Welcome to your go-to NBA guide! New fans or long-time enthusiasts, find all you need to know about the NBA. Learn about the league, its teams, and NBA players from today and the past. Discover the excitement of the draft, playoffs, championships, and the new in-season tournament.
NBA Essentials
What is the NBA?
The NBA, or National Basketball Association, is the world’s largest professional basketball league. It started in 1946 and merged with the American Basketball Association in 1976. Today, it’s one of the world’s four wealthiest professional sports leagues.
The make-up of the NBA today consists of 30 teams divided into the Eastern and Western Conferences. Located in cities across the United States and Canada, teams play 82 regular-season games from October through April, followed by playoffs for the top teams in each conference. The season culminates in the NBA Finals in June when the conference champions compete for the championship title.
Starting in the 2023-2024 season, teams will also compete in the NBA In-Season Tournament, also called the NBA Cup. This multi-stage tournament takes place during the regular season and involves group play, followed by single-elimination knockout rounds in Las Vegas. Each player on the winning NBA Cup team receives $500,000.
NBA Teams and Locations
While there are efforts to expand the league further, right now the NBA features 30 teams. Having nearly tripled in teams since its inaugural year, the league has expanded over its nearly 80 years to reflect its growing popularity. Curious about the current team lineup and what team is closest to where you live? Find out how many NBA teams are there in our detailed blog post with a team map.
Atlanta Hawks
Founded in 1946, the Atlanta Hawks are part of the Eastern Conference. Led by two All-Stars, Trae Young and Dejounte Murray, the team’s home base is State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Boston Celtics
The Boston Celtics were also founded in 1946 and are part of the Eastern Conference. All-stars Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown lead the team. The team plays its home games at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets started in 1967 initially as the New Jersey Americans, before relocating to Long Island and becoming the New York Nets. The team moved to Brooklyn in 2012. Led by All-Star and previous Rookie of the Year Ben Simmons and defensive specialist Mikal Bridges, the team is part of the Eastern Conference. It plays at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Charlotte Hornets
The current Charlotte Hornets franchise initially joined the NBA in 2004 as the Charlotte Bobcats. The team became the Hornets ahead of the 2014-15 season and is part of the Easter Conference. They’re led by 2021 Rookie of the Year LaMelo Ball and guard “Scary Terry” Rozier. The team plays at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Chicago Bulls
Established in 1966, the Chicago Bulls play in the Eastern Conference. The team, known for having one of the league’s greatest dynasties, now features the talents of six-time All-Star DeMar DeRozan and two-time All-Star Zach LaVine. Fans hit up the United Center in Chicago, Illinois, to catch the Bulls.
Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers, founded in 1970 as an expansion team, compete in the Eastern Conference. Donovan Mitchell, a four-time All-Star, and All-Star point guard Darius Garland lead the team. The Cavaliers host their games at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in downtown Cleveland, Ohio.
Dallas Mavericks
Since their inception in 1980, the Dallas Mavericks have competed in the Western Conference. The team boasts four-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year Luka Doncic and NBA champion and eight-time All-Star Kyrie Irving among its stars. The Mavericks play home games at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas.
Denver Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets, established in 1967 as the Denver Larks, is a Western Conference powerhouse. With two-time league MVP Nikola Jokic and “Blue Arrow” Jamal Murray leading the charge, the Nuggets won the championship in 2023 and continue to be a force. The team’s home is Ball Arena, located in the heart of Denver, Colorado.
Detroit Pistons
Founded in 1937 as a semi-professional team called the Fort Wayne Zollner Pistons, the Detroit Pistons now compete in the Eastern Conference. Young star Cade Cunningham and veteran small guard Bojan Bogdanovic anchor the team. The Pistons showcase their talents in front of their home crowd at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan.
Indiana Pacers
Started in 1967, the Indiana Pacers compete in the Eastern Conference. The team is home to All-Star Tyrese Haliburton and good screen setter and blocks-phenom Myles Turner. Fans watch the Pacers play at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Golden State Warriors
The Golden State Warriors, established in 1946 in Philadelphia, is led by great shooter and two-time NBA MVP Stephen Curry and veteran, 12-time All-Star point guard Chris Paul. They used to play in Oakland, but since 2019, fans have enjoyed the team’s performances at the Chase Center in San Francisco, California.
Houston Rockets
Founded in 1967 as the San Diego Rockets, the Houston Rockets entertain fans in the Western Conference. Young Turkish star Alperen Sengun and athletic shooting guard Jalen Green lead the team. The Rockets play home games at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
Los Angeles Clippers
Founded in 1970 as the Buffalo Braves, the Clippers moved to San Diego temporarily before landing in Los Angeles in 1984. They are part of the Western Conference. Led by former NBA MVPs Russell Westbrook and James Harden, and All-Stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, the team shares a home with the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers were founded in 1947 and are part of the Western Conference. NBA legend LeBron James and eight-time All-Star Anthony Davis, who have both won NBA championships, lead the team. The team plays its home games at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.
