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How to Watch the NBA Finals 2023

ABC will air every game of the 2023 NBA Finals, and our sports experts highlight the best ways to tune in and what to expect from the best-of-seven series.

Update: The 2023 NBA Finals will begin on June 1. Details for the best-of-seven series are still scarce, but we’ll keep updating this page as the NBA Playoffs draw near.

The NBA’s 77th season comes to its climactic conclusion with the 2023 NBA Finals, tipping off on Thursday, June 1.

Last season, Ime Udoka’s Boston Celtics competed against Steve Kerr’s Golden State Warriors to determine who would win the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.

This year’s NBA Playoffs are still looming, so we don’t know which teams will face off in the finals. But keep reading for a closer look at how to watch the matchup—including dates and channel listings.

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What channel is the NBA Finals on?

ABC will broadcast every game of the 2023 NBA Finals, with exclusive Spanish-language coverage airing on ESPN Deportes.

You can access ABC through most cable, satellite, and live TV streaming providers. But a simple over-the-air (OTA) HD antenna can get you the channel without signing up for a TV plan.

2023 NBA Finals schedule

The best-of-seven series begins on Thursday, June 1. If all seven games are necessary, the last game of the NBA Finals will take place on Sunday, June 18.

Game Date Time (ET) English channels Spanish channels
Game 1 Thursday, June 1 TBA ABC ESPN Deportes
Game 2 Sunday, June 4 TBA ABC ESPN Deportes
Game 3 Wednesday, June 7 TBA ABC ESPN Deportes
Game 4 Friday, June 9 TBA ABC ESPN Deportes
Game 5* Monday, June 12 TBA ABC ESPN Deportes
Game 6* Thursday, June 15 TBA ABC ESPN Deportes
Game 7* Sunday, June 18 TBA ABC ESPN Deportes

*If necessary.

Pro tip: After the NBA Finals, all eyes will shift to the NBA Draft—taking place in Brooklyn on June 22, 2023. You can learn more about the NBA Draft by visiting our How to Watch the NBA Draft guide.

2022 NBA Finals: previous encounters

This series isn’t the first time these two teams met in the NBA Finals. In 1964, the Boston Celtics defeated the then-San Francisco Warriors in Boston’s eighth consecutive visit to the championship series.

Jumping ahead to this season, the Celtics and Warriors went head to head two times. The first game took place on December 17 in Boston and saw Golden State win 111–107. Stephen Curry seized the most points for the Warriors (30), while Jayson Tatum led the Celtics (27).

The second matchup of the regular season happened three months later, on March 16. March was a bad month for the Warriors, and Boston took complete advantage—claiming a 110–88 win. Tatum again led Boston in scoring (26), while Golden State standout Jordan Poole contributed 29 points.

2022 NBA Finals: what to expect

The 2022 NBA Finals mark the first time the Boston Celtics are in the championship series since 2010. But for the Golden State Warriors, this is their sixth championship appearance in eight seasons.

With all the experience that the Warriors bring, it’s easy to assume that they’re the clear favorites. A core group led by Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson looks perfect on paper. But the Celtics are resilient and will put up a good fight.

Boston’s road to the Finals wasn’t easy. While they swept the Brooklyn Nets in round one, they played a full seven games against the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat. If Jaylen Brown, Jayson Tatum, and company can bring that same determination against the Warriors, we might be looking at the next NBA champions.

How to watch the NBA Finals FAQ

Where are the NBA Finals held in 2023?

The 2023 NBA Finals will occur at the home venues of the two participating teams, with home-court advantage going to the team with the best regular-season record.

Can I watch the NBA Finals without cable?

Yes, you can watch the NBA Finals on ABC without a cable TV subscription. Most live TV streaming services offer ABC; otherwise, you can try accessing the channel with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.

Is the NBA Finals on Amazon Prime?

No, the NBA Finals don’t stream live on Amazon Prime Video. While you can watch NBA games through Prime Video with NBA League Pass, the add-on doesn’t include live access to nationally televised games like the NBA Finals.

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