Playoff basketball is a different animal. The regular season is chess — the playoffs are survival. Every possession counts, coaches are screaming, and the crowd is already standing when the ball goes up. The 2026 NBA Playoffs run April 14 through mid-June with LA Clippers and Lakers both in contention — SoCal fans may have home playoff games available. Play-In Tournament starts April 14. Conference Finals and NBA Finals on ABC from June 3. Tickets via Ticketmaster. Show up to any playoff game expecting the atmosphere to hit you the moment you walk in.