How to watch NBA playoffs opening weekend, from Cavs vs Magic to Nuggets vs Lakers

Ben Leibowitz, Akron Beacon Journal

Following the NBA's play-in tournament pitting the No. 7-10 seeds in each conference against each other to determine who will punch their ticket into the official bracket, the 2024 NBA playoffs begin Saturday, April 20.

Opening weekend of the playoffs features a full slate of games both Saturday and Sunday, beginning with the Cleveland Cavaliers facing off against the Orlando Magic to tip things off Saturday morning for West Coast fans.

Cavaliers guards Donovan Mitchell (45) and Darius Garland talk in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers, April 12, 2024, in Cleveland.
Cavaliers guards Donovan Mitchell (45) and Darius Garland talk in the fourth quarter against the Indiana Pacers, April 12, 2024, in Cleveland.

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The hunt for an NBA title begins now, and fans will be treated to a plethora of fun matchups featuring the game's brightest stars.

Here's how to tune in throughout the weekend.

What channel are the NBA playoff games on? How to watch Saturday's matchups, including Cavs vs. Magic

Here's how and when fans can watch Saturday's slate of NBA playoff games:

  • Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Orlando Magic, 1 p.m. ET, ESPN

  • Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves, 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN

  • New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers, 6 p.m. ET, ESPN

  • Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers, 8:30 p.m. ET, ABC

How to watch Sunday's NBA playoff games, including Bucks vs. Pacers

Here's how and when fans can tune in to Sunday's NBA playoff games:

  • Boston Celtics vs. Miami Heat, 1 p.m. ET, ABC

  • Los Angeles Clippers vs. Dallas Mavericks, 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC

  • Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers, 7 p.m. ET, TNT

  • Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 8:30 p.m. ET, TNT

How to watch NBA playoff games online

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks to pass the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado during the first half of an NBA play-in game at the New Orleans Pelicans, April 16, 2024.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James looks to pass the ball against New Orleans Pelicans guard Jose Alvarado during the first half of an NBA play-in game at the New Orleans Pelicans, April 16, 2024.

The ABC, ESPN and TNT games all can be streamed online through each channel's website with a valid subscription login.

The TNT games also can be streamed via the Max (HBO) app with a subscription login.

Fans can stream ESPN games with the ESPN app.

ABC games can be streamed via Hulu with Hulu + Live TV.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: How to watch Cavs vs Magic, NBA playoff games on opening weekend

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