April 2026

There were 1,539 posts published in April 2026 (this is page 63 of 154).

NBA playoffs 2026: Can the underdog Lakers find a path to success against the Rockets?

Folks, it’s that time of the year. Roll up the sleeves, splash some water on the face and let’s get ready for playoff basketball. The regular season is the start of the journey. A team grows, builds, develops and believes. A vessel to guide you on your path to know what you need come playoff time. Now comes the hard part: doing it against other good teams with the same hopes and dreams.

We don’t have to take much time to agree on one thing: winning a championship is very difficult. We can probably agree winning in the playoffs is hard. The work teams go through to diagnose and dissect a team’s sets, tendencies and lineups is no joke. To learn every play call, ATO, sub pattern and scheme. To deconstruct personnel and learn the counters to their counters. The effort (and slight delusion) it takes to try to find a way to win a series against a team that is “better than you.” The job in that scenario is simple. Work to make that team play a different way, to not be what it has displayed all year long. That opponent’s job is to navigate how to get back to what makes it good.   

Everything to know for the NBA playoffs: Predictions, series previews, X-factors

Never forget the back and forth of the playoffs. It’s not just teams and the adjustments they make, it comes down to the players asked to execute. There is a lot of trust put into top players because they are the pressure points. Defenses are working to make everything as tough as possible. Working to do it as a team because it’s hard to do it individually. Those top players have the bonus of being able to make plays in spite of that. The ultimate goal is to get that defense to react or blink. Defenses mix coverages to keep players off balance. Players work to get to counters to get the defense to react. 

The playoffs are always interesting because at some point in the series, it stops being about how good your team is … but how you can solve a very specific problem right now. Teams have their own formulas to win playoff series, the top teams have more margin for error but all you need is a chance. So let’s talk about some teams’ potential paths to victory and some pressure points teams can find to flip a series on its head. 

Complete Houston-Los Angeles series preview

Series schedule (all times Eastern)

Game 1: Sat., April 18 at Los Angeles (8:30 p.m., ABC)
Game 2: Tue., April 21 at Los Angeles (10:30 p.m., NBC)
Game 3: Fri., April 24 at Houston (8 p.m., Prime)
Game 4: Sun., April 26 at Houston (9:30 p.m., NBC)
*Game 5: Wed., April 29 at Los Angeles (TBD)
*Game 6: Fri., May 1 at Houston (TBD)
*Game 7: Sun., May 3 at Los Angeles (TBD)
*if necessary

Series betting odds

(Via BetMGM)

Los Angeles Lakers (+475)
Houston Rockets (-650)

The last time they faced each other was like a mini-playoff series, two games in Houston in March as both teams were playing well and the Lakers won both.

LeBron had 30 in the second matchup. Houston has size, length and physicality on defense. It has activity, but you can poke at them when you get them in rotation. The luxury of having Luka Dončić and his ability to draw two to the ball is not available now, so how will the Lakers find openings? What would stop Houston from working to switch, contain dribble penetration and stay at home. How many matchups can the Lakers win to force the Rockets to show help or double? 

The Lakers enter off a 53-win campaign and have home-court advantage, but no Dončić or Austin Reaves. What they do have is LeBron James, who averaged 23 points, 9.2 assists and 6.6 rebounds in the month of April. During this late stretch sans Luka and Reaves, we’ve seen the Lakers play the hits and use LeBron as a pressure point and playmaker. They move LeBron around the floor, get the right matchup, see how much help the defense is going to give and prosper off the advantage. 

How does that apply to the Rockets series? The Lakers will need LeBron to draw attention from the Rockets and also be able to win multiple matchups. Who guards whom is always key this time of year. We know the  Rockets have size and length on defense. However, in a playoff series my mind always goes to how many people does a team think can truly guard someone? How many switches will it give? How much help will it show? 

Against Houston, the Lakers used LeBron as a screener to get a switch. In a post-up against Amen Thompson, you see help coming from the nail, elbow and baseline. Keep an eye on how much the Rockets want to involve Reed Sheppard. It may not be an automatic switch if Sheppard’s involved, which could open up a drive. The Lakers can work to get Sheppard to switch a different screen and then bring LeBron into the action. As strong as the Rockets defense is, it’s crucial for the Lakers to find ways to get them in rotation. 

Another small thing to point to is how much LeBron could get a true switch against Alperen Şengün. I’d imagine the Rockets may go drop, which opens up the shot or pocket pass. If the Lakers are able to get the Rockets to switch their bigs, does that also open up help on a drive? 

Defense feels like the biggest element this version of the Lakers will have to bring to the table to have success. It’s been a question mark, it’s shown improvement, but they have little margin for error in this series. They have to keep the Rockets off the offensive glass and shift in position in transition. There are non-negotiables in this series. They must work to get the Rockets to execute as much as possible in the half-court, mix in switching on- and off-ball to try to get them deeper in the shot clock and get them stagnant. 

