Watch Suns vs Thunder NBA Playoffs Game 1 on ABC with Ernie Johnson, Dave Pasch and Inside the NBA Stars

Match date: 19 April 2026

Watch Suns vs Thunder NBA Playoffs Game 1 on ABC with Ernie Johnson, Dave Pasch and Inside the NBA Stars

American basketball enthusiasts can tune into ABC at 7:30 PM ET to catch the thrilling Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Playoffs Game 1, while UK fans have access via ESPN Unlimited starting at 20:30 BST. This West first-round opener pits the dominant Thunder (64-18 regular season record) against the seventh-seeded Suns (45-37) at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, with OKC favoured by 14.5 to 16 points and an over/under of 215.5[1][3].

Leading the broadcast on ABC is veteran presenter Ernie Johnson, whose career spans over three decades at Turner Sports and NBA TV. Johnson, a six-time Sports Emmy winner, is renowned for hosting Inside the NBA, blending sharp wit with deep basketball insight since 1990, earning him a place in the Basketball Hall of Fame as the 2019 Giles S. Rowe Award recipient for his contributions to the game.

Providing main commentary is Dave Pasch, a seasoned ESPN voice with more than 25 years calling NBA, college football and basketball games. Pasch’s smooth delivery and play-by-play expertise have made him a staple for marquee matchups, including previous Suns and Thunder playoff games, complemented by his radio work for the Arizona Cardinals.

Joining as co-commentator is Doris Burke, a trailblazing figure who became the first female lead play-by-play announcer for a major US men’s sports league in 2021. With credits from ESPN since 1991, Burke’s analytical prowess and infectious enthusiasm elevate every broadcast; she was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024 for her pioneering work.

The pre-game and halftime analysis features the iconic Inside the NBA crew: Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O’Neal. Barkley, a Hall of Famer and 1993 MVP with the Suns, brings unfiltered opinions honed from 16 NBA seasons and two decades on TNT. Smith, the “Jet,” leverages his two championships with the Houston Rockets and point-guard savvy for tactical breakdowns. O’Neal, the most dominant centre ever with four titles, offers larger-than-life takes backed by his Lakers, Heat and Suns stints, making their banter must-watch TV.

Sideline reporting falls to Malika Andrews, ESPN’s rising star who hosts NBA Today and covers playoffs extensively. Andrews, who joined ESPN in 2018 after Stanford, earned acclaim for her 2021 NBA Finals interview with Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcasing her poise in high-stakes moments.

The Thunder enter as the Western Conference’s top seed, boasting a stellar 34-7 home record and averaging 119.0 points per game, making them heavy -1370 moneyline favourites[1][3]. Meanwhile, the Suns (20-21 away) seek an upset, fresh off recent wins like a 128-110 triumph over the Clippers, though they face injury concerns with players like Williams listed as questionable[3]. Betting lines suggest OKC must win by 16+ to cover, setting the stage for a potential blowout or gritty Suns fightback[3].

Recent form adds intrigue: the Suns stunned OKC 135-103 just a week prior on April 12, powered by Jamaree Bouyea, Ryan Dunn and Koby Brea, hinting at Phoenix’s upset potential despite OKC hosting Game 1[4]. With the Thunder eyeing a deep playoff run after a record-breaking regular season, and Suns relying on star power to defy odds, this clash promises fireworks.

UK viewers on ESPN Unlimited and Sky Sports will appreciate the world-class American coverage, bridging the Atlantic for transatlantic fans. For more on the NBA playoffs, explore the official bracket and schedule via NBA.com Playoffs Hub.

As tip-off nears, expect razor-sharp analysis from this all-star broadcast team, whose combined legacies illuminate every possession. Whether you’re backing Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Thunder or Kevin Durant’s Suns resurgence, this Game 1 is primed to kick off the postseason with intensity.

Article generated: 19 April 2026, 20:31 GMT