2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs presented by GEICO: Conference Quarterfinals (First Round) Television Schedule & Commentators

The present-day logo that is used for the NHL’s Stanley Cup Playoffs (2022-present). (📸: Tamir Moore/Canva)

| ▸ Tuesday, April 14, 2026

🟇 Highlights:

• The 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs presented by GEICO begin on Saturday, April 18, with three games on the ESPN family of networks.

• Turner Sports (TNT/TBS) and Disney (ABC/ESPN/ESPN2) share broadcast rights for First Round matchups.

• The remaining first-round Series dropped the puck on either Sunday, April 19, or Monday, April 20.

• There will be a new Stanley Cup champion as the two-time defending champion Florida Panthers didn’t qualify for the postseason this year.

• The shocking Sabres, the Utah Mammoth (the NHL’s youngest franchise), Sidney Crosby’s return to the playoffs, and the continual Canadian chase for a Stanley Cup championship are among the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs storylines.

The 2025-26 NHL regular season concluded this week, marking the arrival of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs presented by GEICO. Sixteen NHL franchises now compete fiercely for the coveted Stanley Cup championship 🏆. The opening games of the first round, featuring eight matchups, will take place over three days, starting Saturday, April 18, with the Senators facing the Hurricanes (3:00 PM ET, ESPN), the Wild taking on the Stars (5:30 PM ET, ESPN), and the Flyers battling the Penguins (8:00 PM ET, ESPN). This action will continue through Monday, April 20, when the Ducks meet the Oilers (10:00 PM ET, ESPN2). Fans can catch all the first-round excitement on ESPN, ESPN2, TNT/truTV, and TBS.

Tim Stuzle and the Ottawa Senators (WC2 in East) visit Seth Jarvis and the Carolina Hurricanes (M1 in East) in Game 1 of their best-of-seven postseason Series on Saturday, April 18, at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN and ESPN App. ESPN’s John Buccigross (play-by-play) and Olympic gold medalist AJ Mleczko (analyst) will call Game 1 of the Senators-Hurricanes series from Lenovo Center in Raleigh, North Carolina.

The second and third-place teams in the Central Division meet in the opener of a Western Conference first-round series as Jason Robertson and the Dallas Stars (C2 in West) host Quinn Hughes (C3 in West) and the Minnesota Wild on Saturday, April 18, at 5:30 PM ET on ESPN and ESPN App. Bob Wischusen (play-by-play) & 2022 Stanley Cup champion Erik Johnson (analyst) provide commentary for ESPN’s Game 1 Wild vs. Stars presentation.

Saturday primetime features the “Battle of Pennsylvania,” a matchup of longtime rivals from the Keystone State. Trevor Zegras and the Philadelphia Flyers (M3 in East), making their first postseason appearance since 2020, face off against familiar foe Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins (M2 in East) in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals from PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Saturday, April 18, at 8:00 PM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App. ESPN’s lead NHL team of Sean McDonough (play-by-play), Ray Ferraro (analyst) & Emily Kaplan (reporter) takes the call from Pittsburgh.

Sunday’s playoff action begins at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, when the Presidents’ Trophy winning Colorado Avalanche (C1 in West) host Artemi Panarin and the Los Angeles Kings (WC2 in West) in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals on Sunday, April 19 at 3:00 PM ET on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max, with the NHL on TNT’s lead commentary team of Kenny Albert (play-by-play), Eddie Olczyk (analyst) & Brian Boucher (analyst) calling the action.

The two teams that met for the 2021 Stanley Cup Final meet again in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference series as Nick Suzuki and the Montreal Canadiens (A3 in East) battle Nikita Kucherov and the Tampa Bay Lightning (A2 in East) on Sunday, April 19, at 5:45 PM ET on TNT, truTV, and HBO Max. Brendan Burke handles play-by-play duties for TNT’s Canadiens-Lightning Game 1 broadcast, joined by analysts Darren Pang and Jody Shelley.

Tage Thompson and the Atlantic Division champion Buffalo Sabres (A1) — in their first Stanley Cup Playoffs appearance since 2011 — welcome David Pastrnak and the top Wild Card Boston Bruins (WC1) for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference best-of-seven opening round series on Sunday, April 19 at 7:30 PM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App. ESPN’s Mike Monaco (play-by-play), Ray Ferraro (analyst), and Leah Hextall (reporter) will call Bruins-Sabres from KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

Clayton Keller and the Utah Mammoth, the league’s newest NHL franchise, make their playoff debut against Jack Eichel and the Vegas Golden Knights in the opening game of a best-of-seven first-round series from the Western Conference on Sunday, April 19 at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN and the ESPN App. ESPN’s Bob Wischusen (play-by-play), former NHL goaltender Kevin Weekes (analyst) & Stormy Buonantony (reporter) will call Game 1 of Mammoth-Golden Knights from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Leo Carlsson and the Anaheim Ducks (P3 in West) visit 2025-26 NHL regular season points leader Connor McDavid and the two-time defending Western Conference champion Edmonton Oilers (P2 in West) as these two Western Conference foes open up a seven-game Western Conference First Round series on Monday, April 20 at 10:00 PM ET on ESPN2 & the ESPN App, featuring ESPN’s John Kelly (play-by-play) and Cassie Campbell-Pascall (analyst) on the call.

As the first round unfolds, it will run at least until Monday, April 27. Should any series extend beyond that date, additional games will be scheduled from Tuesday, April 28, through Sunday, May 3, keeping the playoff spirit alive for fans and players alike.

Here is a comprehensive series-by-series breakdown, along with the daily television schedule, for the First Round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs presented by GEICO.

❯ 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs presented by GEICO: Conference Quarterfinals (First Round) Series-by-Series Breakdown, per Conference (Subject to Change):

|| Eastern Conference:

| ● (WC2) Ottawa Senators vs. (M1) Carolina Hurricanes — Carolina wins series, 4-0 | Series begins on Saturday, April 18

🆚

. Game 1 - Saturday, April 18 - Senators at Hurricanes - ESPN, 3:00 PM ET - John Buccigross, AJ Mleczko

. Game 2 - Monday, April 20 - Senators at Hurricanes - ESPN2, 7:30 PM ET - John Buccigross, AJ Mleczko

. Game 3 - Thursday, April 23 - Hurricanes at Senators - TBS, 7:30 PM ET - Alex Faust, Jennifer Botterill, Colby Armstrong

. Game 4 - Saturday, April 25 - Hurricanes at Senators - TBS, 3:00 PM ET - Alex Faust, Jennifer Botterill, Chris Mason

. 🞼 Game 5 (if nec.) - Monday, April 27 - Senators at Hurricanes - TBD

. 🞼 Game 6 (if nec.) - Thursday, April 30 - Hurricanes at Senators - TBD

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Saturday, May 2 - Senators at Hurricanes - TBD

| ● (M3) Philadelphia Flyers vs. (M2) Pittsburgh Penguins — Philadelphia wins series, 4-2 | Series begins on Saturday, April 18

🆚

. Game 1 - Saturday, April 18 - Flyers at Penguins - ESPN, 8:00 PM ET - Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan

. Game 2 - Monday, April 20 - Flyers at Penguins - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan

. Game 3 - Wednesday, April 22 - Penguins at Flyers - TNT, 7:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher, Jody Shelley

. Game 4 - Saturday, April 25 - Penguins at Flyers - TBS, 8:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher, Jody Shelley

. Game 5 - Monday, April 27 - Flyers at Penguins - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan

. Game 6 - Wednesday, April 29 - Penguins at Flyers - TNT/truTV, 7:30 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher, Chris Mason