If one question is how much the Lakers want to switch vs. Houston, another has to be how much attention they want to send Kevin Durant. The Lakers tend to work to avoid handing an offense two on the ball, but they will send a double if they have rotations they can control. The Lakers worked to go switch and double against Durant in the regular season. Get the ball out of his hands, force the Rockets to think and make them pay. When will they decide to tap this button and what will that do to Houston’s execution? 

Complete Minnesota-Denver series preview

Series schedule (all times Eastern)

Game 1: Sat., April 18, at Denver (3:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Mon., April 20, at Denver (10:30 p.m., NBC/Peacock)
Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Minnesota (9:30 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Minnesota (8:30 p.m., ABC)
*Game 5: Mon., April 27, at Denver (TBD)
*Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Minnesota (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2, at Denver (TBD)
*if necessary

Series betting odds

(Via BetMGM)

Denver Nuggets (-350)
Minnesota Timberwolves (+275)

There’s a quote from Nuggets head coach David Adelman that stood out to me:

Familiar rivals. Different teams. Same main actors, but a different movie. Both teams rode different highs and lows during the regular season; Denver finished the season winning 12 straight; Minnesota won five of its last 10. All of the attempts at growth and versatility only to see each other at the bar once again at the birthday party. 

If you’re Minnesota, you do in fact have to keep the main thing the main thing. And that is to establish Anthony Edwards. It’s almost become a spring ritual for Edwards to display just how important his playmaking and scoring is for a Wolves run. The goal has been to throw different coverages at him defensively. The good news for Denver is it experimented with different coverages during the regular season. You can argue about how solid the results were, but the attempts were important. Put yourself in a position to shape shift when it comes playoff time. The Nuggets displayed that against Minnesota and Edwards during the regular season. 

The variety and urgency from Denver at times is what stood out the most. If it looked like Edwards was trying to find a rhythm in a 1v1 scenario, you see Nikola Jokić rotating from the baseline and a defender at the elbow to take away driving lanes. If Edwards wanted to clear a wing to take away that help, you see Christian Braun planted in the middle of the floor, Jokić waiting near the rim to help on any paint touch. If Edwards was moved to the post, you see Jokić rotating from the baseline. Heck, it got to a point where if Edwards crossed half-court, the Nuggets were sending bodies. It highlights the need for Edwards to quickly diagnose help and make the right decision, and then the door opens for (insert Timberwolves player here) to make the Nuggets pay. 

If you are Minnesota, you have a baked in advantage to a degree. You know eventually Denver will want to try to take Edwards away. It’s on Julius Randle, Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels, Ayo Dosunmu and Donte DiVincenzo to make the Nuggets pay in those moments. It’s not just about hitting 3s but having an aggressive mindset — mix in drives to beat closeouts to keep an advantage, be timely and keep the Nuggets off balance. As much as it’s on Edwards to make the right decision, there has to be a payoff. The more you allow Denver to recover, the tougher the climb will be. The ball can’t stick. Whether it’s a short roll pass, a pop or a spray to the perimeter: either make the play or keep the advantage. 

On top of the offense, Minnesota will have to be a lot more locked in defensively. Death, taxes and the Denver Nuggets being able to score. All inevitable. The backdoor cuts and elbow splits Denver uses as a base for its offense has to be taken off the table. The trio of Jokić, Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon is enough to deal with during (and late in) games. Make them pay offensively, be active defensively and you can put yourself in a spot to win the rubber match. 

Complete Atlanta-New York series preview

Series schedule (all times Eastern)

Game 1: Sat., April 18, at New York (6 p.m., Prime Video)
Game 2: Mon., April 20, at New York (8 p.m., NBC)
Game 3: Thu., April 23, at Atlanta (7 p.m., Prime)
Game 4: Sat., April 25, at Atlanta (6 p.m., NBC)
*Game 5: Tue., April 28, at New York (TBD)
*Game 6: Thu., April 30, at Atlanta (TBD)
*Game 7: Sat., May 2, at New York (TBD)
*if necessary

Series betting odds

(Via BetMGM)

New York Knicks (-300)
Atlanta Hawks (+240)

The Hawks are one of the more interesting teams to think about within a playoff context. There is a world where they feel tailor-made for an opponent to be physical with them in the half-court and bog them down, as an opponent can attack them off the bounce, force help and attack their defense. Their defense can be hurt by having to rotate in pick and roll. The issue is that is a hard formula to sustain against these Hawks. They can get everything back in transition at a moment’s notice (aka once you stop scoring). They have a flow and tempo offensively in which they always work to get back to. You have to keep them down. They are not last year’s Pacers, but you can tell they drew inspiration from them. 

That leads to an interesting series against the Knicks where we have a little chicken-or-the-egg situation. Is it the offense that will keep consistent pressure on the Knicks defense? Is it the Hawks being able to have a playoff gameplan that elevates their defense just enough to kick-start their transition game? We will find out soon enough, but one things feels clear: They have to figure out Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns on both ends if they want to advance. 

