afternoon" games in the first round that the big networks skip.
Actionable Steps for NBA Fans
If you want to be ready for the nba playoffs start when April arrives, don't wait until the last minute.
- Check the "Games Back" Column: Right now, the difference between the 6th seed (safe) and the 11th seed (out) is usually just a few games. Every Tuesday night game in February matters.
- Verify Your Streaming Subs: Ensure your YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Peacock subscriptions are active before April 14. There's nothing worse than missing tip-off because of a login error.
- Track the Tiebreakers: The NBA uses head-to-head records first. If your team is tied with a rival, go look up who won the season series. It literally determines who gets home court.
The road to the Larry O'Brien Trophy is long. It starts with the final buzzer on April 12, gets frantic on April 14, and becomes legendary on April 18. Get your snacks ready.