As a lifelong NBA fan, I've been counting down the days until the 2019 playoffs begin on April 13th. Let me walk you through how I'm planning my viewing schedule this year, because honestly, there's nothing worse than realizing you've missed an epic game because you didn't plan ahead. First things first - I always mark the key dates in my calendar. The first round runs from April 13th through potentially April 28th if series go to seven games, which many do. Conference Semifinals kick off around April 29th, followed by Conference Finals starting approximately May 14th, and the NBA Finals begin on May 30th. These dates aren't just numbers to me - they're appointments with basketball history in the making.
Now, here's where it gets personal. I've developed a system over the years that balances my playoff viewing with real life responsibilities. I start by identifying must-watch matchups - this year I'm particularly excited about potential showdowns like Warriors versus Rockets or Bucks versus Raptors. For first-round games, I typically watch about 2-3 games per day during weekends and 1-2 on weekdays. The key is being strategic - if there are multiple games happening simultaneously, I'll have one on my television and another streaming on my laptop. During last year's playoffs, I discovered that the NBA League Pass is worth every penny for the condensed game feature alone, which lets me catch up on games I missed in about 20 minutes each.
What really changed my approach to playoff watching was realizing that it's not just about consuming as much basketball as possible - it's about appreciating the journey. I remember reading a quote from David Robinson that stuck with me: "What worries me is being complacent. Once we think we're better than everybody, that we're not gonna challenge ourselves to be the best version that we can be." That mindset applies perfectly to playoff basketball. The teams that succeed are those who refuse to become complacent, who keep pushing even when they're up 3-0 in a series. I've seen too many supposed favorites get knocked off because they underestimated their opponents. This philosophy actually influences how I watch games now - I pay closer attention to teams that maintain their intensity regardless of the score, because those are the squads that typically make deep playoff runs.
My viewing strategy involves some technical considerations too. I've got my setup perfected after years of trial and error - a 65-inch 4K TV for the main game, my tablet for a second stream, and my phone for checking real-time stats on the NBA app. The data nerd in me loves tracking player efficiency ratings and net ratings during games, even though my friends think I'm crazy for checking advanced metrics while watching. During last year's playoffs, I calculated that I spent approximately 284 hours watching games, highlights, and analysis - which sounds insane until you realize that's what passion looks like.
When planning your schedule, consider time zones carefully. Living on the East Coast means most playoff games start around 8:00 PM EST, which works perfectly for my schedule. But if you're on the West Coast, those 5:30 PM start times can be tricky if you're still at work. I've found that recording games and avoiding social media is the only way to watch later without spoilers. My personal rule is to never check Twitter or ESPN apps once games have started if I'm planning to watch later.
The beauty of the NBA playoffs is the narrative that develops over the two-month journey. I always make sure to watch post-game press conferences, especially after surprising outcomes. That's where you often hear echoes of Robinson's wisdom about complacency - coaches and players acknowledging they can't take any opponent lightly. Last year, I noticed that the eventual champion Raptors never seemed satisfied, even when they built substantial leads, and that mentality ultimately carried them to the title.
As we approach the start of the 2019 NBA playoffs, I'm already clearing my calendar for what promises to be one of the most competitive postseasons in recent memory. The uncertainty surrounding several superstar free agents adds an extra layer of drama to every series. My advice? Don't just watch the games - immerse yourself in the storylines, appreciate the strategic adjustments from game to game, and most importantly, enjoy the ride. After all, finding out when the NBA 2019 playoffs start is just the beginning - the real magic happens when you become emotionally invested in the journey toward the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
