NBA conference finals tickets are getting punched.
The No. 3 New York Knicks became the first team to clinch a spot in the 2026 playoffs after a commanding sweep over the No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers. The other Eastern Conference matchup features the No. 1 Detroit Pistons and No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers.
Out West, the No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder are on the verge of sweeping the No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers. Engaged in a tighter battle are the No. 2 San Antonio Spurs and No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves.
Here’s everything to know about the conference finals as teams clinch their respective spots:
When do the NBA conference finals start?
There is no exact date just yet as it depends on the conclusion of the three ongoing series.
NBA conference finals matchups
Here’s a look at the teams competing for a spot in the NBA Finals:
EASTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 Detroit Pistons/No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 3 New York Knicks
WESTERN CONFERENCE
No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder/No. 4 Los Angeles Lakers vs. No. 2 San Antonio Spurs/No. 6 Minnesota Timberwolves
NBA conference finals schedule, how to watch
EASTERN CONFERENCE: DET/CLE vs. NYK
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: TBD*
Game 6: TBD*
Game 7: TBD*
*if necessary
WESTERN CONFERENCE: OKC/LAL vs. SAS/MIN
Game 1: TBD
Game 2: TBD
Game 3: TBD
Game 4: TBD
Game 5: TBD*
Game 6: TBD*
Game 7: TBD*
*if necessary
When do the NBA Finals start?
The 2026 finals will begin in early June. Here’s an early look at when each game will be held (*if necessary):
June 3: Game 1 on ABC, 8:30 ET
June 5: Game 2 on ABC, 8:30 ET
June 8: Game 3 on ABC, 8:30 ET
June 10: Game 4 on ABC, 8:30 ET
June 13: Game 5 on ABC, 8:30 ET*
June 16: Game 6 on ABC, 8:30 ET*
June 19: Game 7 on ABC, 8:30 ET*
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