The 2019 NBA Playoffs will kick off on April 13, and for the first time since 2005, LeBron James won’t be taking part. His Lakers were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a 111-106 defeat to the Brooklyn Nets, much to the disappointment of NBA fans all over the world. The NBA Playoffs won’t be the same without LeBron, but that doesn’t mean they will lack excitement.
How to Stream 2019 NBA Playoffs Anywhere
Unfortunately, not everyone will be able to watch the 2019 NBA Playoffs due to geo-restrictions. The streaming channels broadcasting the games are blocked outside their respective regions, so the only way to stream the playoffs is via VPN.
Channels Broadcasting 2019 NBA Playoffs
There are several streaming services airing the 2019 NBA Playoffs, but they are limited to viewers from inside the country or region.
- ABC (US)
- ESPN (US)
- TNT (US)
- NBA TV (US)
- Sling TV (US)
- beIN Sports (MENA Region)
- BT Sport (UK)
How to Stream 2019 NBA Playoffs Using VPN
The only way to unblock any of these channels is by using a VPN, or virtual private network. The VPN is a tool that helps you spoof your geographic location. Its software will redirect your internet connection to another server, and give you a new IP address from a different country like the US from example. This will make you appear as if you were an American resident, and you’ll be able to access any channel you want.
And it’s actually quite simple to get a VPN. All you have to do is:
- Choose a VPN provider and sign up.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Sign in and launch the app.
- Connect to any country where the channels above are available. The US is the most preferred option.
- Double check your new IP address on WhatIsMyIP.network.
- See who will claim the 2019 NBA title.
Best VPNs to Stream 2019 NBA Playoffs
Choosing a VPN can be a daunting task if you are unfamiliar with the VPN market. Don’t worry. I’m here to help you. After trying several service providers, I can honestly say that ExpressVPN is the crème de la crème. This brand has so many benefits that make it a top choice in my book, but its most important feature is perhaps privacy and security. It has a military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, and keeps a strict no-logging policy.
The company states that: “We never keep traffic logs, and we also don’t keep any logs that might enable someone to match an IP and timestamp back to a user. We work entirely on the basis of shared IPs, meaning that a single IP does not track back to an individual user.”
Few other brands offer the same levels of privacy and security, that is why ExpressVPN comes highly-recommended. You can check the full list of benefits in our ExpressVPN Review 2019.
If you’re not too impressed with ExpressVPN, there are other alternatives for you to consider. Check them out in the table below.
Visit ExpressVPN
Stream 2019 NBA Playoffs using Smart DNS Proxy
Another way to watch the 2019 NBA Playoffs is by using a Smart DNS Proxy. This baby reroutes the URLs that might expose your location, so you’ll be able to unblock certain channels. All you have to do is:
- Sign up with a Smart DNS service like Smart DNS Proxy.
- Set up Smart DNS on your device.
- You could also set up Smart DNS on your router, gaming consoles, or Smart TVs.
- Gain access to most geo-blocked channels from anywhere in the world.
It is worth mentioning, however, that Smart DNS proxies aren’t as efficient as VPNs. They do not change your IP address, nor do they encrypt your traffic. They can be a bit slow as well, which is frustrating when you’re streaming live matches. That is why I advise you to stick with a VPN.
2019 NBA Playoffs Format
Eight teams with the most wins qualify from each conference to the 2019 NBA Playoffs. The seedings are based on each team’s record. Each round is best-of-seven series, meaning the team with four wins advances to the next round. The format of each round is 2-2-1-1-1 (home and away).
Who Made It?
Check out the 16 teams that made it to the 2019 NBA Playoffs:
Eastern Conference
- Milwaukee Bucks
- Toronto Raptors
- Philadelphia 76ers
- Indiana Pacers
- Boston Celtics
- Brooklyn Nets
- Detroit Pistons
- Miami Heat
Western Conference
- Golden State Warriors
- Denver Nuggets
- Houston Rockets
- Portland Trail Blazers
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Oklahoma City Thunder
- Utah Jazz
- San Antonio Spurs
Championship Favorites
The Golden State Warriors are favorites to win the NBA championship for another year. The warriors have reached the NBA Finals in the last four years, winning it three times in the process. They’ll be looking to add a fourth title to their tally, and third in a row, this year.
But they face some tough opposition along the way, even with the absence of LeBron James. Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Toronto Raptors, and Milwaukee Bucks all have star players who can turn the tide into their favor.
How to Stream 2019 NBA Playoffs Anywhere with VPN
How to Stream 2019 NBA Playoffs Anywhere – Final Words
The greatest basketball show on the planet is just around the corner. April 13 marks the kickoff of the 2019 NBA Playoffs, and trust me when I say that you don’t want to miss it. The best teams and players in the world will go head-to-head and millions of fans will be cheering them on. Make sure you’re one of those fans and get a VPN today. Unblock, unwind, and enjoy.