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Saturday, May 2 - Flyers at Penguins - TBD

| ● (WC1) Boston Bruins vs. (A1) Buffalo Sabres — Buffalo wins series, 4-2 | Series begins on Sunday, April 19

🆚

. Game 1 - Sunday, April 19 - Bruins at Sabres - ESPN, 7:30 PM ET - Mike Monaco, Ray Ferraro, Leah Hextall

. Game 2 - Tuesday, April 21 - Bruins at Sabres - ESPN, 7:30 PM ET - Mike Monaco, Ray Ferraro, Leah Hextall

. Game 3 - Thursday, April 23 - Sabres at Bruins - TNT, 7:00 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Darren Pang, Jackie Redmond

. Game 4 - Sunday, April 26 - Sabres at Bruins - TNT, 2:00 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Darren Pang, Jackie Redmond

. Game 5 - Tuesday, April 28 - Bruins at Sabres - TNT/truTV, 7:30 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Darren Pang, Jackie Redmond

. Game 6 - Friday, May 1 - Sabres at Bruins - ESPN, 7:30 PM ET - Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Sunday, May 3 - Bruins at Sabres - TBD

| ● (A3) Montreal Canadiens vs. (A2) Tampa Bay Lightning — Montreal wins series, 4-3 | Series begins on Sunday, April 19

🆚

. Game 1 - Sunday, April 19 - Canadiens at Lightning - TNT, 5:30 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Jody Shelley, Darren Pang

. Game 2 - Tuesday, April 21 - Canadiens at Lightning - ESPN2, 7:00 PM ET - John Buccigross, AJ Mleczko

. Game 3 - Friday, April 24 - Lightning at Canadiens - TNT, 7:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher, Jackie Redmond

. Game 4 - Sunday, April 26 - Lightning at Canadiens - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Mike Monaco, AJ Mleczko, Leah Hextall

. Game 5 - Wednesday, April 29 - Canadiens at Lightning - ESPN2, 7:00 PM ET - Steve Levy, T.J. Oshie, Emily Kaplan

. Game 6 - Friday, May 1 - Lightning at Canadiens - ESPN2, 7:00 PM ET - Mike Monaco, AJ Mleczko, Leah Hextall

. Game 7 - Sunday, May 3 - Canadiens at Lightning - TNT/truTV, 6:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Jackie Redmond

|| Western Conference:

| ● (WC2) Los Angeles Kings vs. (C1) Colorado Avalanche — Colorado wins series, 4-0 | Series begins on Sunday, April 19

🆚

. Game 1 - Sunday, April 19 - Kings at Avalanche - TNT, 3:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher

. Game 2 - Tuesday, April 21 - Kings at Avalanche - ESPN, 10:00 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Erik Johnson, Stormy Buonantony

. Game 3 - Thursday, April 23 - Avalanche at Kings - TNT, 10:00 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Nabil Karim

. Game 4 - Sunday, April 26 - Avalanche at Kings - TNT, 4:30 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Nabil Karim

. 🞼 Game 5 (if nec.) - Wednesday, April 29 - Kings at Avalanche - TBD

. 🞼 Game 6 (if nec.) - Friday, May 1 - Avalanche at Kings - TBD

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Sunday, May 3 - Kings at Avalanche - TBD

| ● (C3) Minnesota Wild vs. (C2) Dallas Stars — Minnesota wins series, 4-2 | Series begins on Saturday, April 18

🆚

. Game 1 - Saturday, April 18 - Wild at Stars - ESPN, 5:30 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Erik Johnson

. Game 2 - Monday, April 20 - Wild at Stars - ESPN, 9:30 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Erik Johnson, Stormy Buonantony

. Game 3 - Wednesday, April 22 - Stars at Wild - TNT, 9:30 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Shane Hnidy

. Game 4 - Saturday, April 25 - Stars at Wild - TBS, 5:30 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Shane Hnidy

. Game 5 - Tuesday, April 28 - Wild at Stars - ESPN2, 8:00 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Kevin Weekes, Leah Hextall

. Game 6 - Thursday, April 30 - Stars at Wild - TNT/truTV, 7:30 PM ET - John Forslund, Jody Shelley, Chris Mason

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Saturday, May 2 - Wild at Stars - TBD

| ● (WC1) Utah Mammoth vs. (P1) Vegas Golden Knights — Vegas wins series, 4-2 | Series begins on Sunday, April 19

🆚

. Game 1 - Sunday, April 19 - Mammoth at Golden Knights - ESPN, 10:00 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Kevin Weekes, Stormy Buonantony

. Game 2 - Tuesday, April 21 - Mammoth at Golden Knights - ESPN2, 9:30 PM ET - Roxy Bernstein, Kevin Weekes

. Game 3 - Friday, April 24 - Golden Knights at Mammoth - TBS, 9:30 PM ET - Steve Mears, Tony Granato, Jody Shelley

. Game 4 - Monday, April 27 - Golden Knights at Mammoth - ESPN, 9:30 PM ET - Steve Levy, T.J. Oshie, Stormy Buonantony

. Game 5 - Wednesday, April 29 - Mammoth at Golden Knights - TNT/truTV, 10:00 PM ET - Alex Faust, Jody Shelley, Darren Eliot

. Game 6 - Friday, May 1 - Golden Knights at Mammoth - ESPN, 10:00 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Erik Johnson, Stormy Buonantony

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Sunday, May 3 - Mammoth at Golden Knights - TBD

| ● (P3) Anaheim Ducks vs. (P2) Edmonton Oilers — Anaheim wins series, 4-2 | Series begins on Monday, April 20

🆚

. Game 1 - Monday, April 20 - Ducks at Oilers - ESPN2, 10:00 PM ET - John Kelly, Cassie Campbell-Pascall

. Game 2 - Wednesday, April 22 - Ducks at Oilers - TBS, 10:00 PM ET - Randy Hahn, Drew Remenda, Meaghan Mikkelson

. Game 3 - Friday, April 24 - Oilers at Ducks - TNT, 10:00 PM ET - Randy Hahn, Drew Remenda, Nabil Karim

. Game 4 - Sunday, April 26 - Oilers at Ducks - ESPN, 9:30 PM ET - Roxy Bernstein, Cassie Campbell-Pascall

. Game 5 - Tuesday, April 28 - Ducks at Oilers - TNT/truTV, 10:00 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Meaghan Mikkelson

. Game 6 - Thursday, April 30 - Oilers at Ducks - TNT/truTV, 10:00 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Darren Pang, Shane Hnidy

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Saturday, May 2 - Ducks at Oilers - TBD

❯ 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs presented by GEICO: Conference Quarterfinals (First Round) Daily Television Schedule (All Times ET; Subject to Change):

|| ● Saturday, April 18:

. Game 1 - Senators at Hurricanes - ESPN, 3:00 PM ET - John Buccigross, AJ Mleczko

. Game 1 - Wild at Stars - ESPN, 5:30 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Erik Johnson

. Game 1 - Flyers at Penguins - ESPN, 8:00 PM ET - Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan

|| ● Sunday, April 19:

. Game 1 - Kings at Avalanche - TNT/truTV, 3:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher

. Game 1 - Canadiens at Lightning - TNT/truTV, 5:30 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Jody Shelley, Darren Pang

. Game 1 - Bruins at Sabres - ESPN, 7:30 PM ET - Mike Monaco, Ray Ferraro, Leah Hextall

. Game 1 - Mammoth at Golden Knights - ESPN2 to start/ESPN (JIP), 10:00 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Kevin Weekes, Stormy Buonantony

- ⏵ Note: ESPN joined in progress at 10:29 PM ET (7:29 PM PT) and with 14:50 to go in the 1st period.

|| ● Monday, April 20:

. Game 2 - Flyers at Penguins - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan

. Game 2 - Senators at Hurricanes - ESPN2, 7:30 PM ET - John Buccigross, AJ Mleczko

. Game 2 - Wild at Stars - ESPNU to start/ESPN (JIP), 9:30 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Erik Johnson, Stormy Buonantony

- ⏵ Note: ESPN joined in progress at 9:59 PM ET (8:59 PM CT) and with 14:55 to go in the 1st period.

