NBA Playoffs 2020: bracket and schedule for Lakers, Nuggets, Celtics and Heat games - and how to watch in the UK
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The NBA Bubble has been one of the success stories of the post-lockdown restart of world sports, striking a balance between social distancing and fan inclusion.
The drama on the court hasn’t been half bad either.
The season is now approaching its end, with the lineups of both conference finals now decided. Here's everything you need to know about following the conclusion of the playoff drama from the UK.
What’s happened so far?
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Hide AdNikola Jokic and Jamal Murray’s Denver Nuggets shocked the NBA world when they came from 3-1 down to defeat Kawhi Leonard and Paul George’s LA Clippers.
The Colorado side defied long odds in game five and six when they clawed back double digit deficits before outclassing the Clippers in Game 7, courtesy of a triple-double from the Serbian and 40 points by an up-and-coming Murray.
The Joker and Jamal will meet Lebron James and Anthony Davis’ LA Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, after they brushed aside a James Harden-led Houston Rockets. The Lakers are current favourites to become NBA Champions, while James is aiming to become the first player to win a championship ring with three different teams.
In the Eastern Conference, the Boston Celtics are facing the Miami Heat. The Heat clinched Game 1 of the series, despite a quick start from their New England rivals, with Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and Goran Dragic leading the scoring for the South Beach side.
2020 Playoff bracket
First round Eastern Conference
Milwaukee 4 – 1 Orlando
Indiana 0-4 Miami
Boston 4-0 Philadelphia
Toronto 4-0 Brooklyn
First round Western Conference
Lakers 4-1 Portland
Houston 4-3 Oklahoma City
Denver 4-3 Utah
Clippers 4-2 Dallas
Conference semi-finals
Milwaukee 1-4 Miami
Boston 4-3 Toronto
Lakers 4-1 Houston
Clippers 3-4 Denver
Conference finals
Eastern Conference
Boston vs Miami
Western Conference
Lakers vs Denver
NBA Finals
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Hide AdEastern Conference Champions vs Western Conference Champions
Playoff scheduleWestern Conference Finals
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 1 – 19 September, 2amDenver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 2 – 21 September, 12.30am
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 3 – 23 September, 2am
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 4 – 25 September, 2am
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Hide AdDenver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 5 (if necessary) – 27 September, 2am
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 6 (if necessary) – 28 September, TBD
Denver Nuggets vs Los Angeles Lakers, Game 7 (if necessary) – 30 September TBD
Eastern Conference Finals
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, Game 2 – 18 September, 12am
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, Game 3 – 20 September, 1.30am
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, Game 4 – 21 September, TBD
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, Game 5 (if necessary) – 23 September, TBD
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Hide AdMiami Heat vs Boston Celtics, Game 6 (if necessary) – 25 September, TBD
Miami Heat vs Boston Celtics, Game 7 (if necessary) – 27 September, TBD
NBA Finals
Western Conference vs Eastern Conference – 30 September to 13 October (if necessary)
How can I watch in the UK?Sky Sports are showing coverage of the finals across their channels, all of which are possible to view online. If you’re reluctant to sign up to a Sky Sports package then you can fork out £33.99 for a one-off month pass with Now TV.
Alternatively, basketball fans can pay £42.99 for a League Pass with NBA which will show all remaining games.