Where and How to Buy 2021 NBA Playoff Tickets

Primary market 2021 NBA Playoff tickets are available for most teams via Ticketmaster.  

On the secondary market, TicketIQ will have Fee-Free NBA Playoff tickets which also include a Refund Guarantee. Our Refund Guarantee states that if an event is canceled or deemed unfit for fans to attend, TicketIQ will refund ticket buyers in as soon as 15 days. That means that you can buy from TicketIQ worry-free. Customers on TicketIQ save between 15%-25% compared to other secondary market ticketing sites.  

2021 NBA Playoff Attendance Policies

Teams are starting to release updated attendance policies for their home playoff games, and many are increasing attendance limits for their first round home games. 

2021 NBA Playoff Schedule 

Eastern Conference Semifinals

(No. 1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (No. 5) Atlanta Hawks

• Game 1: Sunday, June 6 | Atlanta at Philadelphia, 1 ET, ABC
• Game 2: Tuesday, June 8 | Atlanta at Philadelphia, 7:30 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Friday, June 11 | Philadelphia at Atlanta, 7:30 ET, ESPN
• Game 4: Monday, June 14 | Philadelphia at Atlanta, TBD, TNT
• Game 5: Wednesday, June 16 | Atlanta at Philadelphia, TBD, TNT (if necessary)
• Game 6: Friday, June 18 | Philadelphia at Atlanta, TBD, ESPN (if necessary)
• Game 7: Sunday, June 20 | Atlanta at Philadelphia, TBD, TNT (if necessary)

(No. 2) Brooklyn Nets vs. (No. 3) Milwaukee Bucks

• Game 1: Saturday, June 5 | Milwaukee at Brooklyn, 7:30 ET, TNT
• Game 2: Monday, June 7 | Milwaukee at Brooklyn, 7:30 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Thursday, June 10 | Brooklyn at Milwaukee, TBD, ESPN
• Game 4: Sunday, June 13 | Brooklyn at Milwaukee,3:30 ET, ABC
• Game 5: Tuesday, June 15 | Milwaukee at Brooklyn, TBD, TNT (if necessary)
• Game 6: Thursday, June 17 | Brooklyn at Milwaukee, TBD, ESPN (if necessary)
• Game 7: Saturday, June 19th | Milwaukee at Brooklyn, TBD, TNT (if necessary)

Western Conference Semifinals

(No. 2) Phoenix Suns vs. (No. 3) Denver Nuggets

• Game 1: Monday, June 7 | Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns, 10 ET, TNT
• Game 2: Wednesday, June 9 | Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns, 9:30 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Friday, June 11 | Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets, 10 ET, ESPN
• Game 4: Sunday, June 13 | Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets, 8 ET, TNT
• Game 5: Tuesday, June 15 | Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns, TBD, TNT (if necessary)
• Game 6: Thursday, June 17 | Phoenix Suns at Denver Nuggets, TBD, ESPN (if necessary)
• Game 7: Sunday, June 20 | Denver Nuggets at Phoenix Suns, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

(No. 1) Utah Jazz vs. (No. 4) Los Angeles Clippers

• Game 1: Tuesday, June 8 | Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz, 10 ET, TNT
• Game 2: Thursday, June 10 | Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz,10 ET, ESPN
• Game 3: Saturday, June 12 | Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers, 8:30 ET, ABC
• Game 4: Monday, June 14 | Utah Jazz at Los Angeles Clippers, 10 ET, TNT
• Game 5: Wednesday, June 16 |Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz, TBD, TNT (if necessary)
• Game 6: Friday, June 18 | Phoenix at Los Angeles Clippers, TBD, ESPN (if necessary)
• Game 7: Sunday, June 20 | Los Angeles Clippers at Utah Jazz, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

(No. 1) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (No. 8) Washington Wizards

• Game 1: Sunday, May 23 | Washington at Philadelphia, 1 ET, TNT
• Game 2: Wednesday, May 26 | Washington at Philadelphia, 7 ET, NBA TV
• Game 3: Saturday, May 29 | Philadelphia at Washington 7 ET, ESPN
• Game 4: Monday, May 31 | Philadelphia at Washington, 7 ET, TNT
• Game 5: Wednesday, June 2 | Washington at Philadelphia, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 6: Friday, June 4 | Philadelphia at Washington, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: Sunday, June 6 | Washington at Philadelphia, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