. Game 1 - Ducks at Oilers - ESPNU to start/ESPN2 (JIP), 10:00 PM ET - John Kelly, Cassie Campbell-Pascall

- ⏵ Note: ESPN2 joined in progress at 11:47 PM ET (9:47 PM MT) and with 6:05 to go in the 2nd period. 

|| ● Tuesday, April 21:

. Game 2 - Canadiens at Lightning - ESPN2, 7:00 PM ET - John Buccigross, AJ Mleczko

. Game 2 - Bruins at Sabres - ESPN, 7:30 PM ET - Mike Monaco, Ray Ferraro, Leah Hextall

. Game 2 - Mammoth at Golden Knights - ESPNews to start/ESPN2 (JIP), 9:30 PM ET - Roxy Bernstein, Kevin Weekes

- ⏵ Note: ESPN2 joined in progress during the 1st intermission.

. Game 2 - Kings at Avalanche - ESPNU to start/ESPN (JIP), 10:00 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Erik Johnson, Stormy Buonantony

- ⏵ Note: ESPN joined in progress at 10:35 PM ET (8:35 PM MT) and with 12:39 to go in the 2nd period.

|| ● Wednesday, April 22:

. Game 3 - Penguins at Flyers - TNT/truTV, 7:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher, Jody Shelley

- ⏵ Note: Game concluded on TNT only.

. Game 3 - Stars at Wild - TNT/truTV, 9:30 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Shane Hnidy

- ⏵ Note: Started exclusively on truTV. TNT joined in progress at 10:04 PM ET (9:04 PM CT) and with 12:16 to go in the 1st period.

. Game 2 - Ducks at Oilers - TBS, 10:00 PM ET - Randy Hahn, Drew Remenda, Meaghan Mikkelson

|| ● Thursday, April 23:

. Game 3 - Sabres at Bruins - TNT/truTV, 7:00 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Darren Pang, Jackie Redmond

. Game 3 - Hurricanes at Senators - TBS, 7:30 PM ET - Alex Faust, Jennifer Botterill, Colby Armstrong

. Game 3 - Avalanche at Kings - TNT/truTV, 10:00 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Nabil Karim

|| ● Friday, April 24:

. Game 3 - Lightning at Canadiens - TNT/truTV, 7:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher, Jackie Redmond

- ⏵ Note: Game concluded on TNT only.

. Game 3 - Golden Knights at Mammoth - TBS, 9:30 PM ET - Steve Mears, Tony Granato, Jody Shelley

. Game 3 - Oilers at Ducks - truTV to start/TNT (JIP), 10:00 PM ET - Randy Hahn, Drew Remenda, Nabil Karim

- ⏵ Note: TNT joined in progress at 10:14 PM ET (7:14 PM PT) and with 19:02 left to go in the 1st period.

|| ● Saturday, April 25:

. Game 4 - Hurricanes at Senators - TBS/truTV, 3:00 PM ET - Alex Faust, Jennifer Botterill, Chris Mason

- ⏵ Note: Game concluded on TBS only.

. Game 4 - Stars at Wild - truTV to start/TBS (JIP), 5:30 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Shane Hnidy

- ⏵ Note: TBS joined in progress at 6:01 PM ET (5:01 PM CT) and with 12:13 left to go in the 1st period. The game concluded on TBS only.

. Game 4 - Penguins at Flyers - truTV to start/TBS (JIP), 8:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher, Jody Shelley

- ⏵ Note: TBS joined in progress at 8:57 PM ET and with 2:16 to go in the 1st period.

|| ● Sunday, April 26:

. Game 4 - Sabres at Bruins - TNT/truTV, 2:00 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Darren Pang, Jackie Redmond

. Game 4 - Avalanche at Kings - TNT/truTV, 4:30 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Nabil Karim

. Game 4 - Lightning at Canadiens - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Mike Monaco, AJ Mleczko, Leah Hextall

. Game 4 - Oilers at Ducks - ESPN2 to start/ESPN (JIP), 9:30 PM ET - Roxy Bernstein, Cassie Campbell-Pascall

|| ● Monday, April 27:

. Game 5 - Flyers at Penguins - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan

. Game 4 - Golden Knights at Mammoth - ESPN, 9:30 PM ET - Steve Levy, T.J. Oshie, Stormy Buonantony

|| ● Tuesday, April 28:

. Game 5 - Bruins at Sabres - TNT/truTV, 7:30 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Darren Pang, Jackie Redmond

- ⏵ Note: Game concluded on TNT only.

. Game 5 - Wild at Stars - ESPN2, 8:00 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Kevin Weekes, Leah Hextall

. Game 5 - Ducks at Oilers - truTV/TNT (JIP), 10:00 PM ET - John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk, Meaghan Mikkelson

- ⏵ Note: TNT joined in progress at 10:38 PM ET (8:38 PM MT) and with 9:47 to go in the 1st period.

|| ● Wednesday, April 29:

. Game 5 - Canadiens at Lightning - ESPN2, 7:00 PM ET - Steve Levy, T.J. Oshie, Emily Kaplan

. Game 6 - Penguins at Flyers - TNT/truTV, 7:30 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher, Chris Mason

- ⏵ Note: Game concluded on TNT ony.

. Game 5 - Mammoth at Golden Knights - TNT/truTV, 10:00 PM ET - Alex Faust, Jody Shelley, Darren Eliot

- ⏵ Note: TNT joined in progress at 10:55 PM ET (7:55 PM PT) and with 3:09 to go in the 1st period.

|| ● Thursday, April 30:

. Game 6 - Stars at Wild - TNT/truTV, 7:30 PM ET - John Forslund, Jody Shelley, Chris Mason

. Game 6 - Oilers at Ducks - TNT/truTV, 10:00 PM ET - Brendan Burke, Darren Pang, Shane Hnidy

|| ● Friday, May 1:

. Game 6 - Lightning at Canadiens - ESPN2, 7:00 PM ET - Mike Monaco, AJ Mleczko, Leah Hextall

. Game 6 - Sabres at Bruins - ESPN, 7:30 PM ET - Sean McDonough, Ray Ferraro, Emily Kaplan

. Game 6 - Golden Knights at Mammoth - ESPN, 10:00 PM ET - Bob Wischusen, Erik Johnson, Stormy Buonantony

|| ● Sunday, May 3:

. Game 7 - Canadiens at Lightning - TNT/truTV, 6:00 PM ET - Kenny Albert, Eddie Olczyk, Brian Boucher, Jackie Redmond

|| 🛈 Sources: SportsLogos.Net, NHL, Warner Brothers Discovery (Turner Sports), & ESPN Press Room ||

=== ### ===

MLB on Fox: On Deck | Divisional Duel in Philadelphia: Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies host Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Atlanta Braves in an early season high-stakes NL East showdown (or Rangers vs. Mariners for some viewers) — Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 PM ET on Fox

Philadelphia Phillies rookie center fielder Justin Crawford (#2) runs the bases during a game at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Roundtable)

| ⏵ Tuesday, April 14, 2026

🟄 Highlights:

• Fox Sports continues its coverage of the 2026 MLB season with a pair of divisional collisions in the primetime window — Braves vs. Phillies or Rangers vs. Mariners — Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 PM ET on Fox.