There have been various questions about the Knicks defense throughout this season. When they are active, physical and communicating, we have seen them play at a high level. When they are not, sips tea. That noise becomes louder when it comes to the playoff question of how Towns and Brunson will defend when they are in actions together. It’s a great spot to attack mainly because you know it’s an automatic switch. The Hawks poked at that matchup, using Dyson Daniels as a screen to open things up for their guards. With the Knicks working to switch Brunson more, ATL could have an initial screen from Daniels get Brunson to switch before bringing Okongwu into the action. KAT is in a drop, Brunson is working to switch to the roll but that’s too much space for CJ McCollum. If Daniels gets cross-matched on KAT in transition, quick angle flips could get him out of position and leave room for Nickeil Alexander-Walker to pull up. 

To the KAT-on-Daniels deal, it will be interesting to see a) how the Knicks want to match up and b) if the Hawks can diagnose and cycle through it. Playing with tempo and flow is one thing, being intentional in the half-court is another. You tell me which one is more important (spoiler: It’s the blend of both, we can talk about it later). The Knicks were fine putting KAT on Daniels, and they were fine with KAT going with a drop to a late switch. Atlanta pivoted to Jalen Johnson as a screener, the Knicks did not switch, and KAT was able to help off Daniels. Even when the Knicks went double big, they were fine with Mitchell Robinson on Daniels and switching. Can Atlanta find subtle off-ball movements to create mismatches where KAT sticks with Daniels and the rest of the Knicks have to work to figure it out? Can the Hawks take some options off the board for the Knicks in the half-court? 

The flip side: How do the Hawks want to guard Jalen Brunson and KAT? In their last regular-season matchup, they had a big on Towns, and if you’re not aware … that is indeed the secret sauce to unlock the Brunson/KAT two-man game. Hold the pickles. The main issue for the Knicks is how much teams want to put a wing on KAT to both contain the drives and switch defensively. KAT is at his best against 5s where he can hurt teams with his rolls, pops and drives. Early in their last matchup, the Knicks were able to get KAT rolling, have Brunson attack a late switch and beat the defense when it tries to keep a screen on the side. 

Having a big on KAT and having his screens not be an automatic switch unlocks him and the Knicks offense. You can now use Mikal Bridges as a ball-handler, which opens up Brunson getting a swing vs. a rotating defense. You now unlock KAT as a driver as you work to rotate to his pop. Can the Hawks lock their coverage(s) to get the Knicks back into a box in the half-court? 

For the Hawks the emphasis has to be on trapping the Knicks into their style of play. Get them to play a little quicker with less intention. Make it up and down. On top of that make tiny tweaks in the half-court on both ends. Take something off the board defensively; don’t give them automatics. Have something in your back pocket if things break down. 

The beauty of Game 1s: They are fun to talk about in the lead-up, and everything you say doesn’t matter once the ball tips (heartbreaking to hear as a video coordinator after working on a playoff book). The feeling-out process will begin, and we will know what each team is attempting to take away and we will see who finds the answers first. You never know who could make an impact. You can live with your game plan until you can’t. Just know once Saturday comes, the beautiful game continues and the timer starts.

What You Can Expect to Pay to Get Into Fitness

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Almost everybody who sticks to their workout routine has found a type of fitness they love. That may mean Crossfit classes multiple times a week, going for a run every morning, or hiring a personal trainer to walk them through a customized workout. Everything comes with a cost, though. So let’s talk about what you’ll be spending in a variety of scenarios, from the cost of each type of gym, to the upgrades you’ll probably go for, to the comparative cost of at-home alternatives.

The cost of joining a no-frills gym

What it takes to get started: The main cost here is the membership itself. Budget chain gyms like Crunch and Planet Fitness can be as low as $10 or $20 a month, with slightly nicer places around $50 or more. (You can easily pay $100/month or more at a more upscale place.) Watch out for extra fees in the fine print, though—you’ll often find an annual fee buried in there, and a surcharge for using a credit card instead of bank withdrawals. For your first day, you’ll need athletic-appropriate shoes, clothes, and a gym bag with some basic essentials, like a water bottle. Cost for these varies, but you probably already have these items at home.

Possible upgrades: A good personal trainer can walk you through a workout, easing your uncertainty about what exactly to do while ensuring that you’re following a program that will lead you to your goals, whatever those might be. Lessons estimates a one-hour session with a trainer can average anywhere from $40 to $100 depending on your area and how fancy your gym is.

If you don’t work with a trainer, you’re on your own to plan your workouts and hold yourself to your goals. Free or paid training programs or online trainers can fill the gap; prices vary wildly on those. Try Nike Training Club for a free option, or Fitbod ($15.99/month) for something a little nicer.

Do it at home: There’s no way to fully recreate the gym experience at home, since the whole reason to go to a gym is that they have all the stuff. But you can get by with a collection of dumbbells or resistance bands, a barbell with weights if you can snag one, and maybe a cardio machine or some running shoes. The price for this investment varies wildly depending on how much gear you want to accumulate. Here’s a breakdown I did of the first 14 things I’d buy for a complete home gym.

What it costs to get into functional fitness

Crossfit is no longer the only big name in functional fitness. Gyms that follow a class-based structure, mixing cardio and strength with timed workouts, have been flourishing under a variety of brands, like F45. Hyrox races are becoming popular, and you can train for them in functional fitness boxes. These studios often seem like they should be cheaper than a machine-filled commercial gym, but you tend to get more personal interaction and coaching, which costs money.