Memphis Grizzlies
The Memphis Grizzlies were originally founded in Canada as the Vancouver Grizzlies in 1995. They moved to Memphis in 2001 and play in the Western Conference. Referred to as “the Grizz” locally, the team is led by two-time All-Star and previous Rookie of the Year Ja Morant and former NBA MVP and three-time All-Star Derrick Rose. It plays at FedEx Forum in Memphis, Tennessee.
Miami Heat
The Miami Heat franchise joined the NBA in 1988 as an expansion team. The team is part of the Easter Conference. They’re led by former Sixth Man of the Year Tyler Herro, two-time NBA All-Star Bam Adebayo, and six-time NBA All-Star and former Eastern Conference Finals MVP “Jimmy Buckets” Butler. The team plays at Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida.
Milwaukee Bucks
Founded in 1968 as an expansion team, the Milwaukee Bucks play in the Eastern Conference. The team, which has won two league championships in its history, now features the talents of two-time NBA MVP and seven-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo and seven-time All-Star Damian Lillard. Fans hit up the United Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to catch the Bucks.
Minnesota Timberwolves
The Minnesota Timberwolves, founded in 1989 as an expansion team, compete in the Western Conference. All-Star shooting guard Anthony Edwards, three-time All-Star and former Rookie of the Year Karl-Anthony Towns, and three-time All-Star Rudy Gobert lead the team. The Timberwolves host their games at Target Center in Minneapolis, MN.
New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans, established in 2002 as the New Orleans Hornets, compete in the Western Conference. The team boasts All-Star Brandon Ingram and two-time All-Star Zion Williamson among its stars. The Pelicans play home games at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, Louisiana.
New York Knicks
Founded in 1946, the New York Knicks, short for Knickerbockers, are a member of the Eastern Conference. Jalen Brunson, two-time All-Star Julius Randle, and RJ Barrett currently lead the team. The team’s home is Madison Square Garden, located in the heart of Manhattan in New York.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Founded in 1967 originally as the Seattle SuperSonics, the Oklahoma City Thunder compete in the Western Conference. All-Star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, former All-Rookie First Team member Jalen Williams, and second-overall pick Chet Holmgren anchor the team. The Thunder showcase their talents at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.
Orlando Magic
Started in 1989 as an expansion franchise, the Orlando Magic compete in the Eastern Conference. The team is currently home to former Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero and All-Rookie First Team member Franz Wagner. Fans watch the Magic play at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida.
Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers, established in 1946 originally as the Syracuse Nationals, is one of the oldest NBA franchises. They are led by NBA MVP and six-time All-Star Joel Embiid and veteran, young guard Tyrese Maxey. Sixer home fans enjoy the team’s performances at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Phoenix Suns
Founded in 1968 as an expansion team, the Phoenix Suns entertain fans in the Western Conference. Two-time NBA champion and former NBA MVP Kevin Durant and three-time All-Star guard Devin Booker lead the team. The Suns play home games at Footprint Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
Portland Trail Blazers
Founded in 1970, the Portland Trail Blazers are the only NBA team in the Pacific Northwest. They compete in the Western Conference. Led by Slam Dunk Contest champion Anfernee Simons and veteran leader Jerami Grant, the team plays at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
Sacramento Kings
The oldest team in the NBA, the Sacramento Kings was founded in 1923 as the Rochester Seagrams followed by multiple name and location changes. They now compete in the Western Conference. All-stars De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis lead the team. The team plays its home games at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California.
San Antonio Spurs
The San Antonio Spurs started out as the Dallas Chaparrals in 1967 before relocating to San Antonio. Led by Rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama and young star Devin Vassell, the team is part of the Western Conference. It plays at Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, Texas.
Toronto Raptors
The Toronto Raptors franchise joined the NBA in 1995 as part of the league’s expansion into Canada. They’re led by two-time NBA All-Star and NBA champion Pascal Siakam and 2022 Rookie of the Year Scottie Barnes. The team competes in the Eastern Conference and plays at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario.
Utah Jazz
Originally founded in 1974 as the New Orleans Jazz, the team eventually relocated to Salt Lake City. They’re a part of the Western Conference. Led by All-Star “the Finnisher” Lauri Markkanen and former Sixth Man of the Year Jordan Clarkson, the team plays at Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards were founded in 1961 as the Chicago Packers before moving to Baltimore and eventually Washington, D.C. They compete in the Eastern Conference. Kyle Kuzma and Jordan Poole, both former NBA champions, lead the team. They play their home games at Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
The NBA wasn’t always composed of 30 teams. The league began in 1946 with 11 teams. By 1949, it grew to 17 but then faced a decline. Steady growth resumed in 1961, reaching 30 teams by 2004.
Now, there’s a buzz about expanding further, with Las Vegas and Seattle as potential new team locations.
Understanding the NBA Draft
The NBA Draft is where young players’ dreams of joining the NBA come true. Held every year in June, this event allows NBA teams to select new players. Most candidates are from college basketball. The draft has two rounds, and each of the 30 NBA teams gets to pick once in each round.