• No FS1 window this week for those who are wondering, just Fox's primetime Saturday slot for this week's article.

• Dominic Smith and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves will face Trea Turner and the inconsistent Philadelphia Phillies for the first time this season.

• Andrew McCutchen and the Texas Rangers, tied with the Athletics for the AL West lead, take on "The Big Dumper," otherwise known as Cal Raleigh and the defending AL West champion Seattle Mariners, in a pivotal early-season matchup.

Two longtime rivals from the NL East clash under the lights for the first time this year, as Michael Harris II and the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves (11-7) visit Bryce Harper and the Philadelphia Phillies (8-9) on Saturday, April 18, at 7:15 PM ET on Fox, highlighting Fox's Major League Baseball coverage this week.

Baseball Night in America: Braves-Phillies or Rangers-Mariners — Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 PM (ET) on Fox

Baseball Night in America, Fox Sports' weekly MLB primetime series, gets set for another Saturday night of baseball coverage with regional action on Saturday, April 18, beginning at 7:00 PM ET on the Fox broadcast network. This week, two divisional matchups will be regionally televised. Most of the country will see Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Atlanta Braves play Edmundo Sosa and the Philadelphia Phillies. In contrast, others will see two AL West teams, with J.P. Crawford and the Seattle Mariners hosting Ezequiel Duran and the Texas Rangers. Which game will you be getting, and who's calling the action? Read on to find out the answers.

Drake Baldwin and the National League East-leading Atlanta Braves (11-7) compete against Kyle Schwarber and the Philadelphia Phillies (8-9) on Saturday, April 18, at 7:00 PM ET on Fox. Fox Sports' Joe Davis (play-by-play), 2005 World Series champion AJ Pierzynski (analyst), 2006 World Series champion Adam Wainwright (analyst), & Emmy-Award winner Ken Rosenthal (reporter) will call Braves-Phillies.

The Braves currently hold first place in the NL East after the team's first 18 games. On Tuesday night, the team narrowly defeated the visiting Marlins, 6-5, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Braves DH Dominic Smith had the biggest hit of the night, lacing a three-run double to center field in the eighth inning to help Atlanta plate three runs across the plate in one sequence. That turned out to help Atlanta score the go-ahead run in this NL East matchup vs. Miami. Braves C Drake Baldwin has had a busy start to 2026, blasting five home runs and knocking in 18 runs for his squad.

Things have been rocky in Philadelphia so far in 2026, as the team looks for the elusive consistency. The reigning two-time National League East champion has had trouble putting it all together for an extended period of time. On Tuesday night, the Phillies were drilled 10-4 at home by the visiting Cubs, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, Philadelphia's top three hitters didn't do too much of anything in the Tuesday 10-4 loss vs. the Cubs, as Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper went a combined 2-for-12 at the dish.

Jake Burger and the Texas Rangers (9-8), tied for first place in the American League West, face Josh Naylor and the reigning American League West champion Seattle Mariners (8-10) in a primetime division clash on Saturday, April 18 at 7:00 PM ET on Fox. Fox Sports' Aaron Goldsmith (play-by-play) and 1992 National League Rookie of the Year Eric Karros (analyst) will call Rangers-Mariners.

The Rangers are getting a taste of divisional play this week, as they are in the middle of a seven-game stretch against teams from their own division, with the Rangers playing the Athletics in West Sacramento Monday through Thursday, before traveling to the Pacific Northwest for the Mariners series this weekend. The Rangers fell 2-1 to the Athletics on Tuesday night in the second game of a four-game series. Rangers DH Joc Pederson collected three hits on the night, but it was not enough to topple a surprisingly good A's club.

The Mariners look to avenge a three-game sweep at the hands of the Rangers earlier this month (Apr. 6-8). As far as Seattle is concerned, things are looking up for them with a 4-1 record over the last five games. However, the Mariners lost 4-1 to the Padres on Tuesday night at PETCO Park in San Diego, California. Mariners RF Randy Arozarena scored the only Seattle run of the ball game. Despite that, Seattle is only a game and a half back of first place in the early going, so lots of time to get it together.

For additional information about the 2026 MLB on Fox Schedule and 2026 MLB on FS1 Schedule, please consult the links displayed in the "Links Mentioned" section. Also, you can find the weekly 506 Sports Maps that are used to create these articles each week.

Links Mentioned 🔗:

. » 2026 MLB on Fox Schedule: https://tamirmoore.blogspot.com/2026/01/2026-mlb-on-fox-schedule.html

. » 2026 MLB on FS1 Schedule: https://tamirmoore.blogspot.com/2026/01/2026-mlb-on-fs1-schedule.html 

. » 506 Sports Maps: https://506sports.com/mlb.php?yr=2026&wk=4

This week's MLB regular season schedule for Fox, alongside regionalization splits for Saturday's Fox primetime window, can be found below:

• MLB on Fox: On Deck | MLB Broadcast Schedule & Regionalization (Fox) | Saturday, April 18, 2026

► 7:00 PM ET — Fox:

🆚

|| ⯀ Atlanta Braves at Philadelphia Phillies — Joe Davis, AJ Pierzynski, Adam Wainwright, Ken Rosenthal — Fox

- ❯ Distribution: Primary (Most Stations)

- ❯ 83% of Markets Include: Albany, Albuquerque, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Buffalo, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Denver, Des Moines, Detroit, Fort Myers, Fresno, Grand Rapids, Green Bay, Greensboro, Greenville, Hartford, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Lexington, Los Angeles, Louisville, Memphis, Miami, Milwaukee, Minneapolis, Mobile, Nashville, New Orleans, New York City, Norfolk, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, Raleigh, Richmond, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Scranton, St. Louis, Tampa, Tucson, Washington D.C., West Palm Beach

🆚

|| ⯀ Texas Rangers at Seattle Mariners — Aaron Goldsmith, Eric Karros — Fox

- ❯ Distribution: Regional (Select Markets) | including 🔵 Alaska & 🔵 Hawaii

- ❯ 17% of Markets Include: Austin, Dallas, Houston, Little Rock, Oklahoma City, Portland, San Antonio, Seattle, Spokane, Tulsa

⏵ UPDATES:

. Reno, NV: ATL-PHI to TEX-SEA (Fri.)

- 🞹 Note: This week's MLB schedule and announcing assignments on Fox are subject to change without notice.

|| 🛈 Sources: SportsLogos.Net & 506 Sports ||

=== ### ===

2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google: Conference Quarterfinals (First Round) Television Schedule & Commentators

The logo used during the 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google. (NBA)

| ▸ Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Highlights:

• The 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google kick off on Saturday, April 18, with a tripleheader on Prime Video (Raptors vs. Cavaliers, Game 1; Timberwolves vs. Nuggets, Game 1; Hawks vs. Knicks, Game 1), followed by a primetime Rockets vs. Lakers showdown (Game 1) at 8:30 PM ET on ABC.

• Basketball fans, rejoice! Eight playoff games will be contested over two days this weekend, with four series beginning on Saturday and the other four on Sunday.

• Prime Video, NBC/Peacock, Peacock/NBCSN, ABC, and ESPN team up to televise First Round games.

• Time For Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder begin their playoff journey vs. the West 8th seed. Can Oklahoma City become the first team since the Warriors in 2017 & ’18 to repeat as NBA champions?

• The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament precedes the 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google. Head over to the provided link for additional information.

The 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google are set to begin this weekend, with 16 teams starting their pursuit of the Larry O’Brien Trophy. First Round action begins on Saturday, April 18, with four games, highlighted by a playoff series opener between two future Hall of Famers in Kevin Durant (HOU) and LeBron James (LAL). The following day, the four remaining series open up shop, including the defending champion Thunder hosting the Warriors or Suns and the West’s No. 2 seed Spurs hosting their first playoff game since the 2018-19 season.

