When do the NBA conference finals start? What we know about the East and West Finals so far

16/05/2024

One team has advanced to the conference finals so far.

When do the NBA conference finals start? What we know about the East and West Finals so far

The Boston Celtics are heading back to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Top-seeded Boston eliminated the No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round of the 2024 NBA playoffs on Wednesday. The C's five-game series win over the Cavs booked the franchise's third straight trip to the conference finals and sixth trip in the last eight years.

Eyeing a second NBA Finals appearance in three years, the Celtics will have to go through either the No. 2 New York Knicks or No. 6 Indiana Pacers. So, when will the East Finals get underway?

As the next round approaches, here's what to know about the 2024 Eastern and Western Conference Finals:

What is the NBA playoff bracket?

Here's a look at the potential matchups in the conference finals (teams in bold have officially advanced):

East: No. 1 Boston Celtics vs. No. 2 New York Knicks/No. 6 Indiana Pacers

West: No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder/No. 5 Dallas Mavericks vs. No. 2 Denver Nuggets/No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves

When do the 2024 NBA Eastern, Western Conference Finals start?

The East Finals will begin on Sunday, May 19 or Tuesday, May 21.

The West Finals get underway Wednesday, May 22.

What is the 2024 NBA Eastern Conference Finals schedule?

If Pacers-Knicks and Wolves-Nuggets both end in six games, the East Finals schedule will be as follows:

Game 1: Knicks at Celtics -- Sunday, May 19 (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Game 2: Knicks at Celtics -- Tuesday, May 21 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 3: Celtics at Knicks -- Saturday, May 25 (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Game 4: Celtics at Knicks -- Monday, May 27 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 5*: Knicks at Celtics -- Wednesday, May 29 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 6*: Celtics at Knicks -- Friday, May 31 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 7*: Knicks at Celtics -- Sunday, June 2 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)

If Pacers-Knicks or Wolves-Nuggets goes seven games, the East Finals schedule will be as follows:

Game 1: Pacers/Knicks at Celtics -- Tuesday, May 21 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 2: Pacers/Knicks at Celtics -- Thursday, May 23 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 3: Celtics at Pacers/Knicks -- Saturday, May 25 (8:30 p.m. ET, ABC)
Game 4: Celtics at Pacers/Knicks -- Monday, May 27 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 5*: Pacers/Knicks at Celtics -- Wednesday, May 29 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 6*: Celtics at Pacers/Knicks -- Friday, May 31 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 7*: Pacers/Knicks at Celtics -- Sunday, June 2 (8 p.m. ET, ESPN)

What is the 2024 NBA Western Conference Finals schedule?

Here are the dates, times and TV info for the West Finals (* = if necessary):

Game 1: Wednesday, May 22 (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 2: Friday, May 24 (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 3: Sunday, May 26 (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 4: Tuesday, May 28 (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 5*: Thursday, May 30 (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 6*: Saturday, June 1 (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 7*: Monday, June 3 (8:30 p.m. ET, TNT)

When do the 2024 NBA Finals start?

Game 1 of the NBA Finals is scheduled for Thursday, June 6.

What is the 2024 NBA Finals schedule?

Here's the full schedule for this year's Finals (* = if necessary):

Game 1: Thursday, June 6
Game 2: Sunday, June 9
Game 3: Wednesday, June 12
Game 4: Friday, June 14
Game 5*: Monday, June 17
Game 6*: Thursday, June 20
Game 7*: Sunday, June 23

Against the odds, the Atlanta Hawks won the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft for the first time in franchise history. In a year without a consensus No. 1 prospect, here's a look at five top prospects in this year's draft and where Bronny James sits on the board.