Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at the United Center on April 09, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois.
Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Long-suffering New York Knicks fans might finally have something to look forward to. Jalen Brunson and Co. are headed to the 2024 NBA Playoffs, facing the Philadelphia 76ers today for the first game of their Round 1 series.
Keep reading for all the ways you catch watch the Sixers vs. Knicks game, even if you don’t have cable.
How and when to watch the 76ers vs. Knicks game
Game 1 of the NBA playoff series between the Philadelphia 76ers and the New York Knicks will be played on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET (3:00 p.m. PT). The game will air on ESPN and stream on SlingTV and the platforms featured below.
How to watch the 76ers vs. Knicks game without cable
If your cable subscription doesn’t carry ESPN or you’ve cut the cord with your cable company, you can still watch today’s game. Below are the platforms on which you can watch today’s Sixers vs. Knicks game live.
If you don’t have cable TV that includes ESPN, one of the most cost-effective ways to stream today’s game is through a subscription to Sling TV. To watch today’s game, you’ll need a subscription to the Orange tier. The streamer also offers access to your local network affiliate’s live feed (excluding CBS) and also includes the NFL Network and ESPN with its Orange + Blue tier plan. Also worth noting: Sling TV comes with 50 hours of cloud-based DVR recording space included, perfect for recording today’s championship game.
The Orange tier is normally $40 per month, but right now Sling TV has an offer for new subscribers. You can save $40 when you prepay $120 for four months of the Sling TV Orange tier. The Sling’s Orange + Blue tier costs $60 per month, but the platform is currently offering $10 off the first month of any pricing tier, making the Orange + Blue tier $50 for the first month.
Note: Because Sling TV doesn’t carry CBS, you won’t be able to watch CBS-aired programming like next year’s NFL games on CBS. If you’re looking for one live TV streaming platform to watch all your favorite sports, we suggest a subscription to Hulu + Live TV.
Top features of Sling TV Orange tier:
There are 32 channels to watch in total, including ESPN, TNT and TBS.
You get access to NFL games airing on ESPN next season at the lowest price.
All subscription tiers include 50 hours of cloud-based DVR storage.
You can also catch today’s game on Fubo. Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service that offers access to ABC and ESPN, in addition to almost every NFL game next season.
To watch the NBA Playoffs without cable, start a seven-day free trial of Fubo. You can begin watching immediately on your TV, phone, tablet or computer. In addition to NBA basketball, you’ll have access to NFL football, MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer games. Fubo’s Pro Tier is priced at $80 per month after your free seven-day trial.
Sports fans will want to consider adding on the $7.99 per month Fubo Extra package, which includes MLB Network, NBA TV, NHL Network, Tennis Channel, SEC Network and more channels with live games. Or upgrade to the Fubo Elite tier and get all the Fubo Extra channels, plus the ability to stream in 4K, starting at $90 per month ($70 for the first month).
Top features of FuboTV Pro Tier:
There are no contracts with Fubo, you can cancel anytime.
The Pro tier includes 195 channels, so there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Fubo includes most channels you’ll need to watch live sports, including CBS (not available through Sling TV).
All tiers come with 1,000 hours of cloud-based DVR recording.
Stream on your TV, phone, tablet and other devices.
You can watch today’s game with the Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle. The bundle features 95 channels, including ABC, TNT, local network affiliates and ESPN. It also includes the ESPN+ streaming service. Unlimited DVR storage is also included. Watch today’s game, the 2024 NBA playoffs, MLB this season and network-aired NFL games next season with Hulu + Live TV/ESPN+ bundle.
Hulu + Live TV comes bundled with ESPN+ and Disney+. It’s priced at $77 after a three-day free trial.
2024 NBA Playoffs: Full playoff schedule
Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the New York Knicks keeps the loose ball in bounds during the first half against the Chicago Bulls at Madison Square Garden on April 14, 2024 in New York City.
Below are the dates, times and networks airing each game of the first round of the NBA Playoffs. All times Eastern.
