If you’re a diehard basketball fan but your team just can’t seem to make the playoffs this year then all you want is to watch LeBron and the Lakers or Steph and the Warriors battle it out for a championship run. However, cable is crazy expensive and you’d rather not go to a crowded sports bar. What will basketball lover do? Streaming the games online is the answer. With just a few clicks you can get courtside seats on your laptop. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know to stream live NBA action without going broke. From subscriptions of streaming services to accessing local team broadcasts, you’ll be dunking every game in no time. Let’s get started so you don’t miss one second of game!
Table of Contents
What is the NBA League Pass blackout?
As an NBA fan, nothing’s more frustrating than settling in to watch your favorite team only to find the game blacked out. With NBA League Pass, the NBA’s streaming service, games are sometimes unavailable due to blackout restrictions. These blackouts happen when a game is locally televised in your area or is nationally televised.
The good news is there are ways around these annoying blackouts. Using a VPN is one of the easiest solutions. A VPN masks your location, making it appear as if you’re accessing the internet from another area. This tricks League Pass into thinking you’re outside the blackout zone, so you can watch the game live. Another option is watching the game on a streaming site like ESPN+, TNT Overtime or NBA TV. These officially partnered sites will stream some nationally televised games. While not ideal, at least you won’t miss the big matchups.
As streaming services become more popular, the leagues and networks may change their blackout policies. But for now, using a streaming VPN, alternative streaming sites, or watching on cable are your best bets to catch all the NBA action, even when blackouts strike.
How to avoid NBA League Pass blackouts with a VPN?
To circumvent NBA League Pass blackouts, you’ll want to use a VPN, or virtual private network. A VPN masks your real IP address and location, making it appear you’re accessing the internet from somewhere else.
Follow these steps:
- Set up a VPN account with AstrillVPN.
- Download its app and install it on your streaming device.
- Connect to the AstrillVPN server in a location that isn’t blacking out the game you want to watch. For example, if the game is blacked out in your city or region, choose a VPN location in another part of the country.
- Once connected, load up NBA League Pass on your streaming device. The service will think you’re accessing from the VPN location and allow you to stream the blacked-out game live.
- You may need to disconnect from the VPN when not streaming to access other internet services. But as long as you’re connected when using NBA League Pass, you’ll be able to avoid local blackouts and never miss a big game.
Using a VPN is a simple solution to unlock the full potential of your NBA League Pass subscription.
How to Watch NBA Playoffs for Free?
Streaming the NBA playoffs doesn’t have to cost you a dime. All you need is an internet connection and a compatible streaming device.
Use the NBA App
The official NBA app offers live streaming of all playoff games. Download the app on your phone, tablet, streaming stick, or smart TV and enjoy watching the postseason for free. You can catch games live or on-demand and even listen to radio broadcasts.
Visit the NBA Website
If you prefer watching on a bigger screen, just head to NBA.com. The site streams every playoff matchup live. Click the ‘Watch’ tab at the top of the page to access live and on-demand streams. You can cast games directly to your TV using a streaming device like Roku, Fire TV or Chromecast.
Take Advantage of Free Trials
Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV and Sling TV offer free trial periods. Sign up for a trial during the playoffs to access live ABC, ESPN and TNT streams on your favorite streaming devices. Just cancel before the trial ends if you don’t plan to continue service.
When NBA kicks off?
The NBA regular season kicked off on April 20, 2024, in the US and ended with the finals on June 6. With so many matchups, catching them all on cable can be hard. But don’t worry—many ways to stream NBA action online exist. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, and Sling TV offer major sports channels like ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV in their channel lineups. Subscriptions start around $30 a month.
If you already have a streaming device like Fire TV, Roku or Chromecast, you may be able to add some of these streaming services as standalone channel subscriptions for a lower monthly cost.
The NBA also offers NBA League Pass, a premium streaming package with live coverage of all games each week. If you’re willing to commit to watching on a mobile device only, packages start at $10 for the season. This is not a bad option if your favorite team plays outside your local TV market!