During the first round, viewers can find games on ABC, ESPN, NBC/Peacock, Peacock/NBCSN, & Prime Video. NBC Sports carries NBA playoff games for the first time since 2002, while Peacock and Amazon show NBA Playoff broadcasts for the first time ever.

The 2026 NBA Playoffs begin in Northeast Ohio as Scottie Barnes and the young Toronto Raptors (#5 in East) take on Donovan Mitchell and the experienced Cleveland Cavaliers (#4 in East) in Game 1 of their best-of-seven playoff series on Saturday, April 18 at 1:00 PM ET on Prime Video. Toronto swept Cleveland in the three regular-season matchups. The Cavaliers are just one season removed from being the top seed in the Eastern Conference and added 11-time NBA All-Star James Harden during the season to help bolster the squad ahead of this particular postseason odyssey.

A pair of Western Conference teams renew their budding postseason rivalry as Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves (#6 in West) square off against Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets (#3 in West) in Game 1 of this Western Conference Quarterfinal on Saturday, April 18 at 3:30 PM ET on Prime Video. These teams are meeting in the playoffs for the third time in the past four seasons, with Denver knocking out Minnesota in the 2023 West 1st Round, 4-1, and Minnesota responding with a SPELLBINDING seven-game series victory over the Nuggets in the 2024 West Semifinals. Grab your popcorn 🍿, because this is about to be a movie!

Day 1 of the 2026 NBA Playoffs continues from Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY, as Jalen Johnson and the Atlanta Hawks (#6 seed) come marauding into MSG for Game 1 of this best-of-seven Eastern Conference opening round series against Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks (#3 seed) on Saturday, April 18, at 6:00 PM ET on Prime Video. The Knicks are back in the playoffs for the fourth straight year, ready to dispatch Atlanta (and any other team) on their way to hopefully another Eastern Conference Finals. Atlanta, meanwhile, shocked the basketball world with a marvelous second half following a subpar 26-30 record by All-Star Weekend. The Hawks went 22-9 over the final 31 regular-season games.

Talk about a Saturday Showcase to wrap up the first day of these 2026 NBA Playoffs! We have a riveting Western Conference Game 1 matchup as Kevin Durant and the Houston Rockets (#5 seed) get the assignment of matching up with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers (#4 seed) on Saturday, April 18, at 8:30 PM ET on ABC. IS THIS THE LAST TIME THAT WE SEE KD VS. BRON IN PLAYOFFS?! Of course, we have seen Durant and James play on some of basketball’s biggest stages over the years, including two head-to-head NBA Finals (2017 and 2018) while KD was with Golden State and LeBron played for the Cavaliers. For the first time since 2018, though, Durant & James oppose each other in the playoffs with a second-round berth hanging in the balance.

The 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google will resume on Sunday, April 19, with four additional Game 1 matchups.

Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers (#7 in East) face off against four-time All-NBA Star selection Jayson Tatum and fellow NBA All-Star Jaylen Brown and the Boston Celtics (#2 in East) in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round series on Sunday, April 19 at 1:00 PM ET on ABC. Boston finds itself in the playoffs for the 12th straight year. As for Philadelphia, they are back in the NBA Playoffs following a one-year absence last season. However, the 76ers go into the playoffs without franchise superstar Joel Embiid, who is OUT following appendicitis surgery. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the defending NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder (#1 in West) open up their title defense in Game 1 of the Western Conference Quarterfinals against Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and the Phoenix Suns (#8 in West) on Sunday, April 19, at 3:30 PM ET on ABC.

Cade Cunningham and the top-seeded Detroit Pistons (#1 in East) start their playoff journey against Desmond Bane and the Orlando Magic (#8 in East) on Sunday, April 19, at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. Paolo Banchero and the Magic are in for a difficult assignment against Jalen Duren and the 60-win Detroit Pistons. Detroit has smashed any and all expectations, finishing as the #1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time since 2006. However, it is very important to keep in mind that BOTH Orlando and Detroit have not claimed victory in a playoff series in over 15 years.

The weekend’s full slate of playoff action concludes in San Antonio, as first-time NBA All-Star Deni Avdija and the Portland Trail Blazers (#7 in West) visit Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs (#2 in West) on Sunday, April 19, at 9:00 PM ET on NBC and Peacock. San Antonio enters playoff action for the first time since 2019 following a 62-20 regular season. The Spurs feature a young and exciting group of players, highlighted by 2024-25 Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle and two-time NBA All-Star Victor Wembanyama. San Antonio won two of the three regular-season meetings between the clubs this season.

Following Game 1 this weekend, First Round action will continue on ABC, ESPN, NBC/Peacock, Peacock/NBCSN, and Prime Video through at least Monday, April 27. If any additional First Round games are necessary beyond that date, they will be played between Tuesday, April 28, and Sunday, May 3.

Ladies and gentlemen, get ready for an exhilarating journey as we dive into the series-by-series breakdown and the daily television schedule for the Conference Quarterfinals (First Round) of the 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google! The NBA playoffs begin this weekend, and the excitement is growing by the second!

• 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google: First Round (Conference Quarterfinals) Conference Breakdown by Series (Subject to Change)

⯀ Eastern Conference:

| ● (E8) Orlando Magic vs. (E1) Detroit Pistons — Detroit wins series, 4-3 | series begins on Sunday, April 19

🆚

. Game 1 - Sunday, April 19 - Magic at Pistons - NBC/Peacock, 6:30 PM (ET) - Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, Ashley ShahAhmadi

. Game 2 - Wednesday, April 22 - Magic at Pistons - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. Game 3 - Saturday, April 25 - Pistons at Magic - Peacock/NBCSN, 1:00 PM (ET) - Michael Grady, Austin Rivers, Robbie Hummel, Grant Liffmann

. Game 4 - Monday, April 27 - Pistons at Magic - NBC/Peacock, 8:00 PM (ET) - Michael Grady, Austin Rivers, Robbie Hummel, Grant Liffmann

. Game 5 - Wednesday, April 29 - Magic at Pistons - Prime Video, 7:00 PM (ET) - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. Game 6 - Friday, May 1 - Pistons at Magic - Prime Video, 7:00 PM (ET) - Kevin Harlan, Jim Jackson, Allie Clifton

. Game 7- Sunday, May 3 - Magic at Pistons - ABC, 3:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

| ● (E5) Toronto Raptors vs. (E4) Cleveland Cavaliers — Cleveland wins series, 4-3 | series begins on Saturday, April 18

 🆚

. Game 1 - Saturday, April 18 - Raptors at Cavaliers - Prime Video, 1:00 PM (ET) - Eric Collins, Dell Curry, Kristina Pink

. Game 2 - Monday, April 20 - Raptors at Cavaliers - Peacock/NBCSN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Mark Followill, Robbie Hummel, Chris Mannix

. Game 3 - Thursday, April 23 - Cavaliers at Raptors - Prime Video, 8:00 PM (ET) - Michael Grady, Brent Barry, JayDee Dyer

. Game 4 - Sunday, April 26 - Cavaliers at Raptors - ESPN, 1:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Jay Bilas, Jorge Sedano

. Game 5 - Wednesday, April 29 - Raptors at Cavaliers - ESPN, 7:30 PM (ET) - Marc Kestecher, PJ Carlesimo, Alyssa Lang

. Game 6 - Friday, May 1 - Cavaliers at Raptors - Prime Video, 7:30 PM (ET) - Michael Grady, Brent Barry, Kristina Pink

