With both the Eastern and Western Conference Finals concluding in five games, the start of the NBA Finals has been moved up to May 31.
Game 1 between the Mavericks and Heat will take place on Tuesday, May 31, instead of the original date of Thursday, June 2. This is the first time the NBA Finals has been moved up from its original start date since 1997, when Jazz/Bulls began on Sunday, June 1, instead of Wednesday, June 4.
In addition, this is the first time the NBA Finals has started in the month of May since 1986, when Rockets/Celtics Game 1 aired on Monday, May 26.
Games 2, 3 and 4 will air Thursday, June 2, Sunday, June 5 and Tuesday, June 7. If necessary, Games 5, 6 and 7 would air Thursday, June 9, Sunday, June 12 and Tuesday, June 14.
Of note, the NBA Finals will start before the Stanley Cup Final, which begins June 1. Keep in mind the Stanley Cup Playoffs began three days before the NBA Playoffs.
