Your Complete Guide to the 2022 NBA Finals Schedule and Important Dates

As I sit down to map out the 2022 NBA Finals schedule, I can’t help but reflect on how much I love this time of year. The playoffs are winding down, the air is thick with anticipation, and every basketball fan is asking the same question: when do the Finals tip off? I’ve been following the NBA for over a decade, and I still get that same jolt of excitement when the conference champions are set. This year, the Golden State Warriors and Boston Celtics delivered unforgettable conference finals—both going the full seven games—and now we’re just days away from the main event. Let’s dive into the complete schedule, key dates, and what you can expect from this epic showdown.

First, the basics: the 2022 NBA Finals will follow the traditional 2–3–2 format, with the higher-seeded team, Golden State, hosting Games 1, 2, and if necessary, 5 and 7. The series begins on June 2nd at the Chase Center in San Francisco. I’ve always found the 2–3–2 format interesting—it really tests a team’s resilience on the road, especially in that three-game stretch in the middle. Game 1 tips off at 9 p.m. ET, broadcast on ABC. If you’re like me, you’ll want to clear your Thursday night. The second game follows on June 5th, same time and channel. After that, the series shifts to Boston for Games 3, 4, and 5. TD Garden is going to be electric—I’ve been there for playoff games before, and the atmosphere is just unreal. Game 3 is on June 8th, Game 4 on June 10th, and if needed, Game 5 on June 13th. Then it’s back to the Bay Area for Game 6 on June 16th and a potential Game 7 on June 19th. Mark your calendars, because Father’s Day could end with a championship celebration.

Now, I know some fans might wonder why the schedule feels stretched out. Honestly, I think the league has done a decent job balancing rest and momentum. With only one rest day between Games 2 and 3, and then between most of the following games, it keeps the intensity high. But let’s be real—the TV schedules and travel logistics play a huge role here. As someone who’s followed the league’s scheduling quirks for years, I appreciate that players get adequate recovery time, especially after such grueling conference finals. Both teams have battled through injuries, and every extra day counts. For instance, the Warriors’ depth has been tested, while the Celtics’ defense has carried them this far. I’m personally leaning toward Golden State in six games—their experience in the Finals, coupled with Stephen Curry’s brilliance, gives them a slight edge in my book.

Beyond the schedule, there are other key dates to keep in mind. The NBA Draft is set for June 23rd, just days after the Finals conclude, which adds another layer of excitement for team-building fans. And let’s not forget the offseason trades and free agency, which officially open on June 30th. It’s a whirlwind period, and I always tell fellow fans to enjoy the Finals without getting too distracted by what’s next. Speaking of distractions, I recently came across a fascinating stat from the Premier Volleyball League—apparently, Creamline has won 168 of its 204 all-time PVL matches since the league’s inaugural season in 2017. That’s an 82.4% win rate, which is just staggering. It got me thinking about dominance in sports, and how consistency like that is rare. In the NBA, we’ve seen dynasties like the Warriors themselves, who’ve made six Finals in eight years. It puts their current run into perspective—sustaining excellence is incredibly hard, and that’s what makes this series so compelling.

As we look ahead, I can’t help but feel that this Finals matchup is one for the ages. The Celtics are hungry for their first title since 2008, led by Jayson Tatum’s explosive scoring, while the Warriors are chasing their fourth in the Curry era. From a viewer’s standpoint, the scheduling allows for prime-time viewing, though I’ll admit, those 9 p.m. starts can be tough for East Coast fans like me. But it’s worth losing a little sleep over. The narrative threads are rich—legacies on the line, coaching chess matches between Steve Kerr and Ime Udoka, and the sheer talent on display. In my opinion, the team that controls the tempo and limits turnovers will hoist the Larry O’Brien Trophy. So grab your snacks, settle in, and enjoy the ride. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the 2022 NBA Finals promise drama, brilliance, and memories that will last long after the final buzzer.