How many games in nba season?
Updated: June 19, 2024Regular Season Games
The NBA regular season traditionally consists of 82 games. Each of the 30 teams in the league plays this number of games, split evenly between home and away games. This format ensures that each team faces every other team multiple times, balancing the competition.
Historical Context and Changes
The 82-game format has been a staple since the 1967-68 season when the league expanded to 12 teams. Before that, the number of games varied, starting at 48 games per season when the league was founded in 1946 as the Basketball Association of America (BAA) before evolving into the NBA.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic
The 2019-2020 NBA season was unprecedented due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The regular season was cut short to 72 games, and the league adopted a bubble format to safely complete the season. Similarly, the 2020-2021 season also featured 72 games to accommodate a delayed start and ensure player safety.
Preseason Games
Before the regular season begins, teams participate in the preseason, which typically consists of 4-6 games. These games allow teams to evaluate their rosters, develop chemistry, and prepare for the upcoming season.
Play-In Tournament
Introduced during the 2020-2021 season, the Play-In Tournament determines the final playoff spots in each conference. Teams ranked 7th through 10th compete in a mini-tournament to secure the 7th and 8th seeds. The Play-In Tournament adds a few additional games to the end of the regular season.
Playoff Games
Once the regular season concludes, the top 8 teams from each conference (after the Play-In Tournament) advance to the playoffs. The playoffs are a series of best-of-seven elimination rounds, culminating in the NBA Finals. A team must win 16 games to secure the championship, potentially adding up to 28 games for the finalists.
Summer League and Other Tournaments
In addition to the regular season, preseason, and playoffs, the NBA also hosts the Summer League, featuring rookies and young players looking to make a mark. While these games do not count towards the official season, they are crucial for player development.
International Games and Special Events
The NBA occasionally schedules games outside North America, known as NBA Global Games. These games are part of the NBA's effort to grow the sport internationally and do not count towards the regular season total but are significant for the league's global reach.
All-Star Break and Mid-Season Tournaments
The NBA All-Star break features the All-Star Game, a showcase of the league's best talent. This event occurs around the halfway point of the season and includes various competitions such as the Slam Dunk Contest and the Three-Point Contest. There are ongoing discussions about introducing a mid-season tournament to add excitement and competitive stakes beyond the traditional All-Star festivities.
Rarely Known Facts
- Expansion and Contraction: The NBA has gone through periods of expansion and contraction, influencing the total number of games. For instance, the 1961-62 season had 80 games due to the addition of new teams.
- Lockout Seasons: The 1998-99 and 2011-12 seasons were shortened due to labor disputes, resulting in 50 and 66 games, respectively.
- Back-to-Back Games: Teams often play back-to-back games to fit the 82-game schedule within a reasonable timeframe. This can be a challenge for player performance and injury management.
- Load Management: Modern teams use "load management" strategies to rest key players during the long season, ensuring they are healthy for the playoffs.
Understanding the complexities of an NBA season reveals much more than just the number of games played. The structure, historical changes, and additional tournaments all contribute to the rich tapestry of professional basketball.
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