Celebrities Courtside for NBA Playoffs

Ben Stiller, Travis Scott among stars spotted at playoff games

Apr. 19, 2026 at 2:51am

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An abstract close-up photograph of the highly textured, reflective surface of a basketball court, capturing the glamorous atmosphere of the NBA playoffs through dramatic lighting and material.The NBA playoffs draw a star-studded crowd, with celebrities courtside adding to the excitement and energy of the high-stakes postseason action.Los Angeles Today

The 2026 NBA playoffs have attracted a star-studded crowd, with celebrities like Ben Stiller, Travis Scott, Dan Reynolds, John McEnroe, Patrick Ewing, Stephon Marbury, and Walt Frazier spotted courtside at playoff games in Los Angeles and New York.

Why it matters

Celebrity sightings at major sporting events like the NBA playoffs generate excitement, buzz, and media attention, helping to drive interest and engagement around the games. The presence of famous faces also reflects the cultural significance and broad appeal of the NBA postseason.

The details

Celebrities have been out in force for the start of the 2026 NBA playoffs, with high-profile names spotted at games in both Los Angeles and New York. At the Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers Game 1, rapper Travis Scott and Imagine Dragons frontman Dan Reynolds were seen cheering from the sidelines. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks Game 1 attracted a who's who of Big Apple stars, including actors Ben Stiller and Patrick Ewing, as well as tennis legend John McEnroe and Knicks greats Stephon Marbury and Walt Frazier.

  • The 2026 NBA playoffs are currently underway.
  • Game 1 of the Houston Rockets vs. Los Angeles Lakers series took place on April 15, 2026.
  • Game 1 of the Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks series took place on April 16, 2026.

The players

Travis Scott

A popular rapper who was spotted at the Rockets vs. Lakers playoff game.

Dan Reynolds

The lead singer of the band Imagine Dragons, who was also in attendance at the Rockets vs. Lakers game.

Ben Stiller

A famous actor who was seen at the Hawks vs. Knicks playoff game.

John McEnroe

A legendary tennis player who attended the Hawks vs. Knicks game.

Patrick Ewing

A former Knicks star player who was present at the Hawks vs. Knicks matchup.

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What they’re saying

“The playoffs are always such an exciting time of year. It's great to see the fans and the energy in the arenas.”

— Ben Stiller

The takeaway

The star-studded crowds at the NBA playoffs reflect the league's broad cultural impact and appeal, generating additional buzz and interest around the high-stakes postseason games.