(No. 2) Brooklyn Nets vs. (No. 7) Boston Celtics

• Game 1: Saturday, May 22 | Boston at Brooklyn, 8 ET, ABC
• Game 2: Tuesday, May 25 | Boston at Brooklyn, 7:30 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Friday, May 28 | Brooklyn at Boston, 8:30 ET, ABC
• Game 4: Sunday, May 30 | Brooklyn at Boston, 7 ET, TNT
• Game 5: Tuesday, June 1 | Boston at Brooklyn, 7:30 ET, TNT (if necessary)
• Game 6: Thursday, June 3 | Brooklyn at Boston, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: Saturday, June 5 | Boston at Brooklyn, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

(No. 3) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (No. 6) Miami Heat

• Game 1: Saturday, May 22 | Miami at Milwaukee, 2 ET, ESPN
• Game 2: Monday, May 24 | Miami at Milwaukee, 7:30 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Thursday, May 27 | Milwaukee at Miami, 7:30 ET, TNT
• Game 4: Saturday, May 29 | Milwaukee at Miami, 1:30 ET, TNT
• Game 5: Tuesday, June 1 | Miami at Milwaukee, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 6: Thursday, June 3 | Milwaukee at Miami, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: Saturday, June 5 | Miami at Milwaukee, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

(No. 4) New York Knicks vs. (No. 5) Atlanta Hawks

• Game 1: Sunday, May 23 | Atlanta at New York, 7 ET, TNT
• Game 2: Wednesday, May 26 | Atlanta at New York, 7:30 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Friday, May 28 | New York at Atlanta, 7 ET, ESPN
• Game 4: Sunday, May 30 | New York at Atlanta, 1 ET, ABC
• Game 5: Wednesday, June 2 | Atlanta at New York, 7:30 ET, TNT (if necessary)
• Game 6: Friday, June 4 | New York at Atlanta, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: Sunday, June 6 | Atlanta at New York, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

Western Conference - Quarterfinals

(No. 1) Utah Jazz vs. (No. 8) Memphis Grizzlies

• Game 1: Sunday, May 23 | Memphis at Utah, 9:30 ET, TNT
• Game 2: Wednesday, May 26 | Memphis at Utah, 10 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Saturday, May 29 | Utah at Memphis, 1 ET, ESPN
• Game 4: Monday, May 31 | Utah at Memphis, 9:30 ET, TNT
• Game 5: Wednesday, June 2 | Memphis at Utah, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 6: Friday, June 4 | Utah at Memphis, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: Sunday, June 6 | Memphis at Utah, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

(No. 2) Phoenix Suns vs. (No. 7) Los Angeles Lakers

• Game 1: Sunday, May 23 | L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 3:30 ET, ABC
• Game 2: Tuesday, May 25 | L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 10 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Thursday, May 27 | Phoenix at L.A. Lakers, 10 ET, TNT
• Game 4: Sunday, May 30 | Phoenix at L.A. Lakers, 3:30 ET, ABC
• Game 5: Tuesday, June 1 | L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, 10 ET, TNT (if necessary)
• Game 6: Thursday, June 3 | Phoenix at L.A. Lakers, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: Saturday, June 5 | L.A. Lakers at Phoenix, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

(No. 3) Denver Nuggets vs. (No. 6) Portland Trail Blazers

• Game 1: Saturday, May 22 | Portland at Denver, 10:30 ET, ESPN
• Game 2: Monday, May 24 | Portland at Denver, 10 ET, TNT
• Game 3: Thursday, May 27 | Denver at Portland, 10:30 ET, NBA TV
• Game 4: Saturday, May 29 | Denver at Portland, 4 ET, TNT
• Game 5: Tuesday, June 1 | Portland at Denver, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 6: Thursday, June 3 | Denver at Portland, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: Saturday, June 5 | Portland at Denver, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

(No. 4) Los Angeles Clippers vs. (No. 5) Dallas Mavericks

• Game 1: Saturday, May 22 | Dallas at LA Clippers, 4:30 ET, ESPN
• Game 2: Tuesday, May 25 | Dallas at LA Clippers, 10:30 ET, NBA TV
• Game 3: Friday, May 28 | LA Clippers at Dallas, 9:30 ET, ESPN
• Game 4: Sunday, May 30 | LA Clippers at Dallas, 9:30 ET, TNT
• Game 5: Wednesday, June 2 | Dallas at LA Clippers, 10 ET, TNT (if necessary)
• Game 6: Friday, June 4 | LA Clippers at Dallas, TBD, TBD (if necessary)
• Game 7: Sunday, June 6 | Dallas at LA Clippers, TBD, TBD (if necessary)

Where To Buy 2020-21 NBA Tickets 

Depending on the team, primary market face value tickets for the 2020-21 NBA season can be purchased on Ticketmaster and StubHub.

