NBA has most-watched opening weekend of playoffs since 2000

The NBA attracted a big television audience for this year's opening slate of playoff games.

An average of 4.4 million viewers tuned into the first eight postseason games across ESPN/ABC and TNT Sports. The figure marked an increase of 17% from 2024 and the most-watched opening weekend of the playoffs in 25 years, the league announced Tuesday.

Game 1 of the first-round series between the defending champion Boston Celtics and Orlando Magic on Sunday was the biggest draw, averaging 6.69 million viewers and peaking at 8.02 million. The contest was the NBA's most watched this season behind the Los Angeles Lakers-Golden State Warriors matchup on Christmas Day, according to Jon Lewis of Sports Media Watch.

The playoffs continue Tuesday night with Game 2 of the Milwaukee Bucks-Indiana Pacers series, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Memphis Grizzlies and the Lakers hosting the Minnesota Timberwolves.