The 2022 NBA Playoffs are just a couple of days away as the NBA Play-In Tournament is currently underway as a preliminary tournament to kick off the main postseason tournament. If you don’t want to miss out on this year’s enthralling and rip-rousing NBA postseason, read this article till the end to find out how you can watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere.
Before the NBA Playoffs begin, eight teams from Eastern and Western conferences face off against each other in the Play-In Tournament for a shot at the 7th and 8th place on each conference’s playoff bracket. The NBA playoffs are the main postseason tournament NBA held annually to decide the champion of the league. It is played in a best-of-seven elimination format.
The 2022 NBA playoffs will begin on April 16, 2022, and will conclude the season with the 2022 NBA Finals somewhere around June 2022. Filled with excitement, drama, and do-or-die clashes, the NBA playoffs always attract millions of viewers throughout the world.
The official coverage of the NBA playoffs will be shown on ESPN, NBA TV, ABC, and TNT in the USA. However, if you are looking to catch all the action live through online streaming, you will face the geo-restrictions of these channels due to licensing agreements. In that case, a VPN app will be required to circumvent these location barriers and watch the 2022 NBA Playoffs on ESPN Plus outside USA or on other mentioned streaming platforms.
Let’s find out how to use a VPN to evade the geo-blocks of streaming platforms and which VPN service provider is the best to get the job done.
Quick Steps: How to Watch 2022 NBA Playoffs Live from Anywhere
Follow these easy steps to watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere with the help of a premium VPN app:
- Subscribe to a dependable and high-quality VPN app. ExpressVPN tops our recommendation.
- Download the app after subscribing and install it on your streaming device.
- Start your VPN app and log in with your registered username and password.
- Connect a server located in the USA to get an American IP address.
- After that, go to ESPN+ and log in to your account.
- Once you have access to your account, find the NBA Playoffs and start watching the games from anywhere.
Why do we recommend ExpressVPN to Watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from Anywhere?
Although there are a lot of VPN services available in the market with excellent VPN features, we strongly recommend ExpressVPN. This VPN is an overall best performer due to its state-of-the-art features. During our testing, it impressed us the most and we can safely say that there’s not much room for improvement, such perfect is its performance. ExpressVPN is an ideal VPN for online privacy, security, data shielding, and unblocking of geo-restricted content of beIN Sports in UK.
Top VPNs to Watch 2022 NBA Playoffs Live from Anywhere
Geo-restrictions have become prevalent in recent years. There’s too much competition and the streaming channels of each country try to win the bids for the broadcasting rights of live and on-demand content throughout the world.
You either have to be lucky enough to be in a region where your favorite sports or entertainment content is being broadcast or else you will need to access the streaming platforms of other regions. The problem with the latter is that due to licensing agreements, the streams are usually geo-blocked.
That’s where VPN apps come in handy. Just like other geo-restricted content, you will need a VPN app to watch the 2022 NBA Playoffs from anywhere. If you are not sure which VPN is suitable to meet your needs, you can have a look at our list of top VPNs to watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere.
ExpressVPN: The Best VPN to watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere
ExpressVPN is a champion of all VPNs due to its unmatched qualities and unbeatable performance. It is the best VPN to watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere due to its reliability, fast speed, and robust security.
This VPN operates with a widespread network of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, including 25+ server locations in the USA.
It boasts a streaming speed of 87.128 Mbps and an upload speed of 52.13 Mbps over a typical 100 Mbps connection. We have connected to a server in New York.
You can use it to unblock all the entertainment and sports streaming platforms, including ESPN+, ABC, TNT, NBA TV, Sky Sports, and Foxtel as well as FuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, DirecTV, and Hulu + Live TV among others. The VPN also lets you watch Kayo sports and Miami Open Tennis from anywhere.
ExpressVPN is loaded with state-of-the-art features and offers compatibility with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, smart devices, smart TVs, streaming devices, gaming consoles, and Wi-Fi routers. 5 simultaneous connections are offered with a single subscription.
