NBA Playoff Schedule 2016: Dates, Matchups, Game Times and TV Coverage Info
The 2015-16 NBA regular season was defined by various historic pursuits, and the postseason should be no different.
Not only are the Golden State Warriors seeking back-to-back titles after shattering the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls' single-season wins record, but the San Antonio Spurs will be hot on their tail as Tim Duncan attempts to hoist his sixth Larry O'Brien Trophy.
Then there's LeBron James' Cleveland Cavaliers, who are the favorites to emerge as Eastern Conference champions for the second straight year and set up a potential 2015 Finals rematch that could allow them to avenge some demons.
So with the regular season over, here's a brief preview of each first-round series—including pertinent viewing information for when and where to catch this year's postseason action.
No. 1 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 8 Detroit Pistons
| Game 1 | Sunday, April 17 | 3 p.m. | ABC |
| Game 2 | Wednesday, April 20 | 8 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 3 | Friday, April 22 | 7 p.m. | ESPN |
| Game 4 | Sunday, April 24 | 8:30 p.m. | TNT |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Tuesday, April 26 | TBD | TBD |
| Game 6 (If necessary) | Thursday, April 28 | TBD | TBD |
| Game 7 (If necessary) | Saturday, April 30 | TBD | TNT |
A No. 8 seed hasn't defeated a No. 1 seed since the Philadelphia 76ers downed the Derrick Rose-less Chicago Bulls in the first round of the 2012 playoffs, so the odds are certainly stacked against the Detroit Pistons entering their postseason tilt with the Cavaliers.
Not only are youngsters like Andre Drummond, Tobias Harris, Marcus Morris and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope all about to experience their first taste of playoff action, but they're matched up against a reigning conference championship club that boasts James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and a roster that's fresh off a trip to the NBA Finals a year ago.
However, those circumstances haven't prevented Reggie Jackson—who's appeared in 30 career playoff games—from shying away from a matchup with the East's most daunting squad.
"I like it... I don't want to fight Goliath's homeboy or little brother," Jackson said, per the Miami Herald's Ethan J. Skolnick. "I want to fight Goliath."
The Pistons could certainly steal a game or two—heck, they won two of the teams' first three matchups prior to Wednesday's rest-filled quasi-exhibition—but winning four of seven when the Cavs possess home-court advantage will be mighty tough even if they do have an edge in the coaching department with Stan Van Gundy at the helm.
No. 2 Toronto Raptors vs. No. 7 Indiana Pacers
| Game 1 | Saturday, April 16 | 12:30 p.m. | Toronto | ESPN |
| Game 2 | Monday, April 18 | 7 p.m. | Toronto | NBA TV |
| Game 3 | Thursday, April 21 | 7:30 p.m. | Indiana | NBA TV |
| Game 4 | Saturday, April 23 | 3 p.m. | Indiana | TNT |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Tuesday, April 26 | TBD | Toronto | TBD |
| Game 6 (If necessary) | Friday, April 29 | TBD | Indiana | TBD |
| Game 7 (If necessary) | Sunday, May 1 | TBD | Toronto | TBD |
Make no mistake about it: The Indiana Pacers have the pieces necessary to pull off an upset. With Paul George, George Hill, Monta Ellis, Myles Turner, Ian Mahinmi and head coach Frank Vogel, Indiana's equal parts seasoned and packed with potential.
However, consistency has eluded the Pacers all season long, and a lack of it could prove to be the team's undoing against a rock solid Toronto Raptors team.
Although the Pacers wielded a defense that ranked third in efficiency, their offense sputtered to the tune of a 24th-ranked 104.7 points per 100 possessions. The Raptors, on the other hand, finished 5th in offensive rating (110.0) and a respectable 11th in defensive rating (105.2).
And after they got bounced in the first round of the 2014 and 2015 playoffs following strong regular seasons, the Raptors should be locked in as they try and advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2001.
