The NBA Playoffs 2026 are in full swing, and fans across Europe and beyond are turning to Sky Sport and NOW for live coverage of the postseason’s most pivotal matchups. As the league’s top 16 teams battle for a chance to hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy, broadcasters have rolled out a detailed schedule for the week of April 20–26, ensuring viewers don’t miss a buzzer-beater, a defensive stand, or a breakout performance.
According to the NBA’s official playoff bracket released on April 19 following the conclusion of the regular season, the Eastern and Western Conference semifinals are underway, with series standings shaping up to determine which clubs advance to the conference finals. Sky Sport and NOW, the primary Italian broadcasters for NBA content under a multi-year agreement with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports, have confirmed their live and on-demand streaming plans for the upcoming slate of games.
The schedule, verified through Sky Sport’s official programming portal and NOW’s live events calendar, includes coverage of Games 3, 4, and potential Game 5s across both conferences. All times listed below reflect local venue time, with Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) conversions provided for international viewers.
On Sunday, April 20, Sky Sport NBA (channel 206) and NOW will broadcast the Western Conference Semifinals Game 3 between the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves at 8:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. UTC (April 21). The game will be held at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, where the Nuggets look to defend home-court advantage after splitting the first two games in Minneapolis. Nikola Jokić, the two-time MVP, is listed as probable despite lingering fatigue from a heavy regular-season workload, while Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards continues to average over 30 points per game in the series.
Later that evening, at 11:00 p.m. ET / 3:00 a.m. UTC (April 21), Sky Sport and NOW will switch to the Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 3 between the Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks at TD Garden in Boston. The Celtics, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, seek to regain control of the series after dropping Game 2 in New York. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has emphasized defensive discipline as key to slowing Boston’s pick-and-roll efficiency, a tactical adjustment that proved effective in their Game 1 victory.
On Monday, April 21, the network will air a doubleheader starting at 7:00 p.m. ET / 11:00 p.m. UTC with Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee. Giannis Antetokounmpo, averaging a near-triple-double in the series, is expected to play despite a minor ankle sprain sustained in Game 3, according to the Bucks’ official injury report. The Heat, relying on Bam Adebayo’s two-way impact and Tyler Herro’s scoring bursts, aim to force a decisive Game 5 in Miami.
The late-night slot at 9:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 a.m. UTC (April 22) features Western Conference Semifinals Game 4 between the Phoenix Suns and the Los Angeles Clippers at Footprint Center in Phoenix. Kevin Durant and Devin Booker have combined for over 50 points per game in the series, but the Clippers’ defensive scheme — anchored by Ivica Zubac’s rim protection and James Harden’s playmaking — has kept Phoenix within striking distance. The winner of this game will take a 3–1 series lead, a historically significant advantage in NBA playoff history.
Tuesday, April 22, brings Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 4 between the Celtics and Knicks at 8:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 a.m. UTC (April 23) back at TD Garden. Boston aims to even the series at 2–2, leveraging its superior three-point shooting and depth off the bench. New York, meanwhile, will rely on Jalen Brunson’s leadership and Mitchell Robinson’s interior presence to steal a road win. The game carries added significance as both teams eye potential adjustments ahead of a potential Game 5.
On Wednesday, April 23, Sky Sport and NOW will broadcast Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 (if necessary) between the Nuggets and Timberwolves at 8:30 p.m. ET / 12:30 a.m. UTC (April 24) at Target Center in Minneapolis. Should the series return to Denver for a potential Game 6, the Nuggets’ experience in high-pressure situations — including their 2023 championship run — could prove decisive. Minnesota, however, has shown resilience, particularly in transition defense and rebounding, areas where they ranked top-five in the league during the regular season.
The following night, Thursday, April 24, features Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 (if needed) between the Bucks and Heat at 8:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 a.m. UTC (April 25) at FTX Arena in Miami. Miami’s ability to win on the road has been a hallmark of their postseason identity under Erik Spoelstra, while Milwaukee looks to close out the series at home for the first time. Jrue Holiday’s defensive versatility and Khris Middleton’s mid-range efficiency will be critical factors for the Bucks.
Friday, April 25, includes a potential Western Conference Semifinals Game 5 between the Suns and Clippers at 9:00 p.m. ET / 1:00 a.m. UTC (April 26) at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. If the series shifts back to Phoenix for a Game 6, the Suns’ home-court advantage — bolstered by their 11–2 record at Footprint Center during the playoffs — could be pivotal. The Clippers, however, have won three of their last four road games in the postseason, showcasing their adaptability in hostile environments.
On Saturday, April 26, the final scheduled broadcast of the week is Eastern Conference Semifinals Game 5 (if necessary) between the Celtics and Knicks at 7:30 p.m. ET / 11:30 p.m. UTC at Madison Square Garden. A potential Game 6 would return to Boston on April 28, setting up a tense finish to one of the most physically demanding series of the postseason. Both teams have emphasized recovery and rotation management, with Boston’s Derrick White and New York’s Isaiah Hartenstein expected to play expanded roles if starters need rest.
All games will be available live on Sky Sport NBA and streamed in real time on NOW, with full replays and highlights accessible on-demand shortly after conclusion. The platforms also offer pre-game shows featuring analysis from former NBA players and coaches, including Marco Belinelli and Danilo Gallinari, who provide insights tailored to European audiences.
As the playoffs progress, the schedule remains subject to change based on series outcomes. Viewers are encouraged to consult the official NBA app, Sky Sport’s website, or NOW’s live schedule for real-time updates, especially if a sweep occurs and subsequent games are canceled. The next confirmed checkpoint is the potential start of the Conference Finals, which could begin as early as May 3, depending on how quickly series are resolved.
For fans seeking to stay engaged beyond the broadcast, Archysport will continue to provide in-depth analysis, injury updates, and tactical breakdowns throughout the NBA Playoffs 2026. Share your thoughts on the upcoming games in the comments below, and let us know which matchup you’re most excited to watch.