Eastern Conference
(1) Boston Celtics vs. (8) Miami Heat
• Game 1: Heat vs. Celtics; Sunday, April 21 (1:00 p.m. ET on ABC) • Game 2: Heat vs. Celtics; Wednesday, April 24 (7:00 p.m. ET on TNT, TruTV) • Game 3: Celtics vs. Heat; Saturday, April 27 (6:00 p.m. ET on TNT, TruTV) • Game 4: Celtics vs. Heat; Monday, April 29 (TBD, TBD) • Game 5: Heat vs. Celtics; TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 6: Celtics vs. Heat; TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 7: Heat vs. Celtics; TBD (TBD, TBD)*
* = If necessary
(2) New York Knicks vs. (7) Philadelphia 76ers
• Game 1:76ers vs. Knicks; Saturday, April 20 (6:00 p.m. ET on ESPN) • Game 2: 76ers vs. Knicks; Monday, April 22 (7:30 p.m. on TNT, TruTV) • Game 3: Knicks vs. 76ers; Thursday, April 25 (7:30 p.m. ET on TNT, TruTV) • Game 4: Knicks vs. 76ers; Sunday, April 28 (1:00 p.m. on ABC) • Game 5: 76ers vs. Knicks; Tuesday, April 30 (TBD, TBD)* • Game 6: Knicks vs. 76ers; TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 7: 76ers vs. Knicks; TBD (TBD, TBD)*
* = If necessary
(3) Milwaukee Bucks vs. (6) Indiana Pacers
• Game 1: Pacers vs. Bucks; Sunday, April 21 (7:00 p.m. on TNT, TruTV) • Game 2: Pacers vs. Bucks; Tuesday, April 23 (8:30 p.m. on NBA TV) • Game 3: Bucks vs. Pacers; Friday, April 26 (5:30 p.m. on ESPN) • Game 4: Bucks vs. Pacers; Sunday, April 28 (7:00 p.m. on TNT) • Game 5: Pacers vs. Bucks; Tuesday, April 30 (TBD, TBD)* • Game 6: Bucks vs. Pacers; TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 7: Pacers vs. Bucks; TBD (TBD, TBD)*
* = If necessary
(4) Cleveland vs. (5) Orlando
• Game 1: Magic vs. Cavaliers; Saturday, April 20 (1:00 p.m. on ESPN) • Game 2: Magic vs. Cavaliers; Monday, April 22 (7:00 p.m. on NBA TV) • Game 3: Cavaliers vs. Magic; Thursday, April 25 (7:00 p.m. on NBA TV) • Game 4: Cavaliers vs. Magic; Saturday, April 27 (1:00 p.m. on TNT) • Game 5: Magic vs. Cavaliers; Tuesday, April 30 (TBD, TBD)* • Game 6: Cavaliers vs. Magic; TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 7: Magic vs. Cavaliers; TBD (TBD, TBD)*
* = If necessary
Western Conference
(1) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (8) New Orleans Pelicans
• Game 1: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Sunday, April 21 (9:30 p.m. ET on TNT, TruTV) • Game 2: Pelicans vs. Thunder; Wednesday, April 24 (9:30 p.m. on TNT, TruTV) • Game 3: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Saturday, April 27 (3:30 p.m. on TNT) • Game 4: Thunder vs. Pelicans; Monday, April 29 (TBD, TBD) • Game 5: Pelicans vs. Thunder; TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 6: Thunder vs. Pelicans; TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 7: Pelicans vs. Thunder; TBD (TBD, TBD)*
* = If necessary
(2) Denver Nuggets vs. (7) Los Angeles Lakers
• Game 1:Lakers vs. Nuggets; Saturday, April 20 (8:00 p.m. on ABC) • Game 2: Lakers vs. Nuggets; Monday, April 22 (10:00 p.m. on Spectrum Sportsnet+) • Game 3: Nuggets vs. Lakers; Thursday, April 25 (10:00 p.m. on Spectrum Sportsnet+) • Game 4: Nuggets vs. Lakers; Saturday, April 27 (8:30 p.m. on ABC) • Game 5: Lakers vs. Nuggets; Monday, April 29 (TBD, TBD)* • Game 6: Nuggets vs. Lakers; TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 7: Lakers vs. Nuggets; TBD (TBD, TBD)*
Game 2: Suns vs. Timberwolves; Tuesday, April 23 (7:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 3: Timberwolves vs. Suns; Friday, April 26 (10:30 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Game 4: Timberwolves vs. Suns; Sunday, April 28 (9:30 p.m. ET, TNT)
Game 5: Suns vs. Timberwolves; Tuesday, April 30 (TBD, TBD)*
Game 6: Timberwolves vs. Suns; Thursday, May 2 (TBD, TBD)*
Game 7: Suns vs. Timberwolves; Saturday, May 4 (TBD, TBD)*
* = If necessary
(4) LA Clippers vs. (5) Dallas Mavericks
• Game 1: Mavericks vs. Clippers; Sunday, April 21 (3:30 p.m. on ABC) • Game 2: Mavericks vs. Clippers, Tuesday, April 23 (10:00 p.m. on Clippervision) • Game 3: Clippers vs. Mavericks, Friday, April 26 (8:00 p.m. on Clippervision) • Game 4: Clippers vs. Mavericks, Sunday, April 28 (3:30 p.m. on ABC) • Game 5: Mavericks vs. Clippers, TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 6: Clippers vs. Mavericks, TBD (TBD, TBD)* • Game 7: Mavericks vs. Clippers, TBD (TBD, TBD)*
* = If necessary
Conference semifinals schedule
The conference semifinals will begin May 6-7, but can move up to May 4-5 if the prior round’s series ends early.
Conference finals schedule
The conference finals will begin May 21-22, but can move up to May 19-20 if the prior round’s series ends early.
NBA Finals schedule
The 2024 NBA Finals will begin June 6, airing on ABC.
