Tonight the NBA Playoffs on ESPN continue with two pivotal Game 3s. In the early game, the Indiana Pacers return home with a 2-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Out in the Western Conference, tied 1-1, the Oklahoma City Thunder travel to the Mile High City to take on the Denver Nuggets.
The Cavaliers lost the first two games on their home floor and need a win tonight to avoid going in a 0-3 hole. The Pacers pulled off a shocking win in Game 2 after scoring the final 8 points in the last 48 seconds. The Cavs are banged up but will need huge contributions from Evan Mobley and Donovan Mitchell to slowdown Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam and a young Pacers team.
The Thunder split their homestead with the Nuggets and hit the road for tonight’s game. The Nuggets one a thrilling Game 1 but the Thunder came back swinging with a 43-point victory in Game 2. With their respective MVP-Favorites, Nikola Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander look to duel it out in tonight’s tie-breaking game.
Here’s how to watch both NBA Playoff games live without cable.
When to Watch
Friday, May 9 – NBA Playoffs (Game 3)
- Cavaliers at Pacers: 7:30 PM ET on ESPN
- Nuggets at Thunder: 9:30 PM ET on ESPN
How to Watch 2025 NBA Playoff Games Live Without Cable TV
Streaming the NBA Playoffs on ESPN, ABC, NBA TV, and TNT is easier than ever on our favorite devices. With Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, and other compatible devices, you can stream live NBA games with a subscription to DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV.
ABC is also available to watch for free with an antenna.
Games that air on TNT will also be available to watch live on Max.
You can find out more about each streaming service below.
Watch the NBA Playoffs Live on DIRECTV
For only $85.99 per month, the Entertainment plan from DIRECTV, you can watch all of the 2025 NBA Playoffs games live on ABC, NBA TV, ESPN and TNT and over 90 channels. There are no contracts, no hidden fees, and a subscription includes unlimited cloud DVR storage.
DIRECTV STREAM also offers a MySports package, a skinny bundle of over 20 sports-only channels, including ESPN, TNT, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPNU, and in select markets ABC for $69.99 per month. The bundle also includes thousands of hours of live sports, exclusive content and more on ESPN+.
New subscribers can take advantage of a 5-day free trial before subscribing.
Watch NBA Playoff Games Live on Sling TV
Subscribe to Sling Orange & Blue to stream the NBA Playoffs on ESPN, ABC, NBA TV and TNT in a lineup of over 40 channels for only $61 per month. Record the games and your favorite shows and movies with 50 hours of DVR storage.
New subscribers can get half off of their first month for a limited time.
Watch NBA Playoff Games Live On Fubo
Known as a sports-oriented streaming service, you can find all of the ESPN family of networks on Fubo. The Pro plan starts at $84.99 per month and includes each postseason game airing on ABC, NBA TV, and ESPN in a lineup of over 190 channels and 100+ live sporting events.
Fubo doesn’t carry TNT but those games are available to watch live on Max.
Each Fubo plan includes on-demand shows and movies, the ability to record unlimited hours with cloud DVR, and you can stream on 10 screens simultaneously.
New subscribers can try Fubo for free and save $30 on the first month.
Watch the NBA Playoffs on Max
TNT Sports, which airs on TNT, are available on the Max app starting with the Standard plan for $16.99 per month or $139.99 yearly to watch live sports on Max.
Watch the NBA Playoff Games Live on Hulu + Live TV
TNT, ABC, and ESPN are part of a channel lineup of over 95 channels. For only $82.99 per month, the service offers unlimited access to the Hulu library, Disney+, and live sports on ESPN+ for no additional charge. Record your favorite shows, movies, and much more for up to 9 months with unlimited DVR storage.
New subscribers can try Hulu + Live TV for free for three days.
Watch the NBA Playoffs Live on YouTube TV
Stream over 100 channels, including ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT, with YouTube TV for only $82.99 per month. The service includes unlimited DVR, so you can rewatch your library of content and the ability to share 6 accounts per household.
New subscribers can try YouTube TV for free and save $46 on the first two months.