Watch the best teams in the NBA battle in the playoffs, online

[Wireless News]

http://l3.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/t39HQYzhntaRcsWM2psTGA--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3NfbGVnbztmaT1maWxsO2g9ODY7cT03NTt3PT EzMA--/http://media.zenfs.com/en-US/homerun/digital_trends_973/c9b808f26779aa05b3701bdd926dd9c7 (http://news.yahoo.com/watch-best-teams-nba-battle-131521526.html)This year, the NBA playoff race came down to the wire, with several seeds only being decided on the final night of games. Now, the seeds are set, the matchups decided, and all that remains is for 16 of the best basketball teams in the world to slaughter one another in pursuit of the Larry O’Brien trophy. This has been one of the most topsy turvy season in NBA history; some seemingly great teams fell apart (the Houston Rockets), teams that were supposed to be awful rose up (the Portland Trailblazers), and the Golden State Warriors did the unthinkable and broke the ‘96 Chicago Bulls’ 72-10 record, finishing 73-9. The regular season may have seemed like a nonstop river of drama, but the floodgates will truly open this weekend, when the first round of the playoffs begins. Related: NBA airs live game in 4k Ultra HD for the first time Unlike in the NFL, postseason matches in the NBA are decided by best of seven series. Teams are sorted by conference, and eventually the best teams in the East and West will meet up for the final round. The NBA has been more in touch with the rise of streaming than other sports leagues, and as such fans will have plenty of options to stream games online. Here is what to look out for in the NBA playoffs, and how to watch them. Streaming options WatchESPN ESPN’s companion video client WatchESPN gives NBA fans live access to any playoff game set to stream on either ESPN or ESPN 2. The service does require users to sign-in with a compatible cable or satellite subscription, hindering access to those who’ve completely gone off the grid. Nevertheless, those who possess the required credentials — or know someone who does — can gain access to the exact same broadcast as those who choose to watch on television. Basically this means you won’t miss out on hearing Jeff Van Gundy-go on about fired coaches, how to stop LeBron James, and his disdain for the Chicago Bulls’ management team. Available via: Web iOS Android Watch TNT Similar to WatchESPN, TNT offers online streaming of whatever currently airs on either of its TNT West, or TNT East broadcasts. Like ESPN’s app, TNT requires users to tether-a compatible cable or satellite subscription to the website in order to view the content (i.e. NBA playoff games). Simply enter your cable or satellite provider’s sign-in information when the site prompts you to gain access to both of TNT’s available streams. With TNT slated to air the lion’s share of NBA playoff action, we recommend bookmarking this streaming option for quick access. Available via: Web iOS Android TNT Overtime The folks over at TNT not only offer a resource for streaming NBA action, but they also provide fans of the game an enhanced way to catch each upcoming matchup with TNT Overtime. With access to the site requiring only-an Internet connection, TNT Overtime offers users live playoff action, the ability to view multiple camera angles, and adds an interactive touch by including what’s trending on Twitter. Though it doesn’t offer any commentary from the television broadcast, TNT Overtime is a great way to follow the NBA playoffs without breaking the bank for a cable subscription. Available via: Web iOS Android Sling TV The new cord-cutter’s special from Dish Network-provides a great-way to watch the NBA playoffs live without a cable or satellite subscription. Subscribers to Sling TV’s-introductory $20 per month package get channels such as-TNT, TBS, and ESPN, granting-even basic users access to a host of NBA playoff action. Microsoft’s Xbox One recently gained access to a-Sling TV application, and-DISH Network is-currently offering-a free month trial of everything-the streaming service offers. Though the trial lasts just 30 days, it’s more than worth checking out given the sheer amount of content users have access to. Do-keep in mind the service-requires physical cancellation before the 30-day trial ends, otherwise you’ll notice a one-month charge for $20-on your next bank statement. PlayStation Vue Like Dish Network, Sony recently joined the cordcutting revolution and now offers subscriptions for-its own version of an online streaming service. Called PlayStation Vue, subscribers to the service gain broadcast access to channels like NBC, Fox, CBS, TNT, and a host of other top-tier networks. However, Vue does boast two glaring caveats in which it doesn’t yet have a partnership with ABC — meaning no access to ESPN or the NBA Finals — and costs subscribers $50 per month for access. On the plus side, unlike Sling TV, Playstation Vue offers a cloud DVR system-that saves content for 28 days. Subscribe now from: Sony Other resources NBA subreddit An incredible resource for information about virtually-everything, Reddit touts-more than enough NBA-specific-information to satisfy-any and all basketball fans. With playoff-coverage-on tap for the next month and a half, expect loads of content related to-each matchup including-interviews, game videos, injury news, and hilarious-memes. Reddit’s loyal user base generates the site’s wealth of content.