Thunder vs. Lakers schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs series
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Thunder vs. Lakers schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs series originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On Tuesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers will begin their duel in the Western Conference Semifinals.
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The Thunder had no difficulties in their first round against the Phoenix Suns whatsoever, as they won each of the four games by an average of 18 points. MVP frontrunner Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 33 points (25, 37, 42, 31). Heading into this series, Jalen Williams will be questionable after straining his left hamstring during Game 2.
One of the biggest questions for Los Angeles in this series will be if star Luka Doncic can return. The team stated that he won't be available for the first portion of the series. If the Lakers can win some games to extend the series, there is a chance Doncic can return to greatly aid LeBron James, Austin Reaves and the rest of their squad.
The Thunder won all four of their regular-season games against the Lakers this season. The winner of this semifinal matchup will take on the winner of the San Antonio Spurs vs. Minnesota Timberwolves series.
Here's what you need to know to watch Oklahoma City vs. Los Angeles, including broadcast information and start times.
Thunder vs. Lakers schedule
DateGameTime (ET)WatchMay 5Game 1 at Oklahoma City5:30 p.m.NBC, PeacockMay 7Game 2 at Oklahoma City6:30 p.m.Prime VideoMay 9Game 3 at Los Angeles5:30 p.m.ABC, ESPN/DIRECTVMay 11Game 4 at Los Angeles7:30 p.m.Prime VideoMay 13Game 5* at Oklahoma CityTBATV, StreamMay 16Game 6* at Los AngelesTBATV, StreamMay 18Game 7* at Oklahoma CityTBATV, Stream* If necessary
Where to watch Thunder vs. Lakers: TV channel, live stream
- TV channels: NBC, ABC
- Live streams: DIRECTV | ESPN app | Peacock | Prime Video
The Thunder vs. Lakers series will air across multiple platforms thanks to the NBA's expanded broadcast deal, which will see games split among the ESPN networks, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video.
Games on ABC, ESPN networks and NBC can be streamed live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users.
Fans can also turn to the streaming homes for each broadcast partner — Prime Video, Peacock or the ESPN app — for games on those platforms.
NBA Playoffs bracket 2026
Click here for the updated 2026 NBA Playoffs bracket from The Sporting News.
NBA Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2025
Here are the key dates to know for the NBA Playoffs and offseason.
EventDatesPlay-In TournamentApril 14-17First round beginsApril 18Conference semifinals beginMay 4*NBA Draft LotteryMay 10Eastern Conference finals beginMay 19*Western Conference finals beginMay 20*NBA Finals beginJune 3NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary)June 19NBA DraftJune 23-24* Can move up depending on earlier series