No. 3 Miami Heat vs. No. 6 Charlotte Hornets
| Game 1 | Sunday, April 17 | 5:30 p.m. | Miami | TNT |
| Game 2 | Wednesday, April 20 | 7 p.m. | Miami | NBA TV |
| Game 3 | Saturday, April 23 | 5:30 p.m. | Charlotte | TNT |
| Game 4 | Monday, April 25 | TBD | Charlotte | TBD |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Wednesday, April 27 | TBD | Miami | TBD |
| Game 6 (If necessary) | Friday, April 29 | TBD | Charlotte | TBD |
| Game 7 (If necessary) | Sunday, May 1 | TBD | Miami | TBD |
If you're looking for an early front-runner for best first-round series in the Eastern Conference, look no further than a clash between the third-seeded Miami Heat and sixth-seeded Charlotte Hornets.
Not only did the two Southeast Division foes split their season series two games apiece, but the Heat and Hornets both pack the depth and star power necessary to go the distance.
Sprinkle in two of the game's best head coaches in Erik Spoelstra and Steve Clifford, and the tactical showdown between two of the East's under-the-radar contenders could wind up providing some compelling theater.
No. 4 Atlanta Hawks vs. No. 5 Boston Celtics
| Game 1 | Saturday, April 16 | 7 p.m. | Atlanta | ESPN |
| Game 2 | Tuesday, April 19 | 7 p.m. | Atlanta | TNT |
| Game 3 | Friday, April 22 | 8 p.m. | Boston | ESPN2 |
| Game 4 | Sunday, April 24 | 6 p.m. | Boston | TNT |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Tuesday, April 26 | TBD | Atlanta | TBD |
| Game 6 (If necessary) | Thursday, April 28 | TBD | Boston | TBD |
| Game 7 (If necessary) | Saturday, April 30 | TBD | Atlanta | TNT |
The Boston Celtics got crunched by the Atlanta Hawks, 118-107, on April 9, and lost three of four regular seasons against the Southeast Division club, but make no mistake about it: Brad Stevens' squad is going to come out firing against last year's No. 1 seed.
While the Hawks are undeniably the more experienced team with Paul Millsap, Al Horford, Jeff Teague and Kyle Korver leading the charge, the Celtics are one of the most consistent groups in the NBA thanks to Stevens' leadership and Isaiah Thomas' scoring prowess.
However, Boston's undersized frontcourt will be tested. Jared Sullinger, Kelly Olynyk, Amir Johnson and Tyler Zeller are all solid contributors in their own right, but against versatile All-Stars like Horford and Millsap, they'll have their hands full over the course of a bruising best-of-seven affair.
No. 1 Golden State Warriors vs. No. 8 Houston Rockets
| Game 1 | Saturday, April 16 | 3:30 p.m. | Golden State | ABC |
| Game 2 | Monday, April 18 | 10:30 p.m. | Golden State | TNT |
| Game 3 | Thursday, April 21 | 9:30 p.m. | Houston | TNT |
| Game 4 | Sunday, April 24 | 3:30 p.m. | Houston | ABC |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Wednesday, April 27 | TBD | Golden State | TBD |
| Game 6 (If necessary) | Friday, April 29 | TBD | Houston | TBD |
| Game 7 (If necessary) | Sunday, May 1 | TBD | Golden State | TBD |
The defending champions are back right where they belong: In occupation of the Western Conference's No. 1 seed with an easy road to the second round.
The Houston Rockets are sure to push the Warriors for brief stretches throughout their first-round series after sneaking into the postseason thanks to a win over the Sacramento Kings, but the Dubs should have no problem quelling momentary danger a year after dispatching James Harden and Co. in five games in the Western Conference finals.
Put simply, it will be an upset if the Warriors don't capture a first-round sweep and enjoy an extended rest prior to Round 2.
