- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 425,640
- Reaction score
- 43
You must be registered for see images attach
If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Rolling Stone may receive an affiliate commission.
The 2024/25 NBA season wrapped up with a thrilling final day, especially for the Western Conference, which had just three of the 10 playoff/play-in seeds decided before Sunday’s batch of games. In the West, the Thunder, Rockets, Lakers, Nuggets, Clippers, and Timberwolves will head straight to the playoffs, in that seeding order. The Eastern Conference playoff seeds, in order, are the Cavaliers, Celtics, Knicks, Pacers, Bucks, and Pistons.
More from Rolling Stone
- Lady Gaga's Mayhem Ball 2025: How to Get Tour Tickets Online
- Jennie's 'Ruby' Merch Drop Is Ideal for Coachella Weekend Two
- Rory McIlroy's Masters-Winning Golf Shoes Are Almost Sold Out - Here's How You Can Still Score A Pair
At a Glance: How to Watch the NBA Play-In Tournament
get free trial at directv
As with the last couple of years, the 7-10 seeds will duke it out in the 2025 Play-In Tournament for the last spots in the 7 and 8 playoff seeds. The Western Conference Play-In Tournament will consist of the Kings, Warriors, Grizzlies, and Mavericks, while the Eastern Play-In will include the Magic, Hawks, Bulls, and Heat.
Looking to watch the 2025 NBA Play-In? Read on for everything you need to know about the postseason tournament, including how to watch the NBA Play-In Tournament online without cable.
How to Watch the NBA Play-In Tournament Online
TNT and ESPN will handle coverage of the NBA Play-In Tournament. If you don’t have cable, you’ll want to get a live TV streaming service that carries both channels to stream the NBA Play-In Tournament online. Here are three of the best options:
You must be registered for see images attach
BEST OVERALL
DirecTV Stream
get free trial
DirecTV’s MySports Genre Pack streaming plan is our favorite way to watch the Play-In Tournament (and the playoffs afterward). The streamlined package includes 20+ major sports channels, including ESPN and TNT. The plan is cheaper than Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Fubo, and it starts with a five-day free trial that will last the whole Play-In Tournament. Even better? You get ESPN+ included for additional sports content.
You must be registered for see images attach
MOST AFFORDABLE
Sling TV
sign up now $23
Sling is another one of the best ways to watch the NBA Play-In Tournament without cable. This one starts at just $46.99 a month, which is even more affordable than DirecTV, but you don’t get a free trial. However, Sling is currently running a deal that takes up to half off your first bill.
You’ll want the 34-channel Sling Orange package to get ESPN and TNT livestreams. If you want to add ABC (for NBA finals coverage), you’ll need to upgrade to the Orange + Blue plan, which starts at $65.99 a month.
You must be registered for see images attach
ALSO CONSIDER
Hulu + Live TV
Pros: Free trial, bonus streaming services
Cons: Pricey
get free trial
Another live TV streaming service that carries TNT and ESPN is Hulu + Live TV. This one is the most expensive on this list at $82.99 a month, but you do get a three-day free trial to check it out first. It’s also one of the best bundle packages in streaming, offering 95+ live channels, ESPN+, Disney+, and Hulu (on-demand) all in one plan. It also boasts a great interface, straightforward pricing, a few good add-ons, and unlimited DVR.
Stream the NBA Play-In Tournament for Free
If you’re looking for free NBA Play-In Livestreams, be sure to use the free trials from DirecTV and Hulu + Live TV. Both are (legal) ways to watch the Play-In for free, as long as you cancel before the trial ends.
get free trial at directv
NBA Play-In Tournament Schedule, Bracket 2025
The 2025 NBA Play-In Tournament starts on Tuesday, April 15, with a pair of 7 vs. 8-seed games. Here’s the schedule for the tournament:
Tuesday, April 15
(7) Orlando Magic vs. (8) Atlanta Hawks — 7:30 p.m. ET, TNT
(7) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Memphis Grizzlies — 10 p.m. ET, TNT
Wednesday, April 16
(9) Chicago Bulls vs. (10) Miami Heat — 7:30 p.m. ET, ESPN
(9) Sacramento Kings vs. (10) Dallas Mavericks — 10 p.m. ET, ESPN
Friday, April 18
East 7/8 loser vs. East 9/10 winner — Time TBD, TNT
West 7/8 loser vs. West 9/10 winner — Time TBD, ESPN
How Does the Play-In Tournament Work?
The Play-In Tournament includes eight teams: the 7 through 10 seeds in both conferences. First, the No. 7 and 8 seeds from the same conference play each other, with the winners advancing to the playoffs as the No. 7 seeds. The losers of those games play again against the winners of the 9 vs. 10-seed games. The losers in the 9 vs. 10 seed games and the final Friday games all go home. The Friday winners advance to the playoffs as the No. 8 seeds.
Best of Rolling Stone
Sign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Continue reading...
