The second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs continues with two exciting Game 1s, streaming on Max. In the early game, the Celtics host the Knicks, and the Nuggets’ visit to OKC will directly follow.
Two Atlantic Division foes meet on the floor for the fifth time this season at TD Garden. The Celtics are undefeated against the Knicks this season after winning all four contests. The closest game was their first meeting when the Knicks only lost by two points. Every other game, the Celtics won by 13 or more. Since their first meeting in 1946, the Celtics lead the all-time series 344-221, but in the playoffs, they lead 36-31. The Knicks are historic underdogs in this series, but they have the NBA Clutch Player of the Year in Jalen Brunson, who must pull out all of the stops against the defending champions.
The Thunder and Nuggets split their regular-season matchups, 2-2, in a tight Northwest Division, and each team has a favorite to win this year’s MVP. Nikola Jokic, who is the reigning and 2-time NBA MVP, put together an impressive season, which led to a Game 7 first-round win against the Clippers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who leads the NBA in scoring, has led a young OKC team with the league’s best record and a first-round sweep against the Grizzlies.
The 2025 NBA conference semifinals are underway, and fans won’t want to miss out. Here’s how to watch all the action on the court live without cable.
When to Watch
Monday, May 5 – NBA Playoffs (Game 1)
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.