What it takes to get started: These are among the priciest gyms out there. Lessons estimates the average Crossfit membership as $150-200 per month for unlimited classes; that seems to match what I’m seeing for other types of functional fitness memberships. Like a regular gym, you’ll need basic athletic clothes and gear to get started.

Possible upgrades: Functional fitness enthusiasts often end up accumulating specialty items, like multiple types of shoes, rope-climbing socks, and more. Since the sport combines components of lifting, gymnastics, and cardio, you may need more gear than in a gym where you’re only doing a few of the same things all the time. If you get serious about the sport, you may also find yourself paying extra for more gym time or classes.

Do it at home: As with a commercial gym, buying the needed equipment will get real pricey real quick. But plenty of Crossfit-style workouts can be done with little to no equipment: think burpees and running. You can google free workout ideas, or sign up for an online service like Street Parking, which offers at-home workouts for $19/month.

The cost of doing indoor cycling

What it takes to get started: Classes at a studio usually range from $20-40 each, with packages and memberships bringing the cost down slightly. Brand name counts a lot: My local CycleBar offers a 10-class pack for $209; in the same area, SoulCycle charges $280. But boutique studios aren’t your only options. Commercial gyms and community fitness centers sometimes include cycling classes as part of membership or as an add-on package, often for substantially less.

Possible upgrades: If you do this long enough, you’ll end up wanting your own shoes, which run around $100 for a decent quality pair.

Do it at home: Peloton is the classic option here, and there are other companies that will sell you a similar smart bike. Peloton’s Bikes start at $1,695, and the membership is $49/month on top of that. You can also use the cheaper Peloton app (or another app, like Apple Fitness+) with an indoor bike you already own, or you can put your bike on an indoor trainer for a fully DIY experience.

Peloton Exercise Cross Training Bike, Indoor Stationary Spin Bike for Home Workouts, Space-Friendly Exercise Equipment for Cardio and strength Workout & Indoor Cycling


$1,695.00
at Amazon

What it costs to start running

Running is the classic cheap fitness hobby, but there are plenty of hidden costs, especially as you get more serious. My marathon-running colleague Meredith Dietz has a breakdown here that gets into the specifics, but here’s an overview:

What it takes to get started: Shoes, for starters. If you have some old sneakers that don’t hurt your feet, you’ll be fine, but pretty soon you’ll probably buy a pair of real running shoes for around $100. And if you have breasts, a quality sports bra is a must. Depending on how much support you need, you’re looking at $20 to $100. (Hand-wash it after each run, and you can get away with just owning one or two.)

Possible upgrades: Once you get serious about running, chances are you’ll want a watch that can keep track of your pace and other metrics like your heart rate. (Garmins are beloved by serious runners; Fitbits or Apple Watches do the trick for most of us casuals.) I wrote up a list of the best entry-level running watches, all under $250.

And then there are races. An entry fee for a local 5K might run $25 or so, but marathons and half-marathons are easily $100 and up. Big ticket marathons can be $300, if you can even get in, and then sometimes runners will plan a vacation around their dream race, adding to the cost. This is a sport that can cost as much or as little as you want.

SUUNTO Run Sports Watch, 1.32″ AMOLED Touchscreen w/Crown Button, 12D Battery Life, Dualband Accurate GPS, Running Wrist Heart-Rate & Sleep Health Tracking, 35g Lightweight & 4GB Offline Music, Lime


$179.00
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Angels great Garret Anderson dead at 53

Garret Anderson waves to the crowd during his Angels Hall of Fame induction ceremony at Angel Stadium on Saturday. (evin Sullivan/Digital First Media/Orange County Register via Getty Images)
MediaNews Group/Orange County Register via Getty Images via Getty Images

Longtime Los Angeles Angels outfielder Garret Anderson died Thursday morning, the team announced. He was 53 years old.

A cause of death has not been announced.

“The Angels organization is mourning the loss of one of our franchise’s most beloved icons, Garret Anderson,” Angels owner Arte Moreno said in a statement. “Garret was a cornerstone of our organization throughout his 15 seasons and his stoic presence in the outfield and our clubhouse elevated the Angels into an era of continued success, highlighted by the 2002 World Series championship.

“Garret will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Angels fans for his professionalism, class, and loyalty throughout his career and beyond. His admiration and respect for the game was immeasurable. We extend our deepest condolences to Garret’s wife Teresa, daughters Brianne and Bailey, son Garret ‘Trey’ Anderson III, and his entire family.”

In Anderson’s honor, the Angels will wear a memorial patch on their jerseys beginning Friday, when they start a six-game homestand. A moment of silence will take place, and a special video tribute will air ahead of Friday’s game against the San Diego Padres.

Anderson was a fourth-round draft pick by the Angels in 1990. He made his MLB debut four years later and went on to become the franchise’s all-time leader in games played (2,013), hits (2,368), RBI (1,292), doubles (489), total bases (3,743), extra-base hits (796) and grand slams (eight).

