Where To Watch The NBA Playoffs

by Andrei Carada / April 11, 2019

The end is nigh!

Well, the end of the 2018-2019 NBA season, that is. By the time this is published, all the playoff seeds will have been established, and we will be well on our way to watching some of the best athletes in the world entertain us with high-flying dunks, super accurate shooting, and some of the sweetest handles not found on a Samsonite.

But like most NBA junkies, you will probably hard-pressed to look for a place to watch your favorite team. Given that, we’re helping you out with this handy guide so you can figure out where to watch your favorite teams during the playoffs.

1) Your Own Place

Whether you are watching from your flat or your parents’ house, this is probably the most cost-effective option.  The best part is that you don’t have to dress up or anything. You can watch the playoffs while wearing your favorite pajamas. Plus you get to pick whatever you want to eat. (Need ideas for good grub? Check out this video on yummy tapa recipes!)

The question, however, is how to get the NBA Playoffs on your telly.  First off, ABS-CBN and ABS-CBN Sports and Action usually have broadcasts with local commentators. The problem with the local channels is that you don’t have a wide option of games to pick from. You are out of luck if you want to catch your favorite team.

Your cable providers will also have sports channels and even channels dedicated solely to basketball, just to feed your NBA playoffs addiction. Sometimes they have several channels, and they won’t be showing the same games due to broadcasting rights agreements.

2) Your Local Sports Bar

Need to share that experience with other people, and munch on great food at the same time? Go to a sports bar! Here in the Philippines, come playoffs time, you’ll be sure to find a sports bar that has the NBA on its big wide-screen TVs.

The easiest options would be Chili’s or TGI Friday’s, which usually host viewing parties, even opening in the morning, way earlier than usual. Buffalo Wild Wings would be a great place to watch while you enjoy a plateful of hot, spicy wings that will knock your socks off.

But for the truly complete NBA experience, go to the NBA Cafe at SM Aura. There you can watch while chowing down on NBA-themed sports bar fare while surrounded by authentic NBA memorabilia.

3) Go mobile

The most versatile option would be watching on your own device, like your phone, tablet or laptop. The advantage: you don’t have to stay in one location. However, there are some things to consider.

First, you have to make sure you have a steady power supply. You don’t want to get cut off with one minute to go in a tied game!

Next problem: fast and stable internet. The reliability of mobile data varies from place to place, and not everyone has Wi-Fi. You want to make sure you have a stable connection wherever you are.

Finally: getting the feed.  Don’t go for those shady links you find on Facebook! . That’s a sure way to get a virus on your device. Instead, go for an NBA League Pass, the league’s online feed. You also get a lot of bonus content, and you can pick and choose the games you want to watch.  

Whether you #FearTheDeer or find #StrengthInNumbers, don’t worry about your NBA fix. There are a lot of options for you to watch your favorite teams. It’s all a matter of what’s convenient for you.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready to wear those authentic jerseys you had express delivered from your aunt in the States, and get watching!