Thunder vs. Lakers schedule: Dates, times, TV channels, scores for 2026 NBA Playoffs series originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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On Tuesday night, the Oklahoma City Thunder and Los Angeles Lakers will begin their duel in the Western Conference Semifinals.
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
Oklahoma City leads series 1-0
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 5 | Game 1: Thunder 108, Lakers 90 | — | — |
| May 7 | Game 2 at Oklahoma City | 9:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| May 9 | Game 3 at Los Angeles | 8:30 p.m. | ABC, ESPN app, DIRECTV |
| May 11 | Game 4 at Los Angeles | 10:30 p.m. | Prime Video |
| May 13 | Game 5* at Oklahoma City | TBA | TBA |
| May 16 | Game 6* at Los Angeles | TBA | TBA |
| May 18 | Game 7* at Oklahoma City | TBA | TBA |
* 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.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| Play-In Tournament | April 14-17 |
| First round begins | April 18 |
| Conference semifinals begin | May 4* |
| NBA Draft Lottery | May 10 |
| Eastern Conference finals begin | May 19* |
| Western Conference finals begin | May 20* |
| NBA Finals begin | June 3 |
| NBA Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 19 |
| NBA Draft | June 23-24 |
* Can move up depending on earlier series