National Basketball Association: Schedules, Dates, TV Channels & Start times
Looking to stay updated with the latest NBA Fixtures? WheresTheMatch has you covered with our sport schedules – covering NBA games today, tomorrow and across the entire season! We offer all the important details, including matchups, start times, dates, and TV broadcasters tailored to your region.
The NBA is more than just a basketball league—it’s the heart of the sport! Featuring 30 teams from across the U.S. and Canada, it’s been bringing fans jaw-dropping moments since it first tipped off in 1946. From rising stars to legendary players, the NBA offers world-class talent and unforgettable games in both the regular season and the high-stakes NBA Finals. With incredible international players and iconic moments, it’s no wonder the NBA has become a global sensation that unites sports lovers everywhere.
Where to Watch the NBA on TV in the UK
TNT Sports is a go-to for basketball fans in the UK with over 250 live games per season. You can catch live NBA games, the Playoffs, NBA Finals, and All-Star Weekend coverage, paired with expert analysis.
Looking for a streaming option? NBA League Pass has you covered with all other live matches not being shown on TNT Sports.
For dedicated fans, the NBA League Pass is the ultimate ticket. It offers live and on-demand access to every single game, including the Playoffs, Finals, condensed replays, and even classic matchups.
When Do NBA Fixtures Take Place?
The NBA regular season runs from mid-October to April, with teams playing 82 games over six months. The action heats up in mid-April with the NBA Playoffs, culminating in the NBA Finals in June. Pre-season exhibition games take place in September and early October. Fans can catch games throughout the week, with key broadcasts on Tuesdays and Thursdays, regional games on Wednesdays and Fridays, marquee matchups on Sundays, and select Saturday games during special events or playoffs.
NBA Competition Format
The National Basketball Association (NBA) comprises 30 teams, split into two conferences:
Eastern Conference
Western Conference
Each conference is further divided into three divisions, each containing five teams. The NBA season is broken into distinct phases, each with its twists and turns:
Regular Season
The regular season is the heart of the league. Spanning 82 games per team, this phase is where players and fans enjoy months of fast-paced basketball. Teams face opponents both within their own conference and from the opposing conference, producing a variety of matchups.
The regular season is not just about winning games; it’s also about securing a good position for the playoffs. Placement in the standings can mean an easier road to the championship.
Key Notes:
Teams with the best regular-season record in each conference gain "home-court advantage" during the playoffs.
The goal? Finish in a top-six seed to directly qualify for the playoffs.
The Play-In Tournament
Introduced in 2020, the Play-In Tournament has added a new level of anticipation for fans. This mini-competition involves teams seeded 7th to 10th in each conference. Here's the breakdown:
7th vs 8th Seed: The winner takes the 7th seed in the playoffs.
9th vs 10th Seed: The winner proceeds to face the loser of the "7th vs 8th" match-up, and the victor from that game claims the final playoff spot (8th seed).
This format keeps more teams engaged until the end of the regular season and intensifies the battle for playoff spots.
The Playoffs
The NBA playoffs are where legends are made. The top-eight teams from each conference compete in a knockout tournament. This phase runs on a best-of-seven series format:
Teams need to win four out of seven games to progress to the next round.
Each round features intense matchups, working through the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Conference Finals until only one team remains from each conference.
The winners of the Eastern and Western Conferences advance to the ultimate showdown — the NBA Finals.
The NBA Finals
The NBA Finals is the pinnacle of basketball. The champion of the East faces the champion of the West in a final best-of-seven series to battle for the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
Home-court advantage in the Finals is determined by the team with the better regular-season record, and every moment is packed with high-stakes drama.
When Are the Next NBA Fixtures?
Always keep up with upcoming games with our comprehensive NBA fixture schedule above.
