The Larry O'Brien trophy is currently going on tour, but it will soon be in possession of one NBA franchise.
The NBA Finals is nearly set, as both conference finals matchups are nearing an end. The Celtics punched their ticket on Monday night, and the Mavericks are one win away from knocking off the Timberwolves.
No matter who squares off, a young star will claim his first title. Between Jayson Tatum, Luka Doncic, and Anthony Edwards, the Conference Finals have produced exciting games throughout despite the lopsided series standings.
The Sporting News breaks down all there is to know about the NBA Finals, including start dates, times and TV channels.
WATCH: Every NBA Finals game on Sling
When does the 2024 NBA Finals start?
- Start date: Thursday, June 6
The NBA Finals will begin on Thursday, June 6, regardless of the conference finals length.
Even if the Mavericks finish off the Wolves on Tuesday, the schedule will not change. Likewise, the start date won't be pushed back if the Wolves force a Game 7. As it stands, both Finals participants figure to be well-rested ahead of the NBA's biggest stage.
The NBA Finals can go as late as Sunday, June 23 if the series extends to Game 7.
| Date | Game | Site | Time (ET) | TV channel/Live stream |
| Thursday, June 6 | 1 | TBD | 8:30 p.m. | ABC/Sling |
| Sunday, June 9 | 2 | TBD | 8 p.m. | ABC/Sling |
| Wednesday, June 12 | 3 | TBD | 8:30 p.m. | ABC/Sling |
| Friday, June 14 | 4 | TBD | 8:30 p.m. | ABC/Sling |
| Monday, June 17 | 5* | TBD | 8:30 p.m. | ABC/Sling |
| Thursday, June 20 | 6* | TBD | 8:30 p.m. | ABC/Sling |
| Sunday, June 23 | 7* | TBD | 8 p.m. | ABC/Sling |
*If necessary
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What channel is the 2024 NBA Finals on?
- TV channel: ABC
- Live stream: Sling
ABC will have full coverage of the 2024 NBA Finals. Mike Breen will lead the broadcast team for yet another year. He's been ESPN's leading voice in the NBA Finals since 2006.
Breen is joined by a new cast this year after the network let go of Jeff Van Gundy and Mark Jackson. Doris Burke and JJ Redick will be alongside Breen for the Finals. Lisa Salters returns as the sideline reporter.
Those looking to stream the NBA Finals can do so via Sling.
Who is playing in the NBA Finals?
The stage has not been set yet, but fans already have an idea of which teams will play in the NBA Finals.
The Celtics vs. Mavericks is the expected contest at this point, and there will be plenty of storylines that will develop if that's the matchup.