Buckle up, basketball fans, because there’s a twist in the 2025 NBA playoff schedule that’s got everyone buzzing: there are no NBA games tonight on TNT or any other network. As of May 17, 2025, the playoff action takes a rare breather, leaving fans itching for the next tip-off. I’ve scoured the latest reports from ESPN, CBS Sports, and X posts to bring you the freshest scoop on why the court’s quiet tonight and what’s coming up. Let’s dive into the playoff drama, from clutch performances to game-changing injuries, and keep you hooked until the final buzzer.
The NBA postseason is in full swing, but today’s a rest day for players and fans alike. According to AS USA and Sporting News, no games are scheduled for Saturday, May 17, as the league gears up for a massive Game 7 showdown tomorrow. The Denver Nuggets and Oklahoma City Thunder are set to clash in a do-or-die Western Conference semifinal on Sunday, May 18, at 3:30 p.m. ET, airing on ABC. This pause gives teams a chance to strategize and recover, especially after a wild week of upsets and heroics.
Why No NBA Games Tonight on TNT?
So, why the blackout on TNT tonight? The playoff schedule is dictated by the rhythm of the series, and with most matchups either wrapped or pending pivotal games, the league opted for a breather. CBS Sports confirms the Knicks punched their ticket to the Eastern Conference finals by ousting the defending champion Boston Celtics 4-2 on Friday, May 16. That series, marked by Jayson Tatum’s devastating Achilles injury, left Boston fans stunned and New York riding high. Meanwhile, the Thunder-Nuggets series is knotted at 3-3, setting the stage for Sunday’s thriller. TNT, a staple for playoff broadcasts, will be back in action for the conference finals, starting with the Knicks vs. Pacers on Wednesday, May 21, at 8 p.m. ET.
This break isn’t just about logistics—it’s a moment for teams to reset. X posts from fans highlight the anticipation, with @DaveMReports noting TNT’s final NBA coverage for the Knicks-Pacers series before NBC and Amazon take over next season. The stakes are sky-high, and the downtime only amps up the tension.
Key Playoff Updates: Who’s Shining, Who’s Sidelined
Let’s break down the latest playoff pulse:
- Knicks Surge Forward: Jalen Brunson and crew are the talk of the town after toppling Boston. Despite a rough Game 5 loss (127-102, per The Athletic), the Knicks rallied in Game 6. Brunson’s clutch fourth-quarter scoring (9 of his 17 points in Game 2) and Josh Hart’s 24 points in Game 5 have fans dreaming of a deep run.
- Thunder vs. Nuggets Showdown: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokić, both MVP finalists, are set for an epic Game 7. OKC’s 112-105 Game 5 win gave them a 3-2 lead, but Denver battled back. ESPN’s May 17 update pegs OKC as the title favorite (+105).
- Injury Woes: Boston’s Tatum is out with a ruptured Achilles, a blow that sealed their fate. Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler also missed recent games, impacting their 1-4 series loss to Minnesota, per @OOTBOXSPORTS.
What’s Next for NBA Games Tonight on TNT?
While there’s no action tonight, TNT’s playoff coverage resumes with a bang. The Eastern Conference finals tip off May 21, with the Knicks facing the Pacers, who dispatched the Cavaliers 4-1. Pascal Siakam’s 17 points in Game 4 were clutch, per The Athletic. On the Western side, the Thunder or Nuggets will battle the Timberwolves, who ousted Golden State in five games behind Julius Randle’s 29-point gem. TNT and Max will air key games, including May 23’s Knicks-Pacers Game 2 at 8 p.m. ET.
Fans are buzzing on X about TNT’s swan song, as @NBAonTNT hyped the upcoming conference finals. With Warner Bros. Discovery losing NBA rights post-2025, every broadcast feels historic. Streaming options like Sling TV ($61/month) and Max ($17/month) keep you covered, per CNET.
Don’t Miss the Playoff Drama
The NBA playoffs are delivering heart-stopping moments, and while tonight’s quiet, the storm’s brewing. Will OKC’s youth outlast Denver’s experience? Can the Knicks keep their Cinderella run alive? Stay glued to TNT for the answers. I’ve cross-checked every fact with ESPN, CBS Sports, and X to ensure you’re getting the real-time truth as of May 17, 2025. Keep your eyes peeled for Sunday’s Game 7—it’s gonna be a banger.
Want to stay in the loop? Follow @NBAonTNT on X for live updates and catch every playoff moment on TNT or Max. Share your Game 7 predictions below!