When Do the NBA Play-In Games Start? How Do You Watch Them?

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man –Follow on X.

TV Answer Man, when do the NBA play in games start and where can we watch them? — Marcus, Syracuse, New York. 

Marcus, the NBA Play-In games start tomorrow night (Tuesday, April 16) with the Pelicans facing the Lakers at 7:30 p.m. ET and the Kings playing the Warriors at 10 p.m. ET. Both games will be available on TNT and the Max streaming service. Then, on Wednesday (April 17), the 76ers will play the Heat at 7 p.m. ET while the Bulls will face the Hawks at 9:30 p.m. ET. Both of Wednesday’s games will be on ESPN.

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On Friday night, the winners of the Tuesday night and Wednesday night games will match up on ESPN with the times to be announced later. The winners of the Friday night contests will then move on to the regular 16-team NBA playoffs which start Saturday. Times and channels to be announced later.

Marcus, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered the TV technology scene for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.