The Angels Hall of Famer played 15 of his 17 MLB seasons with the franchise and was a member of the 2002 squad that won the World Series. Anderson was a key factor in the title win, going 9-for-32 with six RBI in the seven-game series against the San Francisco Giants. It was his three-run double in Game 7 that snapped a 1-1 tie en route to a 4-1 victory.

The three-time All-Star and two-time Silver Slugger was also the winner of the 2003 Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game MVP.

One of his most memorable games was on Aug. 21, 2007, when he recorded 10 RBI against the New York Yankees. Anderson is one of 16 players ever to have done that in a single game.

This 3-Day Flash Sale Is Cutting the Price of AdGuard to Just $11

We may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.

If you’re tired of websites bombarding you with banners, pop-ups, trackers, and ads, this AdGuard family plan is worth a look: It’s a lifetime subscription currently on sale for just $11 during this three-day flash sale, which runs through April 20. It’s a lifetime of ad-blocking for less than what some services charge per month, but it’s only available to new users, and you’ll need to redeem your code within 30 days of buying it.

You can access and use this plan across nine devices, making it a solid pick for families or anyone juggling multiple devices. It works on Windows 7 and later, macOS 10.15 and later, iOS 12 and later, and Android 7 and later, covering most modern setups.

AdGuard goes beyond standard ad-blocking by filtering out annoying pop-ups, stopping autoplay videos, and blocking phishing attempts. It also reduces trackers that follow you around the internet, which means less targeted advertising and a little more privacy. Unlike browser-based ad blockers, AdGuard operates at the network level, allowing it to block ads in apps and games as well. Setup is straightforward—you’ll receive your redemption code via email immediately after purchase, allowing you to start using it right away.

If you’re already an AdGuard user, this deal won’t apply to you, but for new users looking for a one-time payment solution to dodge ads and boost privacy across multiple devices, this might be one of the best deals out there right now.

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NBA Play-In Tournament 2026: Where to watch, who’s playing, start date, TV schedule and more

The NBA Play-In Tournament runs from April 14-17, here’s how to watch as teams vie for the playoffs. (Jayden Mack/Getty Images)
Jayden Mack via Getty Images

The 2026 NBA playoffs began with a play-in tournament on April 14. The Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers have been eliminated so far, while the Philadelphia 76ers and the Portland Trail Blazers have secured spots in the playoffs. The final elimination games, between the Golden State Warriors and the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference, and the Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Hornets in the Eastern Conference, are set for Friday, April 17. The regular playoffs are set to begin April 18.

Every play-in game will stream exclusively on Prime Video. Here’s what you need to know so you won’t miss a single game of the 2026 NBA play-in tournament, including the complete schedule and where to stream, plus key dates for the rest of the playoffs.

Dates: April 14 – 17, 2026

TV channel: n/a

Streaming: Prime Video

The NBA playoffs unofficially begin with the play-in tournament from April 14-17. The playoffs then officially get under way on April 18. 

All games of this year’s play-in tournament will be broadcast live on Prime Video from April 14-17, with winners advancing to the first round of the NBA Playoffs starting Saturday, April 18.

The play-in tournament features the teams ranked 7th through 10th in each conference. In the Eastern Conference, the Miami Heat played Charlotte Hornets and the Orlando Magic faced the Philadelphia 76ers. In the Western Conference, The Portland Trail Blazers played the Phoenix Suns while the Golden State Warriors played the L.A. Clippers. 

All times Eastern.

  • April 14, 7:30 p.m.: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets (Prime Video)

  • April 14, 10 p.m.: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Portland Trailblazers vs, Phoenix Suns (Prime Video)

  • April 15, 7:30 p.m.: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Prime Video)

  • April 15, 10 p.m.: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Golden State Warriors vs. L.A. Clippers (Prime Video)

  • April 17, 7:30 p.m.: East Final Eliminator Game, Orlando Magic vs. Charlotte Hornets (Prime Video)

  • April 17, 10 p.m.: West Final Eliminator Game, Phoenix Suns vs. Golden State Warriors (Prime Video)

All times Eastern.

  • April 14-17: NBA Play-In Tournament

  • April 18: NBA Playoffs begin

  • May 4: Conference Semifinals begin (can move up to May 2 or 3)

  • May 19: Eastern Conference Finals begin on ESPN/ABC (can move up to May 17)

  • May 20: Western Conference Finals begin on NBC/Peacock (can move up to May 18)

  • June 3: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 5: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 8: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 10: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 13: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

  • June 16: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

  • June 19: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

NBA Playoffs 2026: Where to watch, start date, TV schedule and more

The regular NBA season ended on April 12 with a massive day of games; all 30 teams in the league played on Sunday and now the roster for 2026 NBA Playoffs is set. (Here’s a look at the latest bracket.) The playoffs will start with a play-in tournament between the Eastern and Western Conference teams ranked 7-10, those games will run April 14-17, and the playoffs will begin in earnest on April 18.

You’ll be able to catch the entire play-in tournament on Prime Video while playoff games will be broadcast across ABC, NBC/Peacock, and ESPN, and every game of the NBA finals will air on ABC. Here’s what you need to know so you won’t miss a single game of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. 