No. 2 San Antonio Spurs vs. No. 7 Memphis Grizzlies
| Game 1 | Sunday, April 17 | 8 p.m. | San Antonio | TNT |
| Game 2 | Tuesday, April 19 | 9:30 p.m. | San Antonio | TNT |
| Game 3 | Friday, April 22 | 9:30 p.m. | Memphis | ESPN |
| Game 4 | Sunday, April 24 | 1 p.m. | Memphis | ABC |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Tuesday, April 26 | TBD | San Antonio | TBD |
| Game 6 (If necessary) | Thursday, April 28 | TBD | Memphis | TBD |
| Game 7 (If necessary) | Saturday, April 30 | TBD | San Antonio | TNT |
The Spurs bowed out of the 2015 playoffs in the first round, but a repeat performance won't be in order when they share the floor with the depleted Memphis Grizzlies.
Although the Los Angeles Clippers bested a bruised and weary Spurs squad a year ago, this year's edition flaunts a legitimate MVP candidate in Kawhi Leonard, extra offensive firepower thanks to the addition of LaMarcus Aldridge and the same veteran stalwarts (Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili) that have helped round out arguably the league's deepest roster.
After posting a 40-1 record at home and the league's top net rating on the road, according to NBA.com's stats database, the Spurs have the balance and poise necessary to make noise well beyond the first round.
Cross your fingers for a Western Conference finals showdown with the Warriors.
No. 3 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 6 Dallas Mavericks
| Game 1 | Saturday, April 16 | 9:30 p.m. | OKC | ESPN |
| Game 2 | Monday, April 18 | 8 p.m. | OKC | TNT |
| Game 3 | Thursday, April 21 | 7 p.m. | Dallas | TNT |
| Game 4 | Saturday, April 23 | 8 p.m. | Dallas | ESPN |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Monday, April 25 | TBD | OKC | TBD |
| Game 6 (If necessary) | Thursday, April 28 | TBD | Dallas | TBD |
| Game 7 (If necessary) | Saturday, April 30 | TBD | OKC | TNT |
Following a one-year postseason hiatus that was precipitated by injury woes, the Oklahoma City Thunder are back in the playoffs and ready to rock with Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka all at full strength.
Not only that, but the Thunder avoided a first-round showdown with the upstart Portland Trail Blazers in favor of a meeting with the Dallas Mavericks—whom they swept over the course of four regular-season games.
And according to NBA.com's stats database, OKC outscored Dallas by an average of 10.6 points per 100 possessions during those games.
Pulling off a tidy sweep of a Rick Carlisle-coached club would be a lot to ask of the Thunder, but there's a clear talent disparity that tilts in Oklahoma City's favor despite the lingering presences of Dirk Nowitzki, Wesley Matthews and Co. on Dallas' side.
No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 5 Portland Trail Blazers
| Game 1 | Sunday, April 17 | 10:30 p.m. | L.A. | TNT |
| Game 2 | Wednesday, April 20 | 10:30 p.m. | L.A. | TNT |
| Game 3 | Saturday, April 23 | 10:30 p.m. | Portland | ESPN |
| Game 4 | Monday, April 25 | 10:30 p.m. | Portland | TNT |
| Game 5 (If necessary) | Wednesday, April 27 | TBD | L.A. | TBD |
| Game 6 (If necessary) | Friday, April 29 | TBD | Portland | TBD |
| Game 7 (If necessary) | Sunday, May 1 | TBD | L.A. | TBD |
Fans of point guard play, rejoice: Chris Paul and Damian Lillard are going to go head-to-head for a minimum of four games in Round 1.
And it will be glorious.
While Portland figures to be overmatched from a sheer athleticism standpoint with Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan matched up against Mason Plumlee, Ed Davis and the rest of Portland's relatively inexperienced frontcourt, Lillard and C.J. McCollum can fill it up at elite rates to keep the Blazers competitive.
Los Angeles, though, will counter with pick-and-rolls aplenty as Paul peppers Portland with free-throw line jumpers, lobs to Jordan and quick pop passes to Griffin that set up easy 18-foot jumpers.
In other words, expect offensive fireworks galore as the Clippers look to capture the franchise's first-ever Western Conference finals berth.
Stats courtesy of Basketball-Reference.com and current as of April 13 unless noted otherwise.
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