The National Basketball Association is a professional basketball league consisting of 30 teams, of which 29 are located in the United States and one in Canada (the Toronto Raptors).
The NBA is divided into two conferences, the Western Conference and the Eastern Conference. The teams in each conference play two games against each team from the other conference for a total of 30 games.
There are also six divisions within each conference, with five teams in each. The teams in each division compete to win their division and to make the postseason as a wildcard. They also compete for a chance to play in the NBA Finals.
A regular season begins in October and ends in early April. The season is made up of 82 games, with 41 on the road and 41 at home.
When the regular season is over, the top eight teams from each conference are crowned champions. These eight teams then move on to the playoffs. The first round of the playoffs involves a best-of-seven series with each team alternating home and away games. The winner of each round advances to the next round, where they play another best-of-seven series against a team that is ranked higher than them in the standings.
The playoffs are an even more intense atmosphere than the regular season because of the added stakes and competitive fire. This is why the NBA has a reputation for attracting players and fans from across the globe.
Many of the greatest basketball players of all time have played for an NBA team, including LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and Kobe Bryant. They are all credited with helping to make the NBA a household name in North America and around the world.
Some of the most successful teams in the history of the NBA have been in the Western Conference. These teams include the Los Angeles Lakers, the Chicago Bulls and the San Antonio Spurs. They have dominated the Western Conference over the years and have won multiple championships.
They are known for their high-octane offenses and their ability to score points on the fast break. They also have great ball handlers who are skilled at dribbling and passing the ball.
Their strength and speed allow them to get into the lane quickly and drive down the floor. They are also great at defending their opponents, using their bodies to fight for position and draw contact in the air.
The game of basketball has evolved significantly over the years, with a growing emphasis on speed and agility. This has resulted in increased contact between players on the court and a corresponding increase in injuries.
Injuries are more common in the NBA than in other sports, and they are often serious enough to prevent a player from playing in a game. In addition, they are expensive to treat.
In order to reduce the risk of injuries, the NBA has implemented a number of practices and procedures, such as playing games in smaller arenas. In addition, they have also improved their equipment and coaching methods.