ESPN has confirmed its Australian coverage schedule for the NBA Playoffs conference semi-finals featuring eight remaining teams.
The 2026 NBA Playoffs roll into the Conference Semi Finals with eight teams still in contention, as ESPN lines up a packed schedule of live coverage across Wednesday May 6 and Thursday May 7.
After an opening round that delivered several unexpected results, the next phase promises more high-stakes matchups, with multiple series pushed to the brink before advancing.
Wednesday’s action tips off at 9.00am AEST on ESPN2, with the Detroit Pistons taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Pistons, who finished as the top seed in the Eastern Conference, were pushed to the edge in their first-round clash against the Orlando Magic, recovering from a 3-1 deficit with Cade Cunningham playing a decisive role.
The Cavaliers also endured a demanding path, needing a Game Seven to eliminate the Toronto Raptors, leaving little recovery time ahead of their meeting with the top-seeded Pistons.
Attention then turns to the Western Conference, with Oklahoma City Thunder facing the Los Angeles Lakers at 10.30am AEST on ESPN. The Thunder enter as defending champions after sweeping the Phoenix Suns 4-0 in the opening round.
The Lakers secured their place with a 4-2 series win over the Houston Rockets, managing injuries to Luka Doncic and Austin Reaves during the series. Reaves has since returned, while Doncic is expected back following a hamstring injury.
The series places Shai Gilgeous-Alexander up against LeBron James, in what shapes as one of the key matchups of the semi finals.
On Thursday May 7, coverage begins at 9.00am AEST on ESPN with the New York Knicks hosting the Philadelphia 76ers. The Knicks enter as the third seed, while the 76ers advanced after overturning a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Boston Celtics. Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Paul George were central to that comeback.
The double header continues at 12.00pm AEST as the San Antonio Spurs meet the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spurs, seeded second, are led by Victor Wembanyama, while the Timberwolves face injury concerns involving Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.
Further fixtures continue across the weekend and into the following week, including additional meetings between the Thunder and Lakers, Knicks and 76ers, and Spurs and Timberwolves.
