When do the NBA Finals start?

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The 2023 NBA Playoffs are set to begin Saturday, Apr. 15, with 16 teams battling for the Larry O’Brien Trophy. Here is when the NBA Finals begin.

Last year, the Golden State Warriors returned to the NBA Finals for the first time since 2019, and they won their sixth title in franchise history. They did so by beating the Boston Celtics in six games. Now, basketball fans await to see what will be the NBA Finals matchup this year, and who will be vying to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at the end of the playoffs.

Once the Play-In Tournament concludes on Friday, Apr. 15, it is officially the start of the NBA Playoffs.16 teams will be battling for the chance to hoist the Larry O’Brien trophy at playoffs’ end. But first, they will have to make it through their respective conferences quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals. Once they do so, they will officially clinch their spot in the NBA Finals.

For those wondering when the NBA Finals begins, we have you covered.

When do the NBA Finals start?

The official start date for the NBA Finals is on Thursday, June 1. Home court advantage will be given to whichever team has the regular-season record. All games will air on ABC.

Below is the full schedule for all seven games, if necessary. Start times for each game will be determined once we get closer to the event.

Game 1: Thursday, June 1
Game 2: Sunday, June 4
Game 3: Wednesday, June 7
Game 4: Friday, June 9
Game 5 (if necessary): Monday, June 12
Game 6 (if necessary): Thursday, June 15
Game 7 (if necessary): Sunday, June 18

Now, let’s take a look at the full NBA Playoffs schedule, via the league’s official website:

First Round: Saturday, Apr. 15
Conference Semifinals: May 1-2 (possible move-up date to Apr. 29-30)
Conference Finals: May 16-17 (possible move-up date to May 14-15)
NBA Finals: June 1

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