. Game 7 - Sunday, May 3 - Raptors at Cavaliers - NBC/Peacock, 7:30 PM (ET) - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

| ● (E7) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (E2) Boston Celtics — Philadelphia wins series, 4-3 | series begins on Sunday, April 19

🆚

. Game 1 - Sunday, April 19 - 76ers at Celtics - ABC, 1:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Jay Bilas, Jorge Sedano

. Game 2 - Tuesday, April 21 - 76ers at Celtics - Peacock/NBCSN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Jason Benetti, Robbie Hummel, Jordan Cornette

. Game 3 - Friday, April 24 - Celtics at 76ers - Prime Video, 7:00 PM (ET) - Eric Collins, Dell Curry, Kristina Pink

. Game 4 - Sunday, April 26 - Celtics at 76ers - NBC/Peacock, 7:00 PM (ET) - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 5 - Tuesday, April 28 - 76ers at Celtics - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. Game 6 - Thursday, April 30 - Celtics at 76ers - Peacock, 8:00 PM (ET) - Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, Robbie Hummel, Ashley ShahAhmadi

. Game 7 - Saturday, May 2 - 76ers at Celtics - NBC/Peacock, 7:30 PM (ET) - Noah Eagle, Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, Zora Stephenson

| ● (E6) Atlanta Hawks vs. (E3) New York Knicks — New York wins series, 4-2 | series begins on Saturday, April 18

🆚

. Game 1 - Saturday, April 18 - Hawks at Knicks - Prime Video, 6:00 PM (ET) - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. Game 2 - Monday, April 20 - Hawks at Knicks - NBC/Peacock, 8:00 PM (ET) - Noah Eagle, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cornette

. Game 3 - Thursday, April 23 - Knicks at Hawks - Prime Video, 7:00 PM (ET) - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. Game 4 - Saturday, April 25 - Knicks at Hawks - NBC/Peacock, 6:00 PM (ET) - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 5 - Tuesday, April 28 - Hawks at Knicks - NBC/Peacock, 8:00 PM (ET) - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 6 - Thursday, April 30 - Knicks at Hawks - ESPN, 7:00 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Saturday, May 2 - Hawks at Knicks - TBD, TBD PM (ET) -

⯀ Western Conference:

| ● (W8) Phoenix Suns vs. (W1) Oklahoma City Thunder — Oklahoma City wins series, 4-0 | Series begins on Sunday, April 19

🆚

. Game 1 - Sunday, April 19 - Suns at Thunder - ABC, 3:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Malika Andrews

. Game 2 - Wednesday, April 22 - Suns at Thunder - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano

. Game 3 - Saturday, April 25 - Thunder at Suns - NBC/Peacock, 3:30 PM (ET) - Terry Gannon, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cornette

. Game 4 - Monday, April 27 - Thunder at Suns - Peacock/NBCSN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Terry Gannon, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cornette

. 🞼 Game 5 (if nec.) - Wednesday, April 29 - Suns at Thunder - Prime Video, 9:30 PM (ET) -

. 🞼 Game 6 (if nec.) - Friday, May 1 - Thunder at Suns - TBD, TBD PM (ET) -

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Sunday, May 3 - Suns at Thunder - TBD, TBD PM (ET) -

| ● (W5) Houston Rockets vs. (W4) Los Angeles Lakers — Los Angeles Lakers wins series, 4-2 | Series begins on Saturday, April 18

🆚

. Game 1 - Saturday, April 18 - Rockets at Lakers - ABC, 8:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. Game 2 - Tuesday, April 21 - Rockets at Lakers - NBC/Peacock, 10:30 PM (ET) - Terry Gannon, Grant Hill, Ashley ShahAhmadi

. Game 3 - Friday, April 24 - Lakers at Rockets - Prime Video, 8:00 PM (ET) - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. Game 4 - Sunday, April 26 - Lakers at Rockets - NBC/Peacock, 9:30 PM (ET) - Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, Ashley ShahAhmadi

. Game 5 - Wednesday, April 29 - Rockets at Lakers - ESPN, 10:00 PM (ET) - Ryan Ruocco, Jay Bilas, Malika Andrews

. Game 6 - Friday, May 1 - Lakers at Rockets - Prime Video, 9:30 PM (ET) - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Sunday, May 3 - Rockets at Lakers - NBC/Peacock, 9:30 PM (ET) -

| ● (W7) Portland Trail Blazers vs. (W2) San Antonio Spurs — San Antonio wins series, 4-1 | series begins on Sunday, April 19

🆚

. Game 1 - Sunday, April 19 - Trail Blazers at Spurs - NBC/Peacock, 9:00 PM (ET) - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 2 - Tuesday, April 21 - Trail Blazers at Spurs - NBC/Peacock, 8:00 PM (ET) - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 3 - Friday, April 24 - Spurs at Trail Blazers - Prime Video, 10:30 PM (ET) - Kevin Harlan, Candace Parker, Dwyane Wade, Allie Clifton

. Game 4 - Sunday, April 26 - Spurs at Trail Blazers - ESPN, 3:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Malika Andrews

. Game 5 - Tuesday, April 28 - Trail Blazers at Spurs - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano

. 🞼 Game 6 (if nec.) - Thursday, April 30 - Spurs at Trail Blazers - Peacock, 10:00 PM (ET) -

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Saturday, May 2 - Trail Blazers at Spurs - TBD, TBD PM (ET) -

| ● (W6) Minnesota Timberwolves vs. (W3) Denver Nuggets — Minnesota wins series, 4-2 | series begins on Saturday, April 18

🆚

. Game 1 - Saturday, April 18 - Timberwolves at Nuggets - Prime Video, 3:30 PM (ET) - Kevin Harlan, Candace Parker, Dwyane Wade, Allie Clifton

. Game 2 - Monday, April 20 - Timberwolves at Nuggets - NBC/Peacock, 10:30 PM (ET) - Michael Grady, Brian Scalabrine, Austin Rivers, Grant Liffmann

. Game 3 - Thursday, April 23 - Nuggets at Timberwolves - Prime Video, 9:30 PM (ET) - Kevin Harlan, Candace Parker, Dwyane Wade, Allie Clifton

. Game 4 - Saturday, April 25 - Nuggets at Timberwolves - ABC/ESPN, 8:30 PM (ET) - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. Game 5 - Monday, April 27 - Timberwolves at Nuggets - NBC/Peacock, 10:30 PM (ET) - Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, Ashley ShahAhmadi

. Game 6 - Thursday, April 30 - Nuggets at Timberwolves - ESPN, 9:30 PM (ET) - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano

. 🞼 Game 7 (if nec.) - Saturday, May 2 - Timberwolves at Nuggets - NBC/Peacock, 7:30 PM (ET) -

• 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google: First Round (Conference Quarterfinals) Daily Television Schedule (All Times ET; Subject to Change)

|| ● Saturday, April 18:

. Game 1 - Raptors at Cavaliers - Prime Video, 1:00 PM ET - Eric Collins, Dell Curry, Kristina Pink

. Game 1 - Timberwolves at Nuggets - Prime Video, 3:30 PM ET - Kevin Harlan, Candace Parker, Dwyane Wade, Allie Clifton

. Game 1 - Hawks at Knicks - Prime Video, 6:00 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. Game 1 - Rockets at Lakers - ABC, 8:30 PM ET - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

|| ● Sunday, April 19:

. Game 1 - 76ers at Celtics - ABC, 1:00 PM ET - Ryan Ruocco, Jay Bilas, Jorge Sedano

. Game 1 - Suns at Thunder - ABC, 3:30 PM ET - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Malika Andrews

