The NBA Conference Semi-Finals take place from 4 to 18 May 2026, marking the second round of the NBA Playoffs. Eight teams, four from the Eastern Conference and four from the Western Conference, compete in best-of-seven series for a place in the Conference Finals. Following the conclusion of the First Round, this stage narrows the field to the last four contenders chasing an NBA championship.
What Are the NBA Conference Semi-Finals?
The Conference Semi-Finals are the second round of the NBA Playoffs, contested by the eight surviving teams from the First Round. Each conference produces two match-ups, with pairings determined by seeding: the winner of the 1 vs 8 First Round series faces the winner of the 4 vs 5 series, while the winner of the 2 vs 7 series meets the winner of the 3 vs 6 series. The higher seed in each pairing receives home court advantage.
Every series is a best-of-seven played in the 2-2-1-1-1 format. The higher-seeded team hosts Games 1, 2, 5 and 7, while the lower seed hosts Games 3, 4 and 6, with Games 5, 6 and 7 played only if required. A team must win four games to advance to the Conference Finals. This format, introduced in 2014, replaced the previous 2-3-2 structure and ensures the team with the superior regular season record holds the advantage in any decisive games.
When Are the NBA Conference Semi-Finals?
The Conference Semi-Finals are scheduled to run from Monday 4 May to Monday 18 May 2026, though exact game dates and tip-off times are confirmed by the NBA once the First Round concludes and match-ups are set. Games are typically scheduled across afternoons and evenings (Eastern Time), with weekend fixtures often tipping off earlier to maximise television audiences. The full schedule is published on NBA.com once the bracket is finalised.
Where Are the NBA Conference Semi-Finals?
Unlike a fixed-venue tournament, the Conference Semi-Finals are played at the home arenas of the competing teams. Each series alternates between two venues according to the 2-2-1-1-1 format. The specific arenas depend on which teams advance from the First Round. NBA arenas typically seat between 18,000 and 21,000 spectators, with iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks), Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles Lakers), and TD Garden (Boston Celtics) among the potential hosts.
Key Contenders
With the First Round still to be decided, the final Conference Semi-Finals match-ups remain uncertain. However, the top seeds entering the 2026 Playoffs will be expected to advance. Defending champions and regular season leaders typically carry the strongest momentum into this stage. The Conference Semi-Finals have a history of producing tightly contested series, and lower seeds with playoff experience and strong defensive records have frequently caused upsets at this stage. Fans should watch for teams peaking at the right time, as regular season form does not always translate into playoff success.
How to Watch
The Conference Semi-Finals are broadcast across multiple networks in the United States. ABC and ESPN carry a significant portion of the games, with NBC and Peacock also holding broadcast rights for selected series. Amazon Prime Video streams between five and nine second-round games exclusively, making it an essential platform for full coverage. All ABC and ESPN games are also available on ESPN+ for streaming subscribers, while NBC games stream on Peacock.
In the United Kingdom, fans can watch via three main routes. Amazon Prime Video holds rights to a selection of playoff games including second-round fixtures, and also serves as the home of NBA League Pass in the UK. Sky Sports carries selected games, while TNT Sports, now streaming through HBO Max in the UK, provides additional coverage. NBA League Pass remains the most comprehensive option for UK-based fans wanting access to every game without blackout restrictions.
In Canada, Sportsnet and TSN carry national playoff coverage, though NBA League Pass is subject to blackouts from the second round onwards. In Australia, ESPN and Amazon Prime Video serve as the primary broadcasters, with Kayo Sports also offering access.
History and Records
The Conference Semi-Finals have been a feature of the NBA Playoffs since the league adopted its current conference structure ahead of the 1970-71 season. Originally a best-of-three series, the format expanded to best-of-five from 1951 to 2002, before becoming the best-of-seven series used today. This stage has produced some of the most dramatic moments in playoff history, including the Houston Rockets’ 2015 comeback from 3-1 down to eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers in seven games, and the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2011 upset of the top-seeded San Antonio Spurs. Game 7s at this stage are consistently among the most watched NBA broadcasts of the postseason.
Tickets and Attendance
Tickets for the Conference Semi-Finals go on sale once First Round match-ups conclude, with season ticket holders and team fan club members typically receiving priority access. Ticketmaster is the NBA’s official ticketing partner, while secondary market platforms such as SeatGeek, StubHub, and SeatPick also list verified resale tickets. Prices for Conference Semi-Finals games generally start from around $200 for upper-level seats and can exceed $300 for premium locations, though costs vary significantly depending on the teams involved and the venue. High-demand markets such as New York, Los Angeles, and Boston command premium prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the NBA Conference Semi-Finals start?
The Conference Semi-Finals are scheduled to begin on Monday 4 May 2026, with exact game times confirmed once First Round results are finalised.
Where are the NBA Conference Semi-Finals played?
Games are played at the home arenas of the competing teams, alternating between venues in the 2-2-1-1-1 format.
How can I watch the NBA Conference Semi-Finals?
In the US, games air on ABC, ESPN, NBC, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video. In the UK, coverage is available through Amazon Prime Video, Sky Sports, TNT Sports (via HBO Max), and NBA League Pass.
How many games are in a Conference Semi-Finals series?
Each series is a best-of-seven. The first team to win four games advances to the Conference Finals.