Dates: April 14 – June, 2026

TV channel: NBC, ESPN, ABC

Streaming: Peacock, Prime Video, ESPN Unlimited, DirecTV and more

The NBA playoffs unofficially begin with the play-in tournament from April 14-17, and they officially get under way on April 18. The Eastern Conference finals are scheduled to begin May 19, and the Western Conference finals are scheduled for May 20. The NBA finals are set to begin on June 3, 2026.

All games of this year’s play-in tournament will be broadcast live on Prime Video from April 14-17, with winners advancing to the first round of the NBA Playoffs starting Saturday, April 18.

NBA playoff games that air on NBC will also stream on Peacock. Games on ABC and ESPN are also streaming on ESPN Unlimited. You can find all these channels on streaming platforms like DirecTV and YouTube TV. 

All times Eastern.

April 14

  • 7:30 p.m.: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Miami Heat vs. Charlotte Hornets (Prime Video)

  • 10 p.m.: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Portland Trailblazers vs, Phoenix Suns (Prime Video)

April 15

  • 7:30 p.m.: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Orlando Magic vs. Philadelphia 76ers (Prime Video)

  • 10 p.m.: SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, Golden State Warriors vs. L.A. Clippers (Prime Video)

April 17

  • 7:30 p.m.: East Final Eliminator Game (Prime Video)

  • 10 p.m.: West Final Eliminator Game (Prime Video)

April 18

  • 1 p.m.: Toronto Raptors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Prime Video)

  • 3:30 p.m.: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Denver Nuggets (Prime Video)

  • 6 p.m.: Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks (Prime Video)

  • 8:30 p.m.: Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (ABC/ESPN Unlimited)

April 19

  • 1 p.m.: Boston Celtics vs. Philadelphia 76ers (ABC, ESPN Unlimited)

  • 3:30 p.m.: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. TBD (ABC, ESPN Unlimited)

  • 6:30 p.m.: Detroit Pistons vs. TBD (NBC/Peacock)

  • 9 p.m.: San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers (NBC/Peacock)

  • May 4: Conference Semifinals begin (can move up to May 2 or 3)

  • May 19: Eastern Conference Finals begin on ESPN/ABC (can move up to May 17)

  • May 20: Western Conference Finals begin on NBC/Peacock (can move up to May 18)

  • June 3: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 5: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 8: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 10: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET

  • June 13: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

  • June 16: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

  • June 19: NBA Finals 2026 – Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 p.m. ET (if necessary)

Iranian footballers say Australia has given them ‘hope’ for safe future

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh (left) and Fatemeh Pasandideh were among seven members of the Iranian team who were originally granted humanitarian visas [Jack Tran]

Two Iranian footballers who were granted asylum in Australia have said the country has given them “hope for a future where we can live and compete in safety”.

Atefeh Ramezanisadeh and Fatemeh Pasandideh were among seven members of the Iranian team who were originally granted humanitarian visas while in Australia for the Women’s Asian Cup – but the other five changed their minds and returned home.

It was feared the team would face repercussions for declining to sing the Iranian national anthem at their opening match, days after the war began.

In their first public statement, Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh thanked supporters for their compassion and asked for privacy.

“At this stage, our primary focus is on our safety, our health and beginning the process of rebuilding our lives,” the statement read.

“We are overwhelmed by the warmth and generosity of the Iranian diaspora community in Australia. Your support has made us feel welcome and less alone as we navigate this transition,” they added.

The pair also thanked the Australian government for providing them “a safe haven in this beautiful country” and officials from the Home Affairs staff for their “dedicated” assistance.

Ramezanisadeh and Pasandideh – who have been pictured training with A-League Women’s team Brisbane Roar – said they hope to continue their elite sporting careers in Australia.

The drama around the Iranian team unfolded against the background of the war back in their home country which erupted on 28 February when Israel and the US launched joint air strikes.

Concerns grew about the team’s safety after footage emerged of a host on state TV calling them “traitors” who ought to be punished for their silence during the anthem on 2 March.

The players were moved to Brisbane, about an hour’s drive north from the Gold Coast where they had been staying with their teammates before giving minders the slip and going into the protection of Australian Federal Police.

Human rights activists have said the women who returned to Iran may have been pressured to reverse their decisions through threats against their families.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke at the time said the Australian government could not “remove the context in which the players are making these incredibly difficult decisions”.

Iran’s sports ministry said that they had “defeated the enemy’s plans” against them through their “national spirit and patriotism”, and accused Australia’s government of “playing in Trump’s field”.

News agency Tasnim – which is affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – meanwhile reported the players had faced “psychological warfare, extensive propaganda and seductive offers” in Australia.

Orioles barely avoid being no-hit in 4-2 loss to Guardians

CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 16: Starting pitcher Parker Messick #77 of the Cleveland Guardians tips his hat to the fans as he leaves the game during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 16, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Guardians defeated the Orioles 4-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Guardians’ rookie Parker Messick took a no-hitter into the 9th inning, but couldn’t complete the first Cleveland no-hitter in 25 years, settling for a 4-2 victory over the Orioles, Thursday.

