NBA Season Overview
Before we bring you the full list of all NBA teams currently playing, let’s explain how the league is structured and how the season plays out.
It’s a season that has a total of 1230 games during the regular season, with each team clocking up 82 games. More games come to those teams that make the NBA playoffs, and we’ll explain all that shortly.
How Many NBA Teams Are There?
The first question we hear a lot from newcomers to the NBA and the world of betting is, how many NBA teams are there? The answer is 30 teams in total (two of those are New York basketball teams).
The league is split into two main Conferences, then split across three Divisions.
NBA Structure – Conferences & Divisions:
- Eastern Conference (15 teams)
- Atlantic Division (5 teams)
- Central Division (5 teams)
- Southeast Division (5 teams)
- Western Conference (15 teams)
- Pacific Division (5 teams)
- Southwest Division (5 teams)
- Northwest Division (5 teams)
NBA Teams List & Team Map
Check the table below for all NBA teams currently playing in the national league, including the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets – two New York basketball teams.
TABLE
NBA – The Eastern Conference Teams
| Central Division | Southeast Division | Atlantic Division |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Charlotte Hornets | Brooklyn Nets |
| Indiana Pacers | Orlando Magic | New York Knicks |
| Chicago Bulls | Washington Wizards | Toronto Raptors |
| Milwaukee Bucks | Miami Heat | Boston Celtics |
| Detroit Pistons | Atlanta Hawks | Philadelphia 76ers |
NBA – The Western Conference Teams
| Pacific Division | Southwest Division | Northwest Division |
| Los Angeles Lakers | Memphis Grizzlies | Denver Nuggets |
| Los Angeles Clippers | Houston Rockets | Portland Trailblazers |
| Golden State Warriors | Dallas Mavericks | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| Phoenix Suns | New Orleans Pelicans | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| Kings | San Antonio Spurs | Utah Jazz |
Map of All NBA Teams
Check out our up-to-date Map against our NBA teams list above to see the locations of every NBA franchise.
Click here to view the map.
How Many Teams Make The NBA Playoffs?
Following on from the NBA regular season is the much anticipated postseason playoffs. The best teams from the Eastern and Western Conferences square off in a three-round tournament: the quarterfinals, the semifinals, and the Conference final.
Another team-specific question that is regularly asked is how many teams make the NBA playoffs. The answer is 16 in total, although more teams participate in the play-in tournament before the final 16 are decided.
“The play-in tournament is a new format introduced in 2021 that decides the final four seeded positions for the playoffs. It brings together the 7th to 10th best teams from each conference.”
Here is a quick summary of how the in-play tournament and the main “best of seven” playoffs are played out during the NBA postseason:
Play-In Tournament
Both Eastern and Western Conferences play out the following games:
- 7th vs. 8th
- Winner becomes the 7th Seed in the playoffs
- 9th vs. 10th
- Winner plays the loser of the 7th vs. 8th
- (Loser of 7th vs. 8th) vs. (Winner of 9th vs. 10th)
- Winner becomes the 8th Seed in the playoffs
NBA Playoffs
The Quarters, Semis, and Finals (best-of-seven format) are played out on both sides of the Eastern and Western Conferences.
As you can see from the layout below, the playoffs will finish with two winners from both Conferences battling it out in the NBA Championships.
Quarter Finals
- 1st Seed vs. 8th Seed
- 4th Seed vs. 5th Seed
- 3rd Seed vs. 6th Seed
- 2nd Seed vs. 7th Seed
NBA Semi-Finals
- Winner of Quarter Final 1 vs. Winner of Quarter Final 2
- Winner of Quarter Final 3 vs. Winner of Quarter Final 4
NBA Conference Finals
- Winner of Semi Final 1 vs. Winner of Semi Final 2
NBA Championships
- Winner of Eastern Conference Final vs. Winner of Western Conference Final
Knowledge is Power – Betting on NBA Teams
We can’t underestimate the importance of understanding the sport you are betting on. We don’t mean just knowing who the top players are in your local New York basketball teams, either.
Knowing the NBA rules of the game can give you chances to pick out high-value, in-play bets. In the same way, being able to read the latest NBA odds and betting lines will make you more confident when placing your bets.
“Build a betting strategy, keep researching and tracking your winners and losers, and gain experience with every NBA bet you make.”
The Top New York Basketball Teams
The NBA is now home to two New York basketball teams. These are known as the New York Knicks and the Brooklyn Nets.
Finding the latest odds on these local NBA teams is an easy task at any of the recommended sites you see listed here.
You can find quick moneylines, parlays, player props, or many future bets across the regular and postseason games.
| New York Basketball Teams | Founded | Championship Facts |
| New York Knicks | 1946 | 1970, 1973 |
| Brooklyn Nets | 1967 | No NBA titles yet. |
Under the Microscope – NBA History & Best Performances
The NBA is one the top sports in the US, and that fact will not change for a long time to come. There is a lot of information out there for anyone looking to bet on the NBA and improve their knowledge.
Statistics, both historical and recent, can help you find more profitable bets. It takes time and patience, but this is necessary if you are serious about making more from your money.
Let us highlight some areas you can use as a building block to improve your NBA betting.
New York NBA Teams
The Knicks and Nets are both New York basketball teams, so both have a big following. All the top-rated sportsbooks will follow each and every game throughout the season.
Here we have an introduction to each team if you need a starting point on these New York NBA teams.
New York Knicks
It’s safe to say that the New York Knicks are a fan favorite among New Yorkers. Madison Square Garden, located in the heart of Manhattan, is one of the most iconic arenas in all professional sports.
The New York Knicks is one of the most valuable NBA clubs, but they haven’t been on top of the standings in quite some time.
Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn Nets now play out of the Barclays Center in Brooklyn after relocating from New Jersey in 2012. Despite their newcomer status to the Empire State, the team is looking to become the number one team in New York.
Big-name players have come and gone as the team continues on its path to try and pick up its first NBA Championship title.
Top Players from NY & the Biggest Rivalries in the NBA
New York has introduced a lot of famous players who have made their living in the NBA. Jordan is the biggest name, and although he moved to North Carolina as a toddler, he was born in NY.
Besides the main man himself, there are some huge names and far too many to include right now. Here is a quick overview of some of the top NY players below:
- Michael Jordan (moved to North Carolina when a toddler)
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Julius Erving
- Bernard King
- Nate ‘Tiny’ Archibald
- Chris Mullin
The NBA Rivalries!
Like any sport, rivalries are part and parcel of the season. Some can be much more intense depending on what is on the line and at what stage of the season the game is being played.
We have listed some of the biggest and longest-running NBA feuds currently alive right now. You’ll even see some of our own New York NBA teams in the list:
- Boston Celtics vs. LA Lakers
- Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
- Chicago Bulls vs. New York Knicks
- LA Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs
- New York Knicks vs. Miami Heat
- Golden State Warriors vs. Cleveland Cavaliers
- and, of course… New York Knicks vs. Brooklyn Nets
The Best NBA Team in History?
NBA history is full of iconic moments, all-action games, and legendary performances. But sometimes, a team goes above and beyond to put their names firmly in the history books.
As a summary, we have a look at some of the best NBA teams to have ever graced the courts:
- 1995-96 Chicago Bulls – a record 72-10 regular season finish
- 1986-87 LA Lakers – took the Championship from a 65-17 season against the Celtics
- 1985-86 Boston Celtics – beat the Rockets in the final to cap off a 67-15 season
- 1971-72 LA Lakers – took the season with 69-13 and beat the Knicks in the final
- 1988-89 Detroit Pistons – the Pistons played 63-19 and beat the Lakers in the final