. Game 1 - Magic at Pistons - NBC/Peacock, 6:30 PM ET - Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, Ashley ShahAhmadi

. Game 1 - Trail Blazers at Spurs - NBC/Peacock, 9:00 PM ET - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

|| ● Monday, April 20:

. Game 2 - Raptors at Cavaliers - Peacock/NBCSN, 7:00 PM ET - Mark Followill, Robbie Hummel, Chris Mannix

. Game 2 - Hawks at Knicks - NBC/Peacock, 8:00 PM ET - Noah Eagle, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cornette

. Game 2 - Timberwolves at Nuggets - NBC/Peacock, 10:30 PM ET - Michael Grady, Brian Scalabrine, Austin Rivers, Grant Liffmann

|| ● Tuesday, April 21:

. Game 2 - 76ers at Celtics - Peacock/NBCSN, 7:00 PM ET - Jason Benetti, Robbie Hummel, Jordan Cornette

. Game 2 - Trail Blazers at Spurs - NBC/Peacock, 8:00 PM ET - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 2 - Rockets at Lakers - NBC/Peacock, 10:30 PM ET - Terry Gannon, Grant Hill, Ashley ShahAhmadi

|| ● Wednesday, April 22:

. Game 2 - Magic at Pistons - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. Game 2 - Suns at Thunder - ESPN, 9:30 PM ET - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano

|| ● Thursday, April 23:

. Game 3 - Knicks at Hawks - Prime Video, 7:00 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. Game 3 - Cavaliers at Raptors - Prime Video, 8:00 PM ET - Michael Grady, Brent Barry, JayDee Dyer

. Game 3 - Nuggets at Timberwolves - Prime Video, 9:30 PM ET - Kevin Harlan, Candace Parker, Dwyane Wade, Allie Clifton

|| ● Friday, April 24:

. Game 3 - Celtics at 76ers - Prime Video, 7:00 PM ET - Eric Collins, Dell Curry, Kristina Pink

. Game 3 - Lakers at Rockets - Prime Video, 8:00 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. Game 3 - Spurs at Trail Blazers - Prime Video, 10:30 PM ET - Kevin Harlan, Candace Parker, Dwyane Wade, Allie Clifton

|| ● Saturday, April 25:

. Game 3 - Pistons at Magic - Peacock/NBCSN, 1:00 PM ET - Michael Grady, Austin Rivers, Robbie Hummel, Grant Liffmann

. Game 3 - Thunder at Suns - NBC/Peacock, 3:30 PM ET - Terry Gannon, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cornette

. Game 4 - Knicks at Hawks - NBC/Peacock, 6:00 PM ET - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 4 - Nuggets at Timberwolves - ABC/ESPN, 8:30 PM ET - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

- ⏵ Note: The game was preempted on ABC at 10:34 PM ET and moved to ESPN due to ABC News’ special report on the shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner. Game returned to ABC as a simulcast at 11:07 PM ET.

|| ● Sunday, April 26:

. Game 4 - Cavaliers at Raptors - ESPN, 1:00 PM ET - Ryan Ruocco, Jay Bilas, Jorge Sedano

. Game 4 - Spurs at Trail Blazers - ESPN, 3:30 PM ET - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Malika Andrews

. Game 4 - Celtics at 76ers - NBC/Peacock, 7:00 PM ET - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 4 - Lakers at Rockets - NBC/Peacock, 9:30 PM ET - Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, Ashley ShahAhmadi

|| ● Monday, April 27:

. Game 4 - Pistons at Magic - NBC/Peacock, 8:00 PM ET - Michael Grady, Austin Rivers, Robbie Hummel, Grant Liffmann

. Game 4 - Thunder at Suns - Peacock/NBCSN, 9:30 PM ET - Terry Gannon, Jamal Crawford, Jordan Cornette

. Game 5 - Timberwolves at Nuggets - NBC/Peacock, 10:30 PM ET - Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, Ashley ShahAhmadi

|| ● Tuesday, April 28:

. Game 5 - 76ers at Celtics - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. Game 5 - Hawks at Knicks - NBC/Peacock, 8:00 PM ET - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

. Game 5 - Trail Blazers at Spurs - ESPN, 9:30 PM ET - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano

|| ● Wednesday, April 29:

. Game 5 - Magic at Pistons - Prime Video, 7:00 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. Game 5 - Raptors at Cavaliers - ESPN, 7:30 PM ET - Marc Kestecher, PJ Carlesimo, Alyssa Lang

. Game 5 - Rockets at Lakers - ESPN, 10:00 PM ET - Ryan Ruocco, Jay Bilas, Malika Andrews

|| ● Thursday, April 30:

. Game 6 - Knicks at Hawks - ESPN, 7:00 PM ET - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. Game 6 - Celtics at 76ers - Peacock, 8:00 PM ET - Noah Eagle, Grant Hill, Robbie Hummel, Ashley ShahAhmadi

. Game 6 - Nuggets at Timberwolves - ESPN, 9:30 PM ET - Dave Pasch, Doris Burke, Jorge Sedano

|| ● Friday, May 1:

. Game 6 - Pistons at Magic - Prime Video, 7:00 PM ET - Kevin Harlan, Jim Jackson, Allie Clifton

. Game 6 - Cavaliers at Raptors - Prime Video, 7:30 PM ET - Michael Grady, Brent Barry, Kristina Pink

. Game 6 - Lakers at Rockets - Prime Video, 9:30 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

|| ● Saturday, May 2:

. Game 7 - 76ers at Celtics - NBC/Peacock, 7:30 PM ET - Noah Eagle, Reggie Miller, Jamal Crawford, Zora Stephenson

|| ● Sunday, May 3:

. Game 7 - Magic at Pistons - ABC, 3:30 PM ET - Mike Breen, Richard Jefferson, Tim Legler, Lisa Salters

. Game 7 - Raptors at Cavaliers - NBC/Peacock, 7:30 PM ET - Mike Tirico, Reggie Miller, Zora Stephenson

|| 🛈 Sources: SportsLogos.Net, NBA, ESPN Press Room, Amazon Studios & NBC Sports Press Box ||

=== ### ===

2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament Television Schedule & Broadcasters

The logo used for the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. (📸 Photo courtesy of Cosm)

| ⏵ Tuesday, April 14, 2026

Highlights:

• Prime Video to exclusively televise the SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament for the first time ever. All six Play-In games are streamed on Prime (Tuesday, Apr. 14; Wednesday, Apr. 15; Friday, Apr. 17).

• The final two playoff teams in each conference will be decided this week during the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament.

• The Play-In Tournament opens up on Tuesday, April 14 at 7:30 PM ET as Bam Adebayo and the Miami Heat (No. 10 seed) visit LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets (No. 9 seed) with both teams looking to stay alive in the Play-In Tournament.

• The second Tuesday Play-In Tournament has two clubs from the West battling it out for the #7 seed in the conference. Devin Booker and the Phoenix Suns (No. 7 seed) host Jrue Holiday and the Portland Trail Blazers (No. 8 seed) on Tuesday, April 14 at 10:00 PM ET on Prime, with No. 2 seed San Antonio set to face the winner of this Western Conference Play-In matchup.

• The SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament continues on Wednesday (April 15) and Friday (April 17), with two games on Prime Video each day.

Welcome everyone to the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament! The regular season has ended. But before we begin the NBA Playoffs this weekend, we have some business to handle first. As you already know, six teams from each conference have already qualified for the NBA Playoffs. Two of the four First Round Series in each conference are locked in, and are scheduled to open up this weekend. In the Eastern Conference, we have Cavaliers vs. Raptors as the 4-5 matchup and Knicks vs. Hawks as the 3-6 matchup. In the Western Conference, we have Lakers vs. Rockets as the 4-5 matchup and Nuggets vs. Timberwolves as the 3-6 matchup.