Messick game into the bottom of the 9th with only two walks allowed and nine strikeouts on 106 pitches. He tried to sneak a cutter past Leody Taveras, only for the Orioles’ CF to slash to the ball back up the middle toward right-center, just out of the reach of 2B Juan Brito, for the Orioles first hit of the night.

The relief of no longer having a 0 in the hit column helped spark a mini rally for Baltimore in the top of the 9th. Guardians’ manager Stephen Vogt left Messick in to face Blaze Alexander, who rewarded that decision by lining a single to center field. That forced Vogt to turn to closer Cade Smith, who allowed the O’s to further claw back in the game. Taylor Ward worked a full count against Smith, and then loaded the bases when he line a 3-2 fastball into center.

Gunnar Henderson then came to the plate representing the tying run for Baltimore. The star SS just missed hitting a game-tying grand slam as well, getting just out in front of a Smith splitter and sending a 355-foot sac fly to deep right-center. Pete Alonso then took his own chance at being the Orioles’ hero, attacking a first-pitch fastball and sending it ricocheting off the top of the wall in right field for an RBI double. Had Alonso’s sinking line drive been five feet higher and five feet to the left, it would’ve been a three-run homer that tied the game. Instead, he had to settle for putting the tying run at second with one out.

As minds in Birdland began to turn to the Orioles magical no-hitter to walk-off winner Houdini act last September against the Dodgers, Colton Cowser stepped in as a pinch hitter. After fouling off some tough pitches from Smith, Cowser just got under a ball, sending a hard-hit shallow fly to left-center for the second out. That left the fate of the comeback to rookie Samuel Basallo, who sent a 108mph grounder screaming up the middle, only for Brito to grab it and toss the ball over to first for the final out.

The fact that the O’s made Thursday’s loss look respectable came as a surprise after Messick left them utterly befuddled for eight innings. The stocky, 25-year-old lefty had Orioles swinging through fastballs, flailing and changeups and pounding easy groundouts to shortstop all night. The only really loud outs of the game on a Ward flyout in the 3rd that died right up against the centerfield fence, and a nifty snag in foul territory by José Ramírez in the 8th. The complete lack of good swings from the Orioles against Messick made it look like they could go 100 ABs against the southpaw and never sniff a hit.

To say Orioles starter Shane Baz had a bad outing in Cleveland would probably be a little harsh, but he certainly paled in comparison to his counterpart, Messick. Coming off a lackluster outing against the Giants, Baz didn’t start the game with his best stuff against the Guardians. After punching out Steven Kwan to start the game, he walked Chase DeLauter on five pitches and then made a big mistake to perennial All-Star Ramírez. Baz threw a first-pitch fastball down the heart of the plate, and the Guardians’ all-time leader in games played smashed it to deep left-center for a two-run blast.

The 26-year-old right-hander quickly but that blunder behind him, though. He got out of the first thanks to a diving stop by Jeremiah Jackson at second and a lineout to Pete Alonso. The Polar Bear then made a great snag on a grounder to start the 2nd, before Baz punched out Austin Hedges on a foul-tipped cutter and ended the inning with a pop out to short.

The Orioles’ right-hander breezed through the 3rd inning thanks to a pair of grounders and a pop-up to the catcher. He’d open the 4th by striking out Kyle Manzardo looking, before giving up a single to George Valera, ending a streak of seven consecutive Guardians retired. The O’s defense would pick up their starter to end the 4th, as Coby Mayo stabbed a hard-hit grounder at third and started a 5-4-3 double play.

Baz picked up his fourth punchout of the night to begin the 5th, snapping off a knuckle curve below the zone to get Juan Brito. After getting Hedges to ground out on another good knuckle curve, the hard-throwing Texan ran into some bad luck to end the 5th.

Shortstop Brayan Rocchio grounded a ball to the right side that just barely eluded the pocket of Jackson’s glove, skipped off the glove into right field and allowed Rocchio to skamper to second for a double. After a double with an xBA of .120 kept the inning alive, Kwan lined a single to RF Johnathan Rodríguez. The Orioles’ outfielder fired a frozen rope to home plate, beating Rocchio, but the Cleveland infielder just barely slid under the tag of Samuel Basallo to score the Guardians’ third run.

Cleveland would add their fourth run against Baz in the 6th, thanks to another rally started by Ramírez. The Guardians’ best player led off the inning by working a 10-pitch walk. He then moved to third on a line drive by Manzardo to right, before scoring on a single to left off Valera’s bat. The Oriole’s starter would limit the damage, finishing the inning with two more Ks and a groundout to short. That closed Baz’s line at 6 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB and 6 K.

The Orioles will look to end their second three-game losing streak of the season tomorrow when Chris Bassitt takes the bump in Cleveland. First pitch is set for 6:10pm ET.

