National Basketball Association (NBA) Playoffs begin on Saturday, April 18. Sixteen professional basketball teams play in the tournament. All teams begin at the First Round and then advance onto the Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and eventually to the NBA Finals. The champions receive championship rings, trophies (Larry O’Brien and Bill Russel), and prize money. NBA Finals begin on Thursday, June 4. Games can be watched on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV. Game tickets can be purchased through the NBA website.

Weekend Schedule:

Saturday, April 18

9:30 A.M. Washington Wizards vs. Toronto Raptors

12:30 P.M. New Orleans Pelicans vs. Golden State Warriors

4 P.M. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Chicago Bulls

6:30 P.M. Dallas Mavericks vs. Houston Rockets

Sunday, April 19

12 P.M. Boston Celtics vs. Cleveland Cavaliers

2:30 P.M. Brooklyn Nets vs. Atlanta Hawks

5 P.M. Portland Trail Blazers vs. Memphis Grizzlies

7:30 P.M. San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers