The NBA officially released the schedule for the second round of the 2026 playoffs this past Saturday, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying conference semifinals. Fans now have confirmed tip times and television networks for every game, making it easier than ever to plan your viewing parties and gear up in your favorite team's apparel.
Out West, the matchups are locked in and ready to tip off. The top-seeded Oklahoma City Thunder will face the star-studded Los Angeles Lakers in a series that pits young energy against veteran savvy. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs take on the Minnesota Timberwolves in a clash of rising powerhouses. Both series are guaranteed to deliver high-octane basketball and plenty of drama.
Over in the Eastern Conference, the picture is still developing as three first-round series are headed to decisive Game 7s. The Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers battle it out on Saturday, while the Detroit Pistons face the Orlando Magic and the Cleveland Cavaliers take on the Toronto Raptors—both tipping off on Sunday. With everything on the line, expect nothing less than playoff intensity.
Despite the uncertainty in the East, the NBA has released a full television schedule for the conference semifinals, complete with hypothetical matchups. Here’s a breakdown of the upcoming games (all times are Eastern; an asterisk* indicates "if necessary"):
Detroit Pistons/Orlando Magic vs. Cleveland Cavaliers/Toronto Raptors
Game 1: Tuesday, May 5, 7 p.m. (Peacock/NBCSN)
Game 2: Thursday, May 7, 7 p.m. (Prime Video)
Game 3: Saturday, May 9, 3 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Game 4: Monday, May 11, 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 13, TBD
*Game 6: Friday, May 15, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 17, TBD
New York Knicks vs. Boston Celtics/Philadelphia 76ers
Game 1: Monday, May 4, 8 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: Wednesday, May 6, 7 p.m. (ESPN)
Game 3: Friday, May 8, 7 p.m. (Prime Video)
Game 4: Sunday, May 10, 3:30 p.m. (ABC)
*Game 5: Tuesday, May 12, TBD
*Game 6: Thursday, May 14, TBD
*Game 7: Sunday, May 17, TBD
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Los Angeles Lakers
Game 1: Tuesday, May 5, 8:30 p.m. (NBC/Peacock)
Game 2: Thursday, May 7, 9:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
Game 3: Saturday, May 9, 8:30 p.m. (ABC)
Game 4: Monday, May 11, 10:30 p.m. (Prime Video)
*Game 5: Wednesday, May 13, TBD
*Game 6: Saturday, May 16, TBD
*Game 7: Monday, May 18, TBD
San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves
Game 1: Monday, May 4, 9:30 p.m. (Peacock/NBCSN)
Game 2: Wednesday, May 6, 9:30 p.m. (TBD)
Get your jerseys ready, stock up on snacks, and mark your calendars—the second round is shaping up to be unforgettable. Whether you're cheering from the stands or your living room, these are the games you won't want to miss.