Getting into NBA in 2023
National Basketball Association (NBA) is undeniably the most prestigious and exhilarating basketball league in the world. Halfway through the regular season, the 2022/23 NBA is proving to be highly exciting. Riding this high, it might be the perfect time to hop onto NBA.
Here's everything you need to know.
Why you should watch NBA
Each match is a fast and furious, end-to-end encounter resulting in high-scoring games with a lot of thrills and spills. The matches are relatively short as each game lasts 48 minutes, equally divided into four 12-minute-long quarters. Even including all the breaks, it takes no more than two hours.
With an 82-game regular season, some common occurrences in the NBA are upsets, big margin wins, inexplicable losses, and upturns in the forms of the teams. In addition, teams get a sizeable amount of time to recover forms. So, even if they go through a rough patch, they get enough time to come back.
Take Brooklyn Nets this season for example. After a disastrous start, they have rallied from late November, going on an amazing winning streak to propelling themselves to second in Eastern Conference by January. But, an injury to star man Kevin Durant derailed their journey, going on a six-game losing streak to drop down to fourth.
When do the matches take place
During the festive periods, the first game usually kicks off at 11 PM Bangladeshi time, with other early games scheduled between 12 – 1:30 AM.
One of the challenges of being a Bangladeshi NBA fan is to wake up early to catch the games. In normal circumstances, the matches are aired anywhere between 2 AM to 10 AM.
Where to watch (legally)
Fans can get the NBA League or Team Pass. Subscriptions are available for the entire season (October-June) or even monthly packages.
NBA is broadcast in India and the rights belong to Viacom18's channels- Vh1, MTV and their streaming platforms VOOT and Jio TV.
How to pick a team to support
This is a difficult step. There are 30 teams competing in the NBA and a lot of factors should go into play while picking a team to support. Some fans might just follow the team their favourite player plays for. Others might simply fall in love with the team colours and badges. While others might just support a team because of its underdog status, rich history or something as simple as its location. For instance, I fell in love with Milwaukee Bucks while watching Giannis Antetokounmpo play.
You might want to steer clear of teams which rarely make the top-ten of the Conference Leagues if you want to actually enjoy watching the matches. Going for an up-and-coming or established team might also be a good way to settle on a side to support.
The drama factor
As games aren't allowed to end as draws, tied scores result in five-minute-long overtimes. Its suspense only increases as teams go toe-to-toe, often resulting in thrilling conclusions to the game. During matches, nothing can beat the feeling of scoring a buzzer-beater three-point rocket to clinch victory.
NBA's unpredictability will keep fans on the edge of their seats. There are many instances where teams have thrown away massive point leads in the dying embers of a game. The same applies to playoffs. These seven-game-long series have produced some memorable ties over the years.
For example, the Toronto Raptors vs Philadelphia 76ers playoff from 2019 is a cult classic. It was the ultimate series, with Raptors and Sixers winning alternating games. The Raptors ultimately won 90-92 with the last throw of the series in Game 7, sparking iconic scenes.
And that essentially caps off the basics of the NBA. With intensely competitive rivalries, booming finances, and a vibrant talent pool, NBA truly is a one-of-a-kind sport.
Inqiad is a passionate Bucks fan and a Giannis stan. Contact him at inqiadali007@gmail.com