This VPN is currently up for grabs for GB£ 3.16 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, including a money-back guarantee for one month. With the subscription to this VPN, you can also watch Serie A live from anywhere.
Surfshark: Pocket-Friendly VPN to watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere
Surfshark can be a major attraction for budget-conscious cord-cutters due to its affordable prices and premium VPN features. Considering its pricing plans, Surfshark is the most pocket-friendly VPN to watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere.
With one of the most affordable subscription plans, you can get this service for just GB£ 1.97 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, including a 30-day money-back guarantee. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections per plan that very few VPN apps offer, allowing you to watch Winter Paralympic Games from anywhere.
This VPN offered us a download speed of 86.51 Mbps and an upload speed of 51.86 Mbps. We have connected to the server in San Jose.
Surfshark has a vast global server covering 100+ countries with an overall 3200+ servers, including over 600 servers located in the USA. It can easily unblock geo-blocked streaming platforms like TNT, ABC, NBA TV, ESPN+, Sky Sports, Kayo, Foxtel, DirecTV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV to name a few.
This VPN offers decent online security and speed and provides dedicated apps for Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Android TVs, gaming consoles, web browsers, streaming devices, and Wi-Fi routers so that you can watch ICC Women’s Cricket Worldcup from anywhere on your preferred device.
NordVPN: Largest Server Network to watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere
NordVPN is one of the safest VPN apps for bypassing geo-restrictions. Coupled with its gigantic network of servers, this VPN offers amazing unblocking powers. Looking at its number of servers, it’s safe to establish that NordVPN has the largest server network to watch NBA Playoffs live from anywhere.
This VPN has an enormous worldwide network of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 105 countries, including 1500+ in the USA. Over a 100 Mbps connection, NordVPN can achieve a maximum downloading speed of 85.48 Mbps and an upload speed of 48.42 Mbps. We have connected to one of the servers in New York.
These servers are enough to unblock ESPN+, NBA TV, TNT, ABC, Sky Sports, Kayo, Foxtel, Sling TV, FuboTV, YouTube TV, DirecTV, Hulu + Live TV, and several others. You can also use this VPN to watch Ultimate Fighting Championships from anywhere.
NordVPN offers state-of-the-art and unique encryption tools. You can use these handy features on your devices running on Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Linux, gaming consoles, streaming devices, Wi-Fi routers, and smart TVs.
You can get this amazing app for a moderate price of GB£ 3.16 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, including a 30-day money-back pledge.
A single subscription gives you the freedom to use this app on 6 devices at a time. With this VPN you can watch the latest sports events like Men’s Curling Championship without any interruptions.
Why do you need a VPN to watch 2022 NBA playoffs live from anywhere?
The streaming platforms offering live coverage of the 2022 NBA Playoffs are geo-restricted just like other streaming platforms. Meaning that you can’t access them outside the area of their coverage. The NBA maintains a strong geo-blocking mechanism to keep its broadcasting and streaming rights restricted to specific regions.
The live broadcast and streaming of NBA events are offered through different sports channels in the USA available through local and national cable TV subscriptions. The streaming platforms of these channels stay geo-blocked outside the USA.
For instance, ESPN+ is offering live streaming for the 2022 NBA Playoffs but you can’t access it from everywhere because the platform is geo-restricted. You will get the following location error message while attempting to access ESPN Plus in UK:
“ESPN+ is not available in your country due to content rights issues.”
Licensing agreements and copyright regulations are the reasons behind these geo-restrictions which the streaming platforms are bound to abide by in any case. However, it’s still possible to access these streaming channels, including ESPN+, with the help of a high-end VPN app.
Streaming platforms deploy strong location detection and anti-VPN systems to block the access of users coming from outside a region where their services are not legally available. Based on your location as revealed by the IP address of your device your access request is filtered out.