With all these choices, you’ll have no excuse to miss a slam dunk or buzzer-beater this season.
2024 NBA Playoffs Game Schedule
Get ready for the NBA playoffs! The schedule for the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs has been released. As a basketball fan, these next few months will be action-packed. The playoffs start on April 20 and run through June if it goes the full seven games in the Finals. The first round matchups look exciting, with some familiar faces and new teams in the postseason.
The full schedule of dates, times, and broadcast information for each series is available on the NBA website and app. You can look at the schedule here.
Top Streaming Sites for NBA 2024
For cord cutters, streaming NBA games online is the only option. Luckily, there are a few good choices for catching all the action without a cable subscription.
Sling TV
Sling TV offers NBA TV and ESPN, the two major channels for streaming NBA games, in its Sling Orange package for $20/month. It frequently runs promotions offering NBA TV for free as an add-on. You’ll need an antenna or subscription to a service like YouTube TV for nationally televised games on ABC and TNT.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV includes ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT for $72.99/month for 1 membership up to 6 household accounts. They offer a free trial and the ability to cancel anytime. YouTube TV allows you to record games to watch on-demand and offers unlimited DVR storage. The interface is easy to use, and streaming quality is solid. If you want the most comprehensive NBA streaming option, YouTube TV is it.
NBA League Pass
For out-of-market games, NBA League Pass allows you to stream every NBA game season long for $149.99 . Choose a single-team pass or the full league pass. While a good value for hardcore NBA fans, national games and playoffs are blacked out. League Pass is best to compliment a service like Sling TV or YouTube TV.
With the NBA season now in full swing, there’s no shortage of ways to catch your favorite team in action. Combining a few of these streaming services gives you access to every nationally televised NBA game and then some.
How to stream NBA Games Online?
To catch all the action during NBA playoffs and never miss your team in the playoffs, here are some tips to stream NBA online:
Use Official NBA Streaming Sites
The NBA offers a few official ways to stream games online. NBA TV, NBA League Pass and NBA League Pass Broadband allow you to stream live NBA games on your smart TV, computer, tablet or phone. These options do require a paid subscription, but offer the most comprehensive coverage.
Check Your Local TV Provider
Many cable and satellite TV providers offer streaming access to regional sports networks like Fox Sports and NBC Sports that air NBA games. You can use your TV provider login for NBA games live streaming on their respective apps or websites.
Free Streaming Sites
There are a handful of free sites like ESPN3, Sling TV and YouTube TV where you can catch select NBA live streams at no cost. They may not offer all playoff games or your local team’s schedule, but can work in a pinch.
Consider International Options
If you have access to international streaming services like DAZN, Sky Sports, or Foxtel Now, you may be able to stream NBA playoff games that would otherwise be blacked out in your area. To access these services, you will need a VPN to spoof your location outside the US.
With the NBA postseason underway, now’s the time to figure out your streaming strategy so you never have to miss a minute of the action.
How to watch NBA games online with AstrillVPN?
Using AstrillVPN is a great way to access NBA games if they’re geo-blocked where you are. Here’s how to do it:
Subscribe to AstrillVPN
Sign up for an AstrillVPN account. Astrill offers affordable plans starting at just $12.5/month. Download its app onto your streaming device like a Firestick, Roku or Smart TV.
Choose a US server
Once you’ve signed in, select a US-based server to connect to. US servers will give you an American IP address so you can access US-only streaming content.
Launch your streaming service
Open the streaming service you want to watch NBA games on, like NBA League Pass, Sling TV, Hulu with Live TV or YouTube TV. As you now appear to be in the US with an American IP address, you can access live NBA games and coverage.
Cast to your TV
If you’re streaming on a mobile device or computer, you can cast directly to your TV using a streaming stick or smart TV to watch the games on the big screen.
Using AstrillVPN is a simple way for basketball fans everywhere to catch all the NBA action live, even when geo-restrictions try to block you. With just a few clicks you can be streaming NBA games on all your favorite devices.