Four teams (San Antonio, Oklahoma City, Detroit, & Boston) still didn't know who their First Round opponent would be. That is because we are set to watch and cover the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament. This mini-tournament, in summary, allows teams seeded No. 7 through No. 10 in each conference to compete for the last two playoff berths in each conference.

This year, the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament will occur between Tuesday, April 14 and Friday, April 17 (with an off day on Thursday, April 16). Prime Video makes their debut as the streaming destination of Play-In Tournament action, with streaming service set to stream all six games from this tournament.

The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament tips off on Tuesday, April 14, with a doubleheader of game action exclusively on Prime Video. The night starts off with a win-or-go home affair at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina, as Davion Mitchell and the Miami Heat (#10 in East) face off against Brandon Miller and the Charlotte Hornets (#9 in East) at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video. Ian Eagle (play-by-play), longtime NBA coach Stan Van Gundy (analyst) & Cassidy Hubbarth (reporter) provide commentary for Tuesday's Heat vs. Hornets game.

Following Tuesday's Heat vs. Hornets matchup, stay tuned to Prime Video for the second Play-In matchup of the day. The mentality of win-an-in rules the evening at the Mortgage Matchup Center in Phoenix, Arizona, at 10:00 PM ET, as Scoot Henderson and the young and athletic Portland Trail Blazers (#8 in West) meet veteran guard Devin Booker and his Phoenix Suns (#7 in West) to determine the #7 seed in the Western Conference Playoffs. Prime's Trail Blazers-Suns commentary team is led by Kevin Harlan (play-by-play), Jim Jackson (analyst) & Allie Clifton (reporter).

Prime Video's coverage of the 2026 SoFi Play-In Tournament continues on Wednesday, April 15, with Magic vs. 76ers at 7:30 PM ET followed by Warriors vs. Clippers at 10:00 PM ET.

Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic (#8 in East) travel to Philadelphia to play Tyrese Maxey and the Philadelphia 76ers (#7 in East) on Wednesday, April 15 at 7:30 PM ET on Prime Video. Whoever emerges victorious from this game will grab the #7 seed and a first-round date with Jayson Tatum and the #2 seed Celtics. The losing club gets another chance to clinch a playoff berth on Friday night vs. the Heat-Hornets winner. 

California counterparts meet in do-or-die start to the Western Conference Play-In Tournament as Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors (#10 in West) take on Kawhi Leonard, John Collins, Bennedict Mathurin and the Los Angeles Clippers (#9 in West) at 10:00 PM ET on Prime Video. The winner moves on to Friday's 8th Place Game vs. the Trail Blazers/Suns loser while the loser seems their season comes to an end.

The 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament comes to an end on Friday, April 17, with two games on Prime Video. Friday will see two 8th Place Games take place, as we determine who will be the final playoff team from each conference prior to Saturday's beginning of the actual NBA Playoffs themselves.

Friday's Prime doubleheader launches from Kia Center in Orlando, Florida, as two Southeast Division rivals meet with the #8 seed in the East on the line as LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets (#9 in East) visit Wendell Carter Jr. and the Orlando Magic (#8 in East) at 7:30 PM ET. The winner will match up against Jalen Duren and the #1 seed Detroit Pistons in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals. The loser is eliminated from the postseason. Ian Eagle provides play-by-play commentary alongside analyst Stan Van Gundy and reporter Cassidy Hubbarth.

The six-game SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament comes to an end out in the desert. Friday's 10:00 PM ET nightcap on Prime features Stephen Curry and the Golden State Warriors (#10 in West), coming off Wednesday's improbable and implausible Play-In win over the Clippers, facing against off Devin Booker, Jalen Green and the homestanding Phoenix Suns (#7 in West). The winner earns the final playoff spot in the West, and the loser sees their season abruptly end. Michael Grady (play-by-play) calls the action with two-time NBA champion Brent Barry (analyst) and TBD reporter. 

Later this week, the 2026 NBA Playoffs presented by Google will commence. For more information about the First Round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, please click here.

The following is the complete conference and daily schedule breakdown for the 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament, which will be exclusively streamed on Amazon Prime Video.

❯ 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament: Conference Breakdown (Eastern Conference & Western Conference) | Subject to Change

⯀ Eastern Conference:

| ● East Play-In: (10) Miami Heat at (9) Charlotte Hornets — Winner advances to Friday's 8th Place Game vs. Magic-76ers loser (Hornets) | Loser is eliminated (Heat)

🆚

. Tuesday, April 14 - Heat at Hornets - Prime Video, 7:30 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

| ● East Play-In: (8) Orlando Magic at (7) Philadelphia 76ers — Winner gets the #7 seed (76ers) | Loser advances to Friday's 8th Place Game vs. Hornets (Magic)

🆚

. Wednesday, April 15 - Magic at 76ers - Prime Video, 7:30 PM ET - Michael Grady, Brent Barry, Kristina Pink

| ● East 8th Place Game: (E9) Charlotte Hornets at (E8) Orlando Magic — Winner gets the #8 seed () | Loser is eliminated ()

🆚 

. Friday, April 17 - Hornets at Magic - Prime Video, 7:30 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

⯀ Western Conference:

| ● West Play-In: (W8) Portland Trail Blazers at (W7) Phoenix Suns — Winner gets the #7 seed (Trail Blazers) | Loser advances to Friday's 8th Place Game vs. Warriors-Clippers loser (Suns)

🆚

. Tuesday, April 14 - Trail Blazers at Suns - Prime Video, 10:00 PM ET - Kevin Harlan, Jim Jackson, Allie Clifton

| ● West Play-In: (W10) Golden State Warriors at (W9) Los Angeles Clippers — Winner plays the Trail Blazers-Suns loser in 8th Place Game on Friday night (Warriors) | Loser is eliminated (Clippers)

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. Wednesday, April 15 - Warriors at Clippers - Prime Video, 10:00 PM ET - Kevin Harlan, Candace Parker, Allie Clifton

| ● West 8th Place Game: (W10) Golden State Warriors at (W7) Phoenix Suns — Winner gets the #8 seed () | Loser is eliminated ()

🆚

. Friday, April 17 - Warriors or Clippers at Suns - Prime Video, 10:00 PM ET - Michael Grady, Brent Barry, TBD

❯ 2026 SoFi NBA Play-In Tournament: Daily Television Schedule (Prime Video) | All Times Eastern and Subject to Change

|| ● Tuesday, April 14:

. East Play-In: (10) Heat at (9) Hornets - Prime Video, 7:30 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. West Play-In: (8) Trail Blazers at (7) Suns - Prime Video, 10:00 PM ET - Kevin Harlan, Jim Jackson, Allie Clifton

|| ● Wednesday, April 15:

. East Play-In: (8) Magic at (7) 76ers - Prime Video, 7:30 PM ET - Michael Grady, Brent Barry, Kristina Pink

. West Play-In: (10) Warriors at (9) Clippers - Prime Video, 10:00 PM ET - Kevin Harlan, Candace Parker, Allie Clifton

|| ● Friday, April 17:

. East 8th Place Game: (9) Hornets at (8) Magic - Prime Video, 7:30 PM ET - Ian Eagle, Stan Van Gundy, Cassidy Hubbarth

. West 8th Place Game: (10) Warriors at (7) Suns - Prime Video, 10:00 PM ET - Michael Grady, Brent Barry, TBD

|| 🛈 Sources: SportsLogos.Net, NBA & Amazon Studios ||

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