NBA First Round 2027

Updated

The 2027 NBA First Round: From Apr 18, 2027 (Game 7s, if needed, in early May). Eight best-of-seven series open the playoffs, four in each conference. The higher seed has home court; Games 5, 6 and 7 are played only if needed.

8seriesFrom Apr 18, 2027 (Game 7s, if needed, in early May)
Apr 18, 2027datesEastern Time
Round 1of 4best of 7
ESPN/ABCTVsee how to watch

First Round Schedule and Scores

Matchups will appear here as soon as the playoff field is set.

Projected First Round matchups

East
8Miami Heatat1Boston Celtics
East
5Atlanta Hawksat4New York Knicks
East
6Toronto Raptorsat3Detroit Pistons
East
7Cleveland Cavaliersat2Philadelphia 76ers
West
8Portland Trail Blazersat1Los Angeles Lakers
West
5Houston Rocketsat4Minnesota Timberwolves
West
6Oklahoma City Thunderat3Golden State Warriors
West
7Memphis Grizzliesat2San Antonio Spurs

How the First Round Works

Eight best-of-seven series open the playoffs, four in each conference. The higher seed has home court; Games 5, 6 and 7 are played only if needed.

Who plays

The 16 playoff teams: seeds 1 to 6 plus the two Play-In winners in each conference.

Matchups

1 v 8, 4 v 5, 3 v 6 and 2 v 7 in each conference, best of seven.

Home field

The higher seed, in Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 (2-2-1-1-1).

What is next

The 1/8 winner meets the 4/5 winner and the 2/7 winner meets the 3/6 winner in the conference semifinals.

How to Watch

First Round games are split between ESPN and ABC, NBC and Peacock, and Prime Video, with each game's channel listed in the schedule above. ESPN games stream on the ESPN app, NBC games on Peacock and Prime Video games in the Prime Video app; ABC and NBC are free over the air.

Where This Round Sits

Everything on this First Round page updates automatically: matchups when they are set, scores while games are on, results when they end. The full bracket shows how this round connects to the rest of the 2027 NBA playoffs.

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First Round FAQ

When is the First Round?

From Apr 18, 2027 (Game 7s, if needed, in early May).

Who plays in the First Round?

The 16 playoff teams: seeds 1 to 6 plus the two Play-In winners in each conference.

What channel is the First Round on?

ESPN/ABC, NBC/Peacock and Prime Video.

How many games is the First Round?

Best of seven: the first team to four wins advances.

Who has home-court advantage?

The higher seed, in Games 1, 2, 5 and 7 (2-2-1-1-1).

Where do the winners go?

The 1/8 winner meets the 4/5 winner and the 2/7 winner meets the 3/6 winner in the conference semifinals.