-On game days, you’ll find plenty of NBA-themed stories, chat threads, and even alternative streaming sites. While Reddit is a fantastic resource for getting your NBA fill, it’s-entirely too easy-to waste entire weekends-poking around the rest of the site. Don’t say we didn’t warn you. Check it out at: Reddit ESPN’s Gamecast Though not a video option, ESPN regularly offers its signature play-by-play Gamecast presentation-for each playoff matchup. Simply-head over to the NBA’s scoreboard-page via the ESPN website, click the game you’d like to “watch,” and wait for the-desired-Gamecast window to open. This feature shows real-time events, including every basket, dunk, foul, and James Harden flop. Gamecast also lists each team’s stats, highlight videos, and what’s trending via-the social media site Twitter. Check it out at: ESPN Questionable streaming sites Keep in mind most of the illegal streaming options available come loaded with unwanted spam and a barrage of pop-up windows. Leaning on such links tends to be-frustrating, particularly when it comes to finding quality video and audio feeds with little buffering. Again,-you must keep in mind many of these sites illegally broadcast the content, and your computer-remains at a-high risk of malware when using them. Nevertheless, you’ll notice the deep selection of links available to you once you find an adequate streaming site on the Web. Many-sites — though technically legal given they only provide links to various broadcast streams instead of broadcasting the copyrighted content — fall within the gray areas of the law. Note: As a rule of thumb, never click on any link which asks you to download any HD Players, update your streaming software, or to install any “required” media players. These are often just spam links that-could infect your computer with viruses. Round 1 schedule-– All times EST West (1) Golden State Warriors vs. (8) Houston Rockets Game 1: -Saturday April 16, Houston at Golden State, 3:30 p.m., ABC Game 2: Monday April 18, Houston at Golden State, 10:30 p.m., TNT Game 3: Thursday April 21, Golden State at Houston, 9:30 p.m., TNT Game 4: Sunday April 24, Golden State at Houston, 3:30 p.m., ABC Game 5 * Wednesday April 27, Houston at Golden State, TBD, TBD Game 6 * Friday April 29, Golden State at Houston, TBD, TBD Game 7 * Sunday May 1, Houston at Golden State, TBD, TBD *if necessary (2) San Antonio Spurs vs. (7) Memphis Grizzlies Game 1: Sunday April 17, Memphis at San Antonio, 8 p.m., TNT Game 2: Tuesday April 19, Memphis at San Antonio, 9:30 p.m., TNT Game 3: Friday April 22, San Antonio at Memphis, 9:30 p.m., ESPN Game 4: Sunday April 24, San Antonio at Memphis, 1 p.m., ABC Game 5 * Tuesday April 26, Memphis at San Antonio, TBD, TBD Game 6 * Thursday April 28, San Antonio at Memphis, TBD, TBD Game 7 * Saturday April 30, Memphis at San Antonio, TBD, TNT *if necessary (3) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (6) Dallas Mavericks Game 1: Saturday April 16, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 9:30 p.m., ESPN Game 2: Monday April 18, Dallas at Oklahoma City, 8 p.m., TNT Game 3: Thursday April 21, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 7 p.m., TNT Game 4: Saturday April 23, Oklahoma City at Dallas, 8 p.m., ESPN Game 5 * Monday April 25, Dallas at Oklahoma City, TBD, TBD Game 6 * Thursday April 28, Oklahoma City at Dallas, TBD, TBD Game 7 * Saturday April 30, Dallas at Oklahoma City, TBD, TNT *if necessary (4) L.A. Clippers vs. (5) Portland Trail Blazers Game 1: Sunday April 17, Portland at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT Game 2: Wednesday April 20, Portland at L.A. Clippers, 10:30 p.m., TNT Game 3: Saturday April 23, L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10:30 p.m., ESPN Game 4: Monday April 25, L.A. Clippers at Portland, 10:30 p.m., TNT Game 5 * Wednesday April 27, Portland at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TBD Game 6 * Friday April 29, L.A. Clippers at Portland, TBD, TBD Game 7 * Sunday May 1, Portland at L.A. Clippers, TBD, TBD *if necessary East (1) Cleveland Cavaliers vs. (8) Detroit Pistons Game 1: Sunday April 17, Detroit at Cleveland, 3 p.m., ABC Game 2: Wednesday April 20, Detroit at Cleveland, 8 p.m., TNT Game 3: Friday April 22, Cleveland at Detroit, 7 p.m., ESPN Game 4: Sunday April 24, Cleveland at Detroit, 8:30 p.m., TNT Game 5 * Tuesday April 26, Detroit at Cleveland, TBD, TBD Game 6 * Thursday April 28, Cleveland at Detroit, TBD, TBD Game 7 * Saturday April 30, Detroit at Cleveland, TBD, TNT *if necessary (2) Toronto Raptors vs. (7) Indiana Pacers Game 1: Saturday April 16, Indiana at Toronto, 12:30 p.m., ESPN Game 2: Monday April 18, Indiana at Toronto, 7 p.m., NBA TV Game 3: Thursday April 21, Toronto at Indiana, 7:30 p.m., NBA TV Game 4: Saturday April 23, Toronto at Indiana, 3 p.m., TNT Game 5 * Tuesday April 26 , Indiana at Toronto, TBD, TBD Game 6 * Friday April 29, Toronto at Indiana, TBD, TBD Game 7 * Sunday May 1, Indiana at Toronto, TBD, TBD *if necessary (3) Miami Heat vs. (6) Charlotte Hornets Game 1: Sunday April 17, Charlotte at Miami, 5:30 p.m., TNT Game 2: Wednesday April 20, Charlotte at Miami, 7 p.m., NBA TV Game 3: Saturday April 23, Miami at Charlotte, 5:30 p.m., TNT Game 4: Monday April 25, Miami at Charlotte, TBD, TBD Game 5 * Wednesday April 27, Charlotte at Miami, TBD, TBD Game 6 * Friday April 29, Miami at Charlotte, TBD, TBD Game 7 * Sunday May 1, Charlotte at Miami, TBD, TBD *if necessary (4) Atlanta Hawks vs. (5) Boston Celtics Game 1: Saturday April 16, Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m., ESPN Game 2: Tuesday April 19, Boston at Atlanta, 7 p.m., TNT Game 3: Friday April 22, Atlanta at Boston, 8 p.m., ESPN2 Game 4: Sunday April 24, Atlanta at Boston, 6 p.m., TNT Game 5 * Tuesday April 26, Boston at Atlanta, TBD, TBD Game 6 * Thursday April 28, Atlanta at Boston, TBD, TBD Game 7 * Saturday April 30, Boston at Atlanta, TBD, TNT *if necessary



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