How teams pick players is decided by a lottery for the 14 teams that missed the playoffs. This lottery sets the order for the first four picks. It helps even out the competition, giving teams with poorer records a better chance at top talent. The other teams pick next, based on their last season’s performance – the lower the record, the earlier they pick. By the end of the draft, 60 players begin their journey in the NBA.
NBA Game Formats and Duration
The NBA season runs from the fall through the spring season, kicking off the regular season in October and concluding with the championship finals that extend into June. Teams battle it out for 82 regular season games, with the top eight teams in each conference moving on to the NBA playoffs that start in April to compete for a championship.
NBA games are made up of four 12-minute quarters for a total of 48 minutes of play. If games are tied at the end of the fourth quarter, they go into overtime periods of 5 minutes until one team wins. For more detail on the length and structure of games, read our post on How Long are NBA Games?
Teams win games by scoring more points than their opponent, either through basketball field goals or free throws. Players can score one, two, three, or, in rare cases, four points during a possession.
The standard NBA rim height is 10 feet. Our article – How Tall is a Basketball Hoop? – breaks down the height and components of a basketball hoop.
Streaming and Watching NBA Games
There’s nothing better than watching an NBA game live in the arena. If you’re near one of the 30 NBA cities and can manage ticket prices, experiencing a game in person is unforgettable. But, not everyone can attend games. That’s where technology steps in, bringing the game to you.
For at-home viewing, NBA League Pass is a great choice. Available through the NBA App and platforms like Sling TV, it lets you watch games on various devices. But remember, if there’s a local team, you can’t watch their games live due to regional blackouts.
Besides League Pass, NBA games are broadcast nationally on TNT, ESPN, and NBA TV. Local channels also air games, expanding your viewing options.
NBA Players: Insights and History
Heights in the NBA
NBA players typically stand out for their height. On average, they measure around 6 feet 6.5 inches, surpassing the height of an average American man.
Interested in more details? Check out our articles on average NBA height, featuring insights on both the tallest NBA players and the shortest NBA players.
Age in the NBA
The NBA showcases a wide age range among its players. In 2023, this span is 20 years, from fresh faces to veteran stars. Newcomers like Victor Wembanyama bring youthful energy, while experienced players like LeBron James add seasoned expertise.
Learn more about these age extremes in our articles on the youngest NBA player and the oldest NBA player, where we delve deeper into the league’s age dynamics.
NBA Competition
Decoding the NBA Playoffs
The NBA Playoffs are the exciting culmination of the season, typically starting in April and running through June. Out of the 30 teams in the NBA, 16 make it to the playoffs – 8 from each conference, Eastern and Western. These teams are selected based on their regular-season records.
In the playoffs, teams face off in a series of rounds: the First Round, Conference Semifinals, Conference Finals, and finally, the NBA Finals. Each round is a best-of-seven series, meaning the first team to win four games advances to the next round. The playoffs are a high-stakes, thrilling part of the NBA season.
Teams and Players with the Most NBA Championships
The long NBA season ends with only one team winning the championship. But who has won the most over the years?
Find out about the teams and players who have collected the most titles in our article, Who Has the Most Rings in the NBA?
The NBA In-Season Tournament
The NBA introduced the In-Season Tournament in the 2023-24 season, adding a new dynamic to the league. This annual event involves all 30 teams and consists of two stages: Group Play and the Knockout Rounds. A prize pool is allocated to players on the teams that make it to the Knockout Rounds, and allocations increase for the teams that make it further.
All games in the In-Season Tournament, except the championship, count towards regular season standings. This ensures that each of the 82 regular-season games, including those in the tournament, contributes to a team’s overall performance.
For the Fans
Celebrating the NBA All-Star Games
Every February, the NBA All-Star Game brings together 24 of the league’s standout players. They are split into two teams, selected by fans, media, and coaches, reflecting both skill and popularity.
But the All-Star Game is more than just the game itself. The All-Star Weekend features the 3-point Contest, where top shooters battle it out, and the Skills Challenge, which tests dribbling, passing, and shooting. The Slam Dunk Contest is another thrilling event, making the All-Star Weekend a major highlight of the NBA calendar.
Debates: The Biggest NBA Floppers
Flopping in basketball happens when NBA players overreact to pretend they’ve been fouled. It’s a tactic that stirs up a lot of debate. Join our discussion about players who are famous for these exaggerated on-court reactions in our article exploring the biggest floppers in the NBA.
NBA Culture and Trivia
Behind the NBA Logo
You’ve seen the NBA logo everywhere, from television broadcasts to league merchandise. That red-and-blue framed white silhouette of an athlete mid-drive with basketball in hand. Ever wondered who inspired this iconic design? Discover the story and history in our article, Who is the NBA Logo?
Inspiring Quotes from NBA Legends
NBA legends don’t just inspire with their skills on the court; their words can be just as motivating. From overcoming challenges to achieving greatness, their insights resonate with fans and players alike. Explore a collection of memorable basketball quotes from some of the best athletes in the world.
Quadruple Doubles
Achieving a quadruple-double in the NBA is an extraordinary accomplishment, requiring a player to reach double digits in four statistical categories. Learn about the elite group of players who have achieved a quadruple-double in the NBA and the games where they made history.
