The 2022 NBA Finals matchup between the Warriors and Celtics could be viewed as a case of an unstoppable force meeting an immovable object.
Through 16 NBA Playoff games, the Warriors have a stellar 116.1 offensive rating, the highest mark among postseason participants. With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and Jordan Poole running circles around defenders and Draymond Green dishing out assists, trying to slow down Golden State's offense has been an absolute nightmare.
This Celtics team may be uniquely designed to limit the Warriors' scoring opportunities, though. Boston had the No. 1 defensive rating during the regular season (106.2) and has only been more tenacious during the NBA Playoffs (105.1). With size, speed and athleticism at multiple positions, the Celtics have shown that they are capable of grinding out wins at home or on the road.
Could it be a defensive battle? This is the first NBA Finals since 1996 between Michael Jordan's Bulls and Gary Payton's SuperSonics to feature the NBA's No. 1 and No. 2 defenses.
Game 1 will set the stage for what should be a highly competitive series. Will the Warriors or Celtics take a 1-0 lead on Thursday night?
MORE: Odds, picks and predictions for 2022 NBA Finals
NBA Finals start time for Game 1
- Date: Thursday, June 2
- Time: 9 p.m. ET | 6 p.m. PT
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will tip off around 9 p.m. ET on Thursday, June 2. The game will be played at the Chase Center in San Francisco.
What channel is Warriors vs. Celtics on tonight?
- Date: Thursday, June 2
- TV channel: ABC
- Live streaming: Sling TV | Watch ESPN
Game 1 of the NBA Finals will air on ABC. Viewers can also stream Game 1 on Watch ESPN or Sling TV.
Viewers in the U.S. can stream every NBA Finals game live on SLING TV. With the SLING Orange Sports Extra package, get $10 off your first month now with access to ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, TNT and NBATV. NBA Finals games on ABC are simulcast on ESPN3, which is included with SLING Orange, available for $35 per month including $25 the first month for new subscribers.
MORE: Watch the NBA Finals on Sling TV (U.S. only)
NBA Finals schedule 2022
Here is the full schedule for the 2022 NBA Finals.
| Date | Game | Time (ET) | TV channel |
| June 2 | Game 1 | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 5 | Game 2 | 8 p.m. | ABC |
| June 8 | Game 3 | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 10 | Game 4 | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 13 | Game 5* | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 16 | Game 6* | 9 p.m. | ABC |
| June 19 | Game 7* | 8 p.m. | ABC |
*If necessary