Setting Up Your Devices to Stream NBA
To stream NBA games, you must ensure you have the right devices and software.
- For the best streaming experience, use a streaming media device like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV and download the NBA app. These connected TV devices provide a big-screen experience and an interface optimized for streaming.
- Through the NBA app on your streaming device, you’ll have access to NBA TV, ESPN, TNT and ABC to stream live and on-demand NBA action. NBA TV offers up to 275 live games, and ESPN and TNT have rights to many regular season and playoff matchups. ABC airs select major games like the NBA Finals and some playoff series.
- The NBA app is also available on iOS and Android mobile devices if you want to stream. You can stream the same live and on-demand content on a smaller screen. Ensure you have a solid Wi-Fi or mobile data connection for the most seamless streaming. Streaming video requires a lot of bandwidth, so slower connections may experience buffering or lower video quality.
With the right devices and software and a fast, stable internet connection, you’ll be all set to stream your favorite NBA team in action this season!
Where to watch NBA games online in US?
If you have no idea which apps stream NBA games in the US then go through the following list.
1. TNT and ESPN
TNT and ESPN air many NBA games throughout the regular season and playoffs. Both channels offer streaming services, Watch TNT and ESPN+, where you can catch the most nationally televised NBA matchups. ESPN+ costs $10.99/month, and Watch TNT is included if you have a cable subscription that offers the channel.
2. NBA League Pass
If you want access to all NBA games, NBA League Pass is the way to go. League Pass offers packages to stream every out-of-market NBA game live. Plans start at $149.99 for the full season. The NBA also offers single team passes and a mobile-only option.
3. Channels subscription
Other choices are DirecTV stream, fuboTV, YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV and AT&T TV Now, which provide many major cable channels that air NBA games like TNT, ESPN and NBA TV. DirecTV offers 275+ channels in $89.99/month and FuboTV offers 153+ channels starting from $79.99/month. All services offer free trials so you can try them out to see which you prefer based on their channel lineups and features.
4. Sling TV
Sling TV’s Blue package is affordable at just $20/month. It includes TNT, ESPN and NBA TV so you can stream quite a few NBA matchups. The downside is that it lacks ABC, which airs some major games. But for the price, Sling Blue is a solid choice for casual NBA fans on a budget.
Whichever streaming service you choose, you’ll have access to watch NBA action all season long without a cable subscription.
FAQs
Got questions about streaming NBA games online? We’ve got answers.
Yes, the NBA offers an official free streaming app called NBA TV that shows some live games, replays, highlights and analysis. You can also catch select live games on the Yahoo Sports app and Twitter.
If you want full access to live NBA games, NBA League Pass and NBA TV are the most affordable options. NBA League Pass starts at $14.99/month. NBA League Pass premium is for $22.99/month. These give you access to most out-of-market games on many connected devices.
No, Amazon Prime Video does not currently offer live NBA games. They may offer some NBA TV shows, documentaries and replays, but not live game streams.
Yes, ESPN offers live NBA game streams through their ESPN+ streaming service which starts at $10.99/month. They stream one live NBA game per day, along with on-demand replays, highlights and ESPN’s NBA shows like The Jump and NBA Today.
A VPN, or virtual private network, is one way to circumvent local blackout restrictions and access live NBA streams from anywhere. You’ll still need a streaming service subscription, but a VPN allows you to spoof your location.
Conclusion
With just a few easy steps, you can gain access to all the NBA action you crave. Whether it’s on your phone, laptop, tablet or TV, technology has made it simpler than ever to follow your favorite team’s playoff push from anywhere. Sure, nothing beats catching the game live in the arena. But when real life gets in the way, these streaming options keep you connected to all the high-flying highlights. Just remember to have a stable internet connection and you’ll be set. Now get out there and start streaming! Don’t let the distance or a pricey cable bill, stop you from enjoying every bounce of the basketball.
About The Author
No comments were posted yet