The 2026 NBA Playoffs are officially locked in after the final play-in spots were claimed overnight Friday. Sixteen teams will battle through the bracket starting this weekend, with the first round tipping off Saturday and Sunday across multiple networks.
For Upstate basketball fans who followed the regular season, the bracket features several compelling first-round matchups. National broadcasts will air on ABC, ESPN, and TNT, with full streaming available through ESPN+ and the TNT app for subscribers.
Watch Parties and Sports Bars in Spartanburg
Downtown Spartanburg offers several spots to catch the action. RJ Rockers Brewing Company on West Main Street regularly hosts game-day crowds, while Wild Wing Cafe near WestGate Mall has wall-to-wall screens for playoff viewing. FR8yard, the outdoor entertainment venue near Morgan Square, often sets up big-screen viewing for major sporting events.
For those watching from home, the first round runs through late April, with games typically tipping off at 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9:30 p.m. Eastern.
What’s Happening: Quick Q&A
Q: When do the NBA Playoffs start?
A: The first round tips off this weekend, April 19-20, 2026, with games continuing through late April.
Q: Where can I watch in Spartanburg?
A: RJ Rockers, Wild Wing Cafe near WestGate Mall, and FR8yard downtown are popular spots for playoff viewing.
Q: What channels carry the games?
A: ABC, ESPN, and TNT broadcast the first round. Streaming is available on ESPN+ and the TNT app.
