The NBA is one of the biggest sports in the United States, with millions of people around the world regularly tuning in to watch the action on the court. From thrilling contests to enthralling play, the NBA continues to soar in popularity and boasts of some of the biggest names in sports.
Fans can watch games live or on television from anywhere in the world and also place bets using various betting information like what’s available from the NBA playoff standings, as the season reaches it climax. You can enjoy watching the games while also taking advantage of promotions and other offers that could boost your chances of winning your bets.
Here, we’ll take you through what you need to know about the NBA and its season, with some tips on how best to enjoy the season as a fan
What is the NBA Schedule?
During the regular season that typically runs from October through to April, each NBA team plays 82 games. There are 41 home fixtures and 41 games are played away.
The league is divided into the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference. There are six divisions which hold five teams each. Each team takes on their divisional opponent four times, twice at home, twice away.
Facing the 15 teams in the conference twice a season, the games are intense and fast, and there are only two or three days between each fixture for rest and preparation before the next game.
When the regular season comes to an end, it’s time for the playoffs which ramps up the excitement and the stakes for players and supporters alike. The teams that finish in the top eight from each conference advance to the playoffs. The playoffs is a single elimination tournament with teams going head-to-head in a best-of-seven series. These games extend into June, and the team that comes out on top, wins the title and is crowned the NBA champion.
Tips for Winning When Betting on NBA Games
For many basketball fans, placing bets while watching the NBA games adds an extra layer of excitement to their viewing experience. However, before placing any bets, it’s important to do your research thoroughly. Make sure you are aware of the teams and players, and keep up-to-date with their form, injuries and team news. Knowing how a team has performed in recent weeks, or whether their star player is sidelined with a fitness problem will help you make an informed decision when it comes to betting on the results of the games. It’s also useful to take note of expert insights from former pros and commentators when watching the coverage of the games. These guys have been there and done it, and so can offer a window into the games, which would help in your betting decisions.
Key Dates to Remember in the NBA Season
The period before the first action of the season takes place is sometimes the most exciting time on the basketball calendar, as this is when the NBA Draft takes place. The Draft allows teams to select new players who have graduated from college or high school. It can be a tough call for teams who must decide whether they should take the most talented player on the court, or fix and bolster a position on their team.
It’s a hotly-anticipated time for fans too who are eager to get a glimpse of the upcoming stars of tomorrow. The campaign gets underway in October, and soon the Conference tables start to take shape. February sees the All-Star Weekend which features events from the All-Star Game, the Slam Dunk Contest, and the Three-Point Contest. This is also the month of the Trade Deadline where teams can do last-minute deals to strengthen their teams.
The Playoffs, which consist of four rounds, start in April, before June welcomes the main NBA showpiece as the two best teams from each Conference do battle for the championship title.
How to Catch All the NBA Action
The NBA games are shown regularly on sports channels in America while streaming services are also becoming popular means of viewing the games for sports fans. These platforms offer a wide range of options for your viewing pleasure, with one notable feature being post-match analyses, that allow you to delve deeper into your team’s latest performance.
What’s more, you can also check out highlights from all the other Conference games on YouTube, and so, you would not miss any of the action throughout the season.
Be sure to check out special offers and promotions when watching NBA games, and also look for platforms where you can subscribe in order to keep up with all the latest news and opinions.
Viewing Tips for First Time Basketball Spectators
So, you’re lucky enough to get tickets for a live NBA game, and this is a first-time experience for you. It’s important to know how to make the most of the experience as the action can be so fast, the game can flash by so quickly. If anything, just remember to soak in all you can.
Get to the courtside early to appreciate the build-up of atmosphere. This also provides you with the opportunity to see the players’ preparations and pre-game rituals up close. It’s a personal experience you just can’t get when watching at home on the television.
Remember to take time to focus on and appreciate your favorite players too, and the rivalries they seem to thrive in, on the court. To be a pro NBA player takes a tremendous amount of skill, and so it’s a great privilege to get to see incredible sportsmen at the top of their game in the flesh.
Check out the set-up too, and see if it’s possible to understand the tactics of the coach. At the court, you have a complete view of every move, on the ball and off it, and most often, it’s the team’s strategy that sees them to victory.
Off-Court Activities and Events for Fans to Enjoy
There are many off-court experiences for fans to enjoy away from gamedays. In some instances, basketball followers have the opportunity to view open practice sessions which offer a unique view into how teams and players prepare for games.
Some teams also hold fan forums where people can interact with players and coaches in a more intimate setting. This gives fans the unique chance to get an inside look at the team and ask questions. You can also attend autograph and photo sessions with your favorite players. Meet-and-greets at club stores or courts are another brilliant way for fans to access their team and spend time with their heroes.
The recent boom of eSports has also provided fans with another opportunity to get closer to their team with interactive experiences allowing fans to represent the crest of their teams in a fun and entertaining environment.
Staying on Top of Trades
Staying on top of NBA trades can be a tricky task with a many players moving from team to team, as coaches look to strengthen their teams for a new season, or for the final playoff push.
First, make it a point to follow official team channels. Whether social media or YouTube, the latest signings and news will be shared widely on these platforms. As soon as a deal is confirmed, Twitter especially, will be awash with the news, quotes and reactions.
The official NBA website is also a brilliant resource, bringing together all the trades in one place. Newsletters are also very useful if you don’t have time to trawl social channels. Here, the news will be curated and you can quickly scan all the moves across the two Conferences.
Get Involved with Fantasy Basketball Leagues
If you’re looking to get involved with fantasy basketball leagues, the first step is to find a league that fits what you’re looking for, as there are a great number to choose from. Some you can pay to enter with prizes on offer while others are free to join if you are just looking for some additional NBA fun alongside your regular viewing.
Once you decide on a league, grab your coaches cap as it’s time to start building a winning team. Here, research is key. You need a good understanding of every player in the Conference in order to make smart decisions. Every week, you will be tasked with making choices about your selection.
Of course, it is vital to keep up-to-date with trades and even more importantly, injuries. A sidelined player is not going to earn your fantasy team any points, and so you must assess team news before each game.
Share Your Fandom on Social Media
Social media is a great way to interact with other NBA fans and share your fandom and opinion on the sport you love. You can set up an account dedicated to your favorite team, or use the platform to share your thoughts on the latest game, and discuss the form of the team with fellow followers.
You can share photos and match action, and even analyze performances just like the experts and former pros do on television. You can also find interesting articles and reports to further your knowledge and boost your understanding of the Conferences, teams and players. Not only that, but social media is also a useful platform if you are searching for ways to watch a live game. Some people sell tickets when they can no longer attend a game while other regulars at the court can let you know how to purchase a seat at the game.
Social media allows you to reach thousands of people all around the world, and you will be able to find like-minded individuals who share your passion in no time. This can become your very own NBA community online.