To access ESPN+ and any other streaming platform based in the USA, you will require an IP address from the USA to be able to stream the content. You can do that with the help of VPN apps. These apps are designed to provide you with online privacy, and security, and disguise your real IP address to remotely relocate your smart devices to your desired region.
2022 NBA Playoffs Schedule
Mark your calendars Basketball fans, the NBA 2022 Play-Offs are starting. The 2022 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google Pixel, are starting on April 16. The complete schedule of the playoffs hasn’t been announced yet as it will proceed once the Play-In Tournament results will come and more info will be delivered as they finalize.
Below are the details of the playoff matches that are to be held in the First Round.
First Round Playoff Schedule | ||
EASTERN CONFERENCE | ||
Miami Heat (1) vs. TBD (8) | ||
Sunday, April 17 | • Game 1: TBD vs. Miami | 1 ET | TNT |
Tuesday, April 19 | • Game 2: TBD vs. Miami | TBD | TBD |
Friday, April 22 | • Game 3: Miami vs. TBD | TBD | ESPN |
Sunday, April 24 | • Game 4: Miami vs. TBD | 7 ET | TNT |
Tuesday, April 26 | • Game 5*: TBD vs. Miami | TBD | TBD |
Thursday, April 28 | • Game 6*: Miami vs. TBD | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, April 30 | • Game 7*: TBD vs. Miami | TBD | TNT |
Boston Celtics (2) vs. Brooklyn Nets (7) | ||
Sunday, April 17 | • Game 1: Brooklyn vs. Boston | 3:30 ET | ABC |
Wednesday, April 20 | • Game 2: Brooklyn vs. Boston | 7 ET | TNT |
Saturday, April 23 | • Game 3: Boston vs. Brooklyn | TBD | ESPN |
Monday, April 25 | • Game 4: Boston vs. Brooklyn | TBD | TBD |
Wednesday, April 27 | • Game 5*: Brooklyn vs. Boston | TBD | TBD |
Friday, April 29 | • Game 6*: Boston vs. Brooklyn | TBD | TBD |
Sunday, May 1 | • Game 7*: Brooklyn vs. Boston | TBD | TBD |
Milwaukee Bucks (3) vs. Chicago Bulls (6) | ||
Sunday, April 17 | • Game 1: Chicago vs. Milwaukee | 6:30 ET | TNT |
Wednesday, April 20 | • Game 2: Chicago vs. Milwaukee | 9:30 ET | TNT |
Friday, April 22 | • Game 3: Milwaukee vs. Chicago | 8:30 ET | ABC |
Sunday, April 24 | • Game 4: Milwaukee vs. Chicago | 1 ET | ABC |
Wednesday, April 27 | • Game 5*: Chicago vs. Milwaukee | TBD | TBD |
Friday, April 29 | • Game 6*: Milwaukee vs. Chicago | TBD | TBD |
Sunday, May 1 | • Game 7*: Chicago vs. Milwaukee | TBD | TBD |
Philadelphia 76ers (4) vs. Toronto Raptors (5) | ||
Saturday, April 16 | • Game 1: Toronto vs. Philadelphia | 6 ET | ESPN |
Monday, April 18 | • Game 2: Toronto vs. Philadelphia | 7:30 ET | TNT |
Wednesday, April 20 | • Game 3: Philadelphia vs. Toronto | 8 ET | NBA TV |
Saturday, April 23 | • Game 4: Philadelphia vs. Toronto | 2 ET | TNT |
Monday, April 25 | • Game 5*: Toronto vs. Philadelphia | TBD | TBD |
Thursday, April 28 | • Game 6*: Philadelphia vs. Toronto | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, April 30 | • Game 7*: Toronto vs. Philadelphia | TBD | TNT |
WESTERN CONFERENCE | ||
Phoenix Suns (1) vs. TBD (8) | ||
Sunday, April 17 | • Game 1: TBD vs. Phoenix | 9 ET | TNT |
Tuesday, April 19 | • Game 2: TBD vs. Phoenix | 10 ET | TNT |
Friday, April 22 | • Game 3: Phoenix vs. TBD | TBD | ESPN |