On the secondary market, TicketIQ has Fee-Free NBA tickets with a Refund Guarantee, which states that in the event an event is canceled or deemed unfit for fans to attend, TicketIQ will refund ticket buyers in as soon as 15 days. That means that you can buy from TicketIQ worry-free. 

Which NBA Teams Are Hosting Fans For The 2020-21

2020-21 NBA COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols

While specific teams have their own health and safety protocols put in place based on state and local officials, the NBA released their own general policies prior to the start of  the season. Those policies include:

• Eligible markets can host fans at 25% capacity.
• All fans over the age of two are required to wear masks. 
• Fans must stay socially distance from people not in their seating pod.
• Fans must take part in a COVID-19 symptom survey prior to entering NBA arenas.
• Fans sitting within 30 feet from the court must test negative for COVID-19 two days prior to the game or a rapid test the day of the game. 
• Food and beverages are not permitted for fans sitting 30 feet from the court
• NBA teams can install plexiglass between benches and seats.
• Arena suites can be at 25% capacity without fans being tested.

UPDATE (6/12): Shams Charania is reporting the expected dates for the restart of the NBA season:

•  July 30-Aug. 14: Seeding games
• Aug.15-16: Play-in tournaments
• Aug. 17: Playoffs begin
• Aug. 30: Family/guests of teams arrive
• Aug. 31-Sept. 13: Conf. Semifinals
• Sept. 15-Sept. 28: Conf. Finals
• Sept. 30-Oct. 13: NBA Finals

Twenty-two teams will take part in the 2019-20 season's conclusion. They include the 16 franchises in playoff position at the time of the NBA's suspension March 11 and the six teams within six games of a playoff berth.

Those six consist of the Washington Wizards, Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs.

Teams will play eight regular-season games apiece before a possible play-in tournament for the eighth seed in each conference. The league will then hold its typical four-round playoff consisting of best-of-seven series.

How To Watch 2020 NBA Games

The National Basketball Association is returning to play on July 30 in Orlando, and everyone is excited to see the world’s best basketball players play their final eight regular season contests and playoff games.

There will be 22 teams in the NBA’s “bubble” in Florida, and they will be fighting for 16 playoff spots. Be sure to check out all the amazing NBA action on NBA League Pass.

How Much is NBA League Pass?

The best way to purchase NBA League Pass is through NBA.com, and the prices range from $29.99 for the live package to $124.99 for commercial-free coverage as well as access to all game replays and classic games.

Fans can head to NBA.com/freepreview for a free preview of NBA League Pass while the NBA is on hiatus.

When are NBA Games Being Played?

On Thursday, July 30, the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans will tip off “bubble” play at 6:30 pm eastern, followed by the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers at 9:00 pm.

There will be a maximum of seven games per day, with games tipping off between noon and 9:00 pm. The defending champion Toronto Raptors will not restart their season until Saturday, August 1 at 8:30 pm against the Lakers.

The Milwaukee Bucks, the Eastern Conference’s best team, will face arguably their biggest competition within the conference with their first game. They take on the Boston Celtics at 6:30 pm on Friday, July 31.

The regular season schedule is an impressive one, but the playoffs will be even better, and those games will begin on Monday, August 17.

Where to Purchase NBA League Pass?

Fans can purchase NBA League Pass via NBA.com and watch the high-flying dunks, game-changing shots, and show-stopping blocks starting July 30.