Orioles barely avoid being no-hit in 4-2 loss to Guardians

CLEVELAND, OHIO – APRIL 16: Starting pitcher Parker Messick #77 of the Cleveland Guardians tips his hat to the fans as he leaves the game during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Progressive Field on April 16, 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Guardians defeated the Orioles 4-2. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Guardians’ rookie Parker Messick took a no-hitter into the 9th inning, but couldn’t complete the first Cleveland no-hitter in 25 years, settling for a 4-2 victory over the Orioles, Thursday.

Messick game into the bottom of the 9th with only two walks allowed and nine strikeouts on 106 pitches. He tried to sneak a cutter past Leody Taveras, only for the Orioles’ CF to slash to the ball back up the middle toward right-center, just out of the reach of 2B Juan Brito, for the Orioles first hit of the night.

The relief of no longer having a 0 in the hit column helped spark a mini rally for Baltimore in the top of the 9th. Guardians’ manager Stephen Vogt left Messick in to face Blaze Alexander, who rewarded that decision by lining a single to center field. That forced Vogt to turn to closer Cade Smith, who allowed the O’s to further claw back in the game. Taylor Ward worked a full count against Smith, and then loaded the bases when he line a 3-2 fastball into center.

Gunnar Henderson then came to the plate representing the tying run for Baltimore. The star SS just missed hitting a game-tying grand slam as well, getting just out in front of a Smith splitter and sending a 355-foot sac fly to deep right-center. Pete Alonso then took his own chance at being the Orioles’ hero, attacking a first-pitch fastball and sending it ricocheting off the top of the wall in right field for an RBI double. Had Alonso’s sinking line drive been five feet higher and five feet to the left, it would’ve been a three-run homer that tied the game. Instead, he had to settle for putting the tying run at second with one out.

As minds in Birdland began to turn to the Orioles magical no-hitter to walk-off winner Houdini act last September against the Dodgers, Colton Cowser stepped in as a pinch hitter. After fouling off some tough pitches from Smith, Cowser just got under a ball, sending a hard-hit shallow fly to left-center for the second out. That left the fate of the comeback to rookie Samuel Basallo, who sent a 108mph grounder screaming up the middle, only for Brito to grab it and toss the ball over to first for the final out.

The fact that the O’s made Thursday’s loss look respectable came as a surprise after Messick left them utterly befuddled for eight innings. The stocky, 25-year-old lefty had Orioles swinging through fastballs, flailing and changeups and pounding easy groundouts to shortstop all night. The only really loud outs of the game on a Ward flyout in the 3rd that died right up against the centerfield fence, and a nifty snag in foul territory by José Ramírez in the 8th. The complete lack of good swings from the Orioles against Messick made it look like they could go 100 ABs against the southpaw and never sniff a hit.

To say Orioles starter Shane Baz had a bad outing in Cleveland would probably be a little harsh, but he certainly paled in comparison to his counterpart, Messick. Coming off a lackluster outing against the Giants, Baz didn’t start the game with his best stuff against the Guardians. After punching out Steven Kwan to start the game, he walked Chase DeLauter on five pitches and then made a big mistake to perennial All-Star Ramírez. Baz threw a first-pitch fastball down the heart of the plate, and the Guardians’ all-time leader in games played smashed it to deep left-center for a two-run blast.

The 26-year-old right-hander quickly but that blunder behind him, though. He got out of the first thanks to a diving stop by Jeremiah Jackson at second and a lineout to Pete Alonso. The Polar Bear then made a great snag on a grounder to start the 2nd, before Baz punched out Austin Hedges on a foul-tipped cutter and ended the inning with a pop out to short.

The Orioles’ right-hander breezed through the 3rd inning thanks to a pair of grounders and a pop-up to the catcher. He’d open the 4th by striking out Kyle Manzardo looking, before giving up a single to George Valera, ending a streak of seven consecutive Guardians retired. The O’s defense would pick up their starter to end the 4th, as Coby Mayo stabbed a hard-hit grounder at third and started a 5-4-3 double play.

Baz picked up his fourth punchout of the night to begin the 5th, snapping off a knuckle curve below the zone to get Juan Brito. After getting Hedges to ground out on another good knuckle curve, the hard-throwing Texan ran into some bad luck to end the 5th.

Shortstop Brayan Rocchio grounded a ball to the right side that just barely eluded the pocket of Jackson’s glove, skipped off the glove into right field and allowed Rocchio to skamper to second for a double. After a double with an xBA of .120 kept the inning alive, Kwan lined a single to RF Johnathan Rodríguez. The Orioles’ outfielder fired a frozen rope to home plate, beating Rocchio, but the Cleveland infielder just barely slid under the tag of Samuel Basallo to score the Guardians’ third run.

Cleveland would add their fourth run against Baz in the 6th, thanks to another rally started by Ramírez. The Guardians’ best player led off the inning by working a 10-pitch walk. He then moved to third on a line drive by Manzardo to right, before scoring on a single to left off Valera’s bat. The Oriole’s starter would limit the damage, finishing the inning with two more Ks and a groundout to short. That closed Baz’s line at 6 IP, 6 H, 4 ER, 3 BB and 6 K.

The Orioles will look to end their second three-game losing streak of the season tomorrow when Chris Bassitt takes the bump in Cleveland. First pitch is set for 6:10pm ET.