The Georgia Court of Appeals has ruled that Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis must be removed from the state’s 2020 election case against President-elect Donald Trump. CBS News reporter Jared Eggleston has more.
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Washington — President-elect Donald Trump, Vice President-elect JD Vance and billionaire Elon Musk blew up a GOP-backed deal to fund federal agencies into March, raising the pressure on Republican congressional leaders to craft a plan to avert a government shutdown just before the holidays.
In a statement Wednesday, Trump and Vance lambasted the agreement for including provisions favored by Democrats. But the incoming president and vice president also added a new, significant wrinkle to negotiations when they urged Congress to raise or abolish the debt ceiling now, instead of next year.
“Increasing the debt ceiling is not great but we’d rather do it on Biden’s watch,” Trump and Vance said in their statement. “If Democrats won’t cooperate on the debt ceiling now, what makes anyone think they would do it in June during our administration? Let’s have this debate now.”
What is the debt ceiling?
Set by Congress, the debt ceiling, or limit, is the maximum amount of money the U.S. Treasury is authorized to borrow to pay debts incurred by the federal government. Lifting the debt ceiling does not authorize new spending, but instead lets the government spend money on obligations that Congress has already been approved.
Failing to address the debt ceiling could lead the U.S. to default on its debt, which would have devastating effects on the economy. The government has never defaulted, and the Treasury typically uses accounting moves, known as “extraordinary measures,” to delay breaching the debt ceiling.
While raising the debt ceiling used to be routine, legislation addressing it has in recent years been used as leverage to force policy concessions and fuel debates over government spending.
Congress last addressed the debt ceiling in June 2023 as part of a legislative package negotiated by President Biden and then-House Speaker Kevin McCarthy. That deal suspended the debt ceiling through Jan., 1, 2025, ensuring any fight over it would take place after the 2024 elections.
The Treasury Department will likely implement extraordinary measures to stave off a default in the new year. It will also announce an “X date,” the estimated point at which the government will no longer be able to pay its obligations. The Economic Policy Innovation Center, a conservative think tank, projected in an analysis released Monday that it’s possible the debt limit will be reached by June 16.
While the Treasury Department’s use of extraordinary measures would give Congress more time to address the debt ceiling, Trump is now urging lawmakers to take action now, before he takes office.
Why does Trump want to raise the debt ceiling?
The president-elect will come into office with a legislative to-do list that includes securing the border and extending provisions of his signature Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which was enacted in 2017 and overhauled the tax code. But a fight over the debt ceiling could complicate efforts by the Republican-led House and Senate to focus on those legislative initiatives and pass them quickly.
Trump is urging lawmakers to eliminate the debt ceiling altogether, a position that some prominent Democrats have endorsed in the past.
“Number one, the debt ceiling should be thrown out entirely,” Trump said in a phone interview Thursday with CBS News’ Robert Costa. “Number two, a lot of the different things they thought they’d receive [in a recently proposed spending deal] are now going to be thrown out, 100 percent. And we’ll see what happens. We’ll see whether or not we have a closure during the Biden administration. But if it’s going to take place, it’s going to take place during Biden, not during Trump.”
Trump separately told ABC News that “there won’t be anything approved unless the debt ceiling is done with,” indicating any spending deal to prevent a shutdown must address the debt limit.
“If we don’t get it, then we’re going to have a shutdown, but it’ll be a Biden shutdown, because shutdowns only [injure] the person who’s president,” he told ABC News.
Whether Republicans and Democrats would go along with such a plan, though, is far from clear. GOP lawmakers in both chambers have opposed raising the debt ceiling without spending reforms, and debates over the debt limit often give way to broader fights over the federal budget, which conservatives in Congress have said is bloated and should be reduced. Plus, Democrats still control the Senate and the White House.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement Wednesday that shutting down the government would harm families and endanger services Americans rely on.
“Republicans need to stop playing politics with this bipartisan agreement or they will hurt hardworking Americans and create instability across the country,” she said. “President-elect Trump and Vice President-elect Vance ordered Republicans to shut down the government and they are threatening to do just that — while undermining communities recovering from disasters, farmers and ranchers, and community health centers.”
House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries suggested Democrats would not go along with a plan pushed by Republicans to raise the debt limit.
“GOP extremists want House Democrats to raise the debt ceiling so that House Republicans can lower the amount of your Social Security check. Hard pass,” the New York Democrat wrote on the social media platform Bluesky.
Jeffries also told reporters “the debt limit issue and discussion is premature at best.”
Melissa Quinn is a politics reporter for CBSNews.com. She has written for outlets including the Washington Examiner, Daily Signal and Alexandria Times. Melissa covers U.S. politics, with a focus on the Supreme Court and federal courts.
Jesse Zanger is managing editor of CBS New York. Jesse has previously worked for the Fox News Channel and Spectrum News NY1. He covers regional news around the Tri-State Area, with a particular focus on breaking news and extreme weather.