Coronavirus Impact on the 2019-20 NBA Ticket Market

With the rest of the 2019-2020 season and playoffs being played in Orlando and without fans, we estimate the lost revenue for secondary market NBA tickets is just under $691 million for the remaining regular season games, and an additional $1 billion for the playoffs. That estimate is based on secondary market value, average attendance from the 2019-20 season and playoffs, and the number of games canceled. This is not a precise measure, but the simplest way to benchmark the magnitude of losses, by team. Below is a breakdown of the teams with the biggest impact across the NBA:

 

Where To Buy NBA Tickets for 2019-20 Season

With the NBA season here, and there are more ways than ever to get tickets to see your favorite team or your favorite star. With the exception of the 76ers who blend primary and secondary listings on Stubhub, every team has unsold face value tickets available directly from the team.  Every team also has tickets available on the secondary market with anywhere from 1,000 to 2,500 tickets available for each game. With about the same amount of unsold face value inventory availability for some teams, it's critical to shop around to make sure you're getting the best deal. For 2019-20, many teams are also offering family packs and pre-loaded concession tickets which is another reason to check all options before buying. 

High Priced Teams

	UNSOLD QTY	2NDARY QTY	2NDARY AVG
Golden State Warriors	Low	Low	$458
New York Knicks	High	Mid	$261
LA Clippers	Low	Low	$267
Brooklyn Nets	Medium	High	$242
Philadelphia 76ers	Sold Out	High	$150
Oklahoma City Thunder	Low	Mid	$137

Mid Priced Teams

Toronto Raptors	Low	Low	$179
Denver Nuggets	Low	High	$154
Miami Heat	Low	Mid	$150
Boston Celtics	Low	Med	$154
San Antonio Spurs	Low	High	$177
Milwaukee Bucks	Low	Mid	$132
Houston Rockets	Low	Low	$189
Portland Trail Blazers	Low	Mid	$103
Sacramento Kings	Medium	Low	$107
Dallas Mavericks	Medium	High	$110

Low Priced Teams

Atlanta Hawks	High	Mid	$107
New Orleans Pelicans	Low	Mid	$105
Chicago Bulls	High	Mid	$133
Minnesota Timberwolves	Low	Low	$58
Phoenix Suns	Medium	Mid	$85
Orlando Magic	Medium	Low	$87
Washington Wizards	Medium	High	$92
Indiana Pacers	Low	Low	$94
Cleveland Cavaliers	Medium	Med	$72
Utah Jazz	Low	Mid	$117
Detroit Pistons	High	High	$69
Charlotte Hornets	High	Mid	$64
Memphis Grizzlies	Medium	Mid	$73

How Much Are 2019-20 NBA Tickets

While the 2019 off-season was as active as any, whether the realignment of the stars impacts who's playing in June remains to be seen. Ticket prices, however, are already showing the impact of the off-season moves. In particular, the Los Angeles Clippers ticket prices has nearly doubled in price. Despite the jump, the Clippers still don't have the priciest ticket in the league. That belongs to their arena-mates, the Los Angeles Lakers, who unseated the Golden State Warriors as the priciest tickets in the league. With the addition of Anthony Davis, prices are up to $473 up 2% over last season, while Golden State's average fell 1% to $458. On the downside, Minnesota Timberwolves' prices fell from $140 to $58, making Target Center the cheapest place in the country to see a pro basketball game.

Most Expensive NBA Teams

In addition to the the Clippers, the Nets also have had a big jump on the secondary ticket market, with the addition of Kyrie Irving. With Kyrie gone from Boston, the Celtics have one of the biggest price drops compared to last season, with their tickets down 32%.

On the secondary market TicketIQ has Fee Free tickets on all sold out NBA games. That means if you find the same ticket for less, we'll give you 200% of the difference in ticket credit. TicketIQ is also the leading source of ticket market data used by major news outlets, like CNBC, Business Insider, Fox and others. Enjoy the TicketIQ blog for most in-depth coverage of the NBA ticket market and use TicketIQ.com to save 15% compared to other major tickets sellers.  

In addition to changes for 2019 prices, it's interesting to see which teams have had the biggest prices increases since 2011. While the Warriors at the top of the list is no surprise, the Spurs as the second biggest gainer shows the continued fan loyalty in San Antonio.  While Both San Antonio and Golden State represent a body of work over the decade, two of the other biggest-gainers for the decade are based more on expectations. While the Nets had a big jump in price for 2019, their spot on this list is driven more the result of their move from New Jersey to Brooklyn than anything else.