Sunday, April 24 | • Game 4: Phoenix vs. TBD | 9:30 ET | TNT |
Tuesday, April 26 | • Game 5*: TBD vs. Phoenix | TBD | TBD |
Thursday, April 28 | • Game 6*: Phoenix vs. TBD | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, April 30 | • Game 7*: TBD vs. Phoenix | TBD | TNT |
Memphis Grizzlies (2) vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (7) | ||
Saturday, April 16 | • Game 1: Minnesota vs. Memphis | 3:30 ET | ESPN |
Tuesday, April 19 | • Game 2: Minnesota vs. Memphis | TBD | TBD |
Thursday, April 21 | • Game 3: Memphis vs. Minnesota | 7:30 ET | TNT |
Saturday, April 23 | • Game 4: Memphis vs. Minnesota | TBD | ESPN |
Tuesday, April 26 | • Game 5*: Minnesota vs. Memphis | TBD | TBD |
Friday, April 29 | • Game 6*: Memphis vs. Minnesota | TBD | TBD |
Sunday, May 1 | • Game 7*: Minnesota vs. Memphis | TBD | TBD |
Golden State Warriors (3) vs. Denver Nuggets (6) | ||
Saturday, April 16 | • Game 1: Denver vs. Golden State | 8:30 ET | ABC |
Monday, April 18 | • Game 2: Denver vs. Golden State | 10 ET | TNT |
Thursday, April 21 | • Game 3: Golden State vs. Denver | 10 ET | TNT |
Sunday, April 24 | • Game 4: Golden State vs. Denver | 3:30 ET | ABC |
Wednesday, April 27 | • Game 5*: Denver vs. Golden State | TBD | TBD |
Friday, April 29 | • Game 6*: Golden State vs. Denver | TBD | TBD |
Sunday, May 1 | • Game 7*: Denver vs. Golden State | TBD | TBD |
Dallas Mavericks (4) vs. Utah Jazz (5) | ||
Saturday, April 16 | • Game 1: Utah vs. Dallas | 1 ET | ESPN |
Monday, April 18 | • Game 2: Utah vs. Dallas | 8:30 ET | NBA TV |
Thursday, April 21 | • Game 3: Dallas vs. Utah | 9 ET | NBA TV |
Saturday, April 23 | • Game 4: Dallas vs. Utah | 4:30 ET | TNT |
Monday, April 25 | • Game 5*: Utah vs. Dallas | TBD | TBD |
Thursday, April 28 | • Game 6*: Dallas vs. Utah | TBD | TBD |
Saturday, April 30 | • Game 7*: Utah vs. Dallas | TBD | TNT |
What’s next after the play-in?
The Play-In Tournament will end on Friday, April 15, 2022. Once the winners are announced who will get the 7th and 8th seeded positions in the conference, the game will be moved to the next level, the NBA Playoffs. The tournament will start in the traditional way with 16 teams, on Saturday, April 16, 2022.
FAQs
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Conclusion
The NBA Play In Tournament will conclude in a couple of days and once the No.7 and No.8 seeds are decided, the NBA will move on to the main postseason tournament; the NBA Playoffs leading to the NBA Finals. So, get ready to witness the top 8 teams from each conference battle it out for a spot in the NBA Finals to claim the prestigious Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy.
If basketball is your passion and you are actively following the ongoing NBA Play-In Tournament, get in the mood to receive some more non-stop dose of professional basketball. Watch some of the finest players in the world battling it out on the court to lead their teams to glory.
It is once again reiterated that you will need a premium VPN service to watch 2022 NBA Playoffs live from anywhere. So, get the VPN app ASAP and start watching your favorite game. We recommend ExpressVPN and we bet you won’t regret your decision.