NBA and NHL Playoffs Start with New TV Deals
Introduction
The NBA and NHL playoffs started in 2026. The NBA had a Play-In Tournament from April 14 to 17. Then the first round began on April 18. The NHL first round also started on April 18. There are big changes. The NBA has a new TV deal with three companies: ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock, and Prime Video. The team that won last year, the Florida Panthers, is not in the NHL playoffs. This is the first time in ten years.
Main Body
In the NBA, the Detroit Pistons got first place in the East. They played very well this year. The Oklahoma City Thunder got first place in the West. They won last year. Other good teams are the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers in the East. The San Antonio Spurs are good in the West. The first round games are happening now. The Pistons and the Magic each won one game. The Celtics and the 76ers each won one game. The Knicks and the Hawks each won one game. The Cavaliers won two games. The Raptors won zero. The Thunder won two games. The Suns won zero. The Spurs and the Trail Blazers each won one game. The Nuggets and the Timberwolves each won one game. The Lakers won two games. The Rockets won zero. The NBA Finals will be from June 3 to 19. Only ABC will show them. Earlier games are on ABC, ESPN, NBC, and Prime Video. You can watch on Peacock, the ESPN app, and DIRECTV Stream. In the NHL, the Colorado Avalanche had the best record. They got the Presidents' Trophy. The Vegas Golden Knights are also good. Their coach is John Tortorella. The Buffalo Sabres did not make the playoffs for 14 years. This year they won their division. The Utah Mammoth played in the playoffs for the first time. The first round games are happening now. The Sabres and the Bruins each won one game. The Lightning and the Canadiens each won one game. The Hurricanes won two games. The Senators won zero. The Flyers won three games. The Penguins won zero. The Avalanche won two games. The Kings won zero. The Stars won two games. The Wild won one game. The Golden Knights and the Mammoth each won one game. The Oilers and the Ducks each won one game. The Stanley Cup Final will be on ABC. Earlier games are on ESPN and TNT. You can watch on DIRECTV, fubo, and the ESPN app. The playoffs use a bracket. Each series is best of seven games. The home team plays two games, then away two, then one, one, one. Overtime is five players on each side. They play until someone scores.
Conclusion
The NBA and NHL playoffs are early. Many series are tied. Some teams have a lead. The new TV deals for the NBA are important. The NHL champion from last year is not playing. Fans can watch on TV or streaming services.