Find Out Exactly When Will NBA Playoffs Start and How to Watch Live Games

You know, as a die-hard basketball fan, I've been counting down the days until the NBA playoffs begin. I remember last year watching the Phoenix Suns' post-game conference where Devin Booker made that interesting comment about their opponent: "While I think that they played very well, but I also think that we, at the end, made the mistakes and lost it for ourselves." That moment really stuck with me because it captures exactly what makes playoff basketball so compelling - the razor-thin margin between victory and defeat, where one mental error can cost you everything you've worked for all season.

So when exactly will NBA playoffs start this year? Based on the league's typical scheduling patterns and my own tracking over the years, I'm expecting the 2024 NBA playoffs to tip off around April 20th. This timing usually falls about a week after the regular season concludes, giving teams just enough time to catch their breath while maintaining their competitive edge. The exact date might shift by a day or two depending on television scheduling and arena availability, but mid-April is when you'll want to clear your calendar. I've already marked my digital planner and set multiple reminders because missing the opening weekend of playoff basketball feels like showing up late to your own birthday party.

Finding out how to watch live games has become both easier and more complicated in recent years. Personally, I've subscribed to NBA League Pass for three consecutive seasons, and while it gives me access to every game, the blackout restrictions can be frustrating. For local viewers, your regional sports network will typically carry the games, but if you're like me and follow teams outside your market, you'll need a combination of services. I've found that ESPN and TNT will broadcast about 73% of first-round playoff games nationally, while ABC takes over weekend coverage for the later rounds. The cost for these streaming services averages around $65-85 monthly during playoff time, but honestly, watching Ja Morant's explosive drives or Stephen Curry's deep threes in real-time is worth every penny.

The intensity of playoff basketball creates those unforgettable moments that players reference years later, much like Booker's reflection on self-inflicted mistakes. I've noticed that teams who learn from early playoff exits often make deeper runs the following year. Take the Denver Nuggets' journey - after several playoff disappointments, they finally broke through last season because they stopped beating themselves. That mental growth separates championship teams from the rest of the pack. From my perspective, the teams that handle pressure best are usually the ones who've built their identity throughout the regular season rather than trying to reinvent themselves in April.

When it comes to actually watching these high-stakes games, I've developed some preferences over the years. While many fans swear by sports bars, I prefer watching at home where I can control the environment - no distracting conversations during crucial possessions, and I can rewind incredible plays immediately. My setup includes a 65-inch 4K television that I purchased specifically for basketball viewing, and the clarity makes it feel like I'm courtside. For fans who want to watch live games on the go, the NBA app works reasonably well on mobile devices, though I'd recommend using WiFi rather than cellular data to avoid those frustrating buffering moments during game-winning shot attempts.

The beauty of finding out when NBA playoffs start extends beyond just scheduling - it's about anticipating the narratives that will define the postseason. Will we see another underdog story like Miami's incredible run last year? Can the Boston Celtics finally get over the hump? These questions start getting answered the moment the playoffs begin. I'm particularly excited about the potential first-round matchups this year - the Western Conference feels wide open, with at least six teams having legitimate conference finals potential.

As we approach playoff time, I'm already planning my viewing parties and making notes about which matchups could become instant classics. The first round typically lasts about two weeks, with games becoming more frequent as teams advance. Last year's playoffs delivered an average of 4.3 games per series in the first round, suggesting we're in for plenty of basketball. For international fans looking to watch live games, time zones can be challenging, but I've found that recording games and avoiding social media until I've watched them preserves the excitement without requiring all-night viewing sessions.

Ultimately, discovering exactly when NBA playoffs start marks the beginning of basketball's most thrilling period. The combination of higher stakes, adjusted strategies, and emotional player interviews like Booker's heartfelt admission creates two months of can't-miss television. Whether you're a casual viewer or someone like me who analyzes every possession, the playoffs offer something for every basketball fan. So circle April 20th on your calendar, set up your viewing options in advance, and get ready for another unforgettable postseason journey where legends are made and, as Booker noted, games are often lost rather than won.