 

Biggest Price Gainers

 

 

What Teams Have the Best Value For Tickets In 2019

If winning and affordability are the goals, the Jazz have the best deal for tickets on the secondary market and the Pistons are the second-best value in the NBA.  

TicketIQ Blog 2019-20 NBA Team Buying Guides  w/ Sold Out and Unsold Details

• Clippers - 2 minute read + Infographics
• Knicks - 2 minute read + Infographics
• Miami Heat - 2 minute read + Infographics
• Pistons - 2 minute read + Infographics
• Pelicans - 2 minute read + Infographics
• Magic - 2 minute read + Infographics

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2018-19 NBA Tickets: Warriors, Lakers, and Knicks Most Expensive On Secondary Market

Most Expensive Prices for 2018-19

When a team wins back-to-back championships, their tickets are simply going to be desirable. For the fourth year in a row, the Golden State Warriors have the highest average secondary market ticket price; it’s risen by about 2% this year to $463. Right behind them are the Los Angeles Lakers with their new addition of LeBron James, who has single-handedly boosted their ticket prices to an average of $444. Beyond the two California clubs, no other teams’ average price breaks $300.

Least Expensive Prices for 2018-19

Unsurprisingly, the Charlotte Hornets and the New Orleans Pelicans are at the bottom of the barrel in terms of secondary market price, averaging $89 and $104 respectively. Both teams missed the playoffs last season and will face an uphill climb to change that this year. The Minnesota Timberwolves, Portland Trail Blazers, and Dallas Mavericks round out the bottom five. Both Minnesota and Portland will likely be in the hunt for a playoff spot, so there could be some value to be had in those markets.

Most Expensive Games

The NBA is a league driven by stars and the most expensive games reflect that reality. The 11 most expensive games on the secondary market either feature Steph Curry’s Warriors or LeBron James’ Lakers. The two games when the two teams meet in Oakland clock in with massive average prices; they currently sit at $1768 for the Christmas Day showdown and $1378 for a February faceoff. You’ll have to pay nearly $250 just to get in the building for either of those dates.

Team Value Index

Based on each team’s average ticket price on the secondary market and ESPN’s season projections, we can determine each team’s value in terms of dollars per win. Looking at those stats, there are plenty of good deals to be had; the highlights include several playoff teams—the Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets, and Toronto Raptors—towards the top of the list. On the opposite side of the spectrum, you’ll be paying a premium to see the struggles of New York Knicks.

Biggest Price Changes

LeBron James is arguably the NBA’s biggest name and his fingerprints are all over the secondary ticket market. After his departure from the Midwest, Cleveland Cavaliers tickets plummeted by an average of 42%. On the opposite side of the country, Los Angeles Lakers tickets rose by 48% per game. Outside of LeBron’s shadow, now might be the time to look into Toronto Raptors tickets; their secondary market fell by 29% despite their 207-18 success and addition of Kawhi Leonard.

During the 2017-18 NBA season, only nine teams averaged 100% attendance. Combine that with the fact that the league lacks a uniform entry policy—most teams will accept mobile tickets, but some will only accept tickets on specific apps—and the primary ticket market may be your best bet this season. But no matter which market you’re shopping on, there are plenty of great deals for the upcoming NBA season if you know where to look.

NBA Christmas Day Games

Since 2011, the NBA has claimed Christmas Day as an opportunity to showcase the best the league has to offer. This year’s schedule features five games: the Milwaukee Bucks at the New York Knicks, the Philadelphia 76ers at the Boston Celtics, the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Houston Rockets, the Portland Trailblazers at the Utah Jazz, and the Los Angeles Lakers at the Golden State Warriors.

In terms of a bargain, the game to circle on the calendar is Oklahoma City and Houston. ESPN projects the Rockets and Thunder to be the second and fourth place teams in the Western Conference, respectively, but you can score seats for half of the price of the mediocre Knicks-Bucks match-up. The average secondary market price for a ticket at Vivint Smart Home Arena is $220 and the cheapest available seat is $75; you’ll have to pay at least $184 on the secondary market to get into Madison Square Garden.

The highlight of the day, however, is undeniably the Lakers’ visit to the Warriors. Understandably, the secondary market prices are sky high; the average resale ticket price currently sits at $1,820, while the get-in price is $248. Both of those rates are the highest ever for a Christmas Day game.