NBC Sports’ first six playoff games averaged 4.9 million viewers from April 19–21. That figure marks a 38% jump over comparable coverage from last year.
It’s also the best performance for the first Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday playoff nights since 1994.
Sunday set the tone immediately. Trail Blazers-Spurs Game 1 drew 5.7 million viewers, the most-watched game of the 2026 playoffs so far. Magic-Pistons Game 1 averaged 5.0 million and peaked at 6.7 million. NBC won Sunday night in all key demos.
Monday kept the momentum rolling. Hawks-Knicks Game 2 averaged 4.7 million viewers, up 43% year-over-year. Timberwolves-Nuggets Game 2 followed with 4.4 million — the best late primetime First Round Game 2 since 2012.
Monday’s combined average of 4.6 million topped last year’s Day 3 numbers by 35%.
Tuesday delivered more milestones. Trail Blazers-Spurs Game 2 peaked at 6.7 million, tying Sunday’s Magic-Pistons for the best peak of the playoffs. Rockets-Lakers Game 2 averaged 5.2 million — the most-watched First Round Game 2 since 2011.
Tuesday’s two-game average of 4.9 million ranks as the best First Round Game 2 day since 1998.
Through four games, NBC and Peacock combined to average 5.0 million viewers. That’s the strongest opening Sunday-Monday performance since 1995.
A star-powered postseason featuring LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Nikola Jokić, Anthony Edwards, Victor Wembanyama, and Jalen Brunson clearly drove casual viewers back to the broadcast. NBC’s 24-year absence from the NBA made this a genuine television event — and the audience responded accordingly.
Barrett Media produces daily content on the music, news, and sports media industries. Sign up for our newsletters to stay updated and get the latest information right in your inbox.
