Basketball fans often ask one simple question: how many NBA games in a season?
The answer sounds easy, but the full story is more interesting.
An NBA season is not just about one number. It includes the regular season, playoffs, and special events. Each part matters. New fans, students, and even long-time viewers sometimes get confused. That’s normal.
I remember asking this same question when I first started watching NBA games seriously. I thought every team played the same number of games every year. Then I learned about lockouts, shortened seasons, and the play-in tournament. That changed everything.
In this guide, I’ll explain how many NBA games in a season using clear words and real examples. You don’t need to be a sports expert. If you can count and enjoy basketball, you’ll understand this easily.
Let’s break it down step by step.
How Many NBA Games in a Regular Season
The regular season is the main part of the NBA calendar.
So, how many NBA games in a season during this stage?
Each NBA team plays 82 regular-season games.
That number has been standard for many years.
Here is how those games work:
- 41 games are played at home
- 41 games are played away
With 30 teams in the league, this creates 1,230 total regular-season games every year.
This schedule tests players’ strength, skill, and focus. Teams play almost every other day for months. That’s why rest and rotation are so important.
If you ever hear fans debate how many NBA games in a season, they are usually talking about these 82 games. This number shapes stats, records, and player awards.
Why Does the NBA Have 82 Games
Many fans wonder why the NBA chose this number.
The answer comes from history and balance.
The league wanted:
- Fair competition
- Enough games for ranking teams
- Strong fan engagement
An 82-game season allows teams to face each opponent multiple times. This reduces luck and rewards consistency.
From my experience watching full seasons, 82 games also create storylines. Teams start slow, improve, struggle, and recover. That long journey is part of what makes the NBA exciting.
So when people ask how many NBA games in a season, the number exists for good reasons. It balances business, competition, and entertainment.
NBA Season Structure Explained Simply
To truly understand how many NBA games in a season, you need to know the full structure.
An NBA season has four main parts:
- Preseason
- Regular season
- Play-In Tournament
- Playoffs and Finals
The preseason games do not count. They are warm-ups.
The regular season includes the famous 82 games.
The Play-In Tournament decides final playoff spots.
The playoffs determine the NBA champion.
Each part adds games beyond the regular season. That’s why the total number of games can change for each team.
How Many NBA Games Are Played Including Playoffs?
This is where the answer changes.
Not all teams play the same total number of games.
A team that misses the playoffs plays only 82 games.
A team that reaches the NBA Finals can play:
- Up to 28 playoff games
That means a championship team can play 110 total games in one season.
So if someone asks how many NBA games in a season, the best answer is:
- Minimum: 82 games
- Maximum: around 110 games
This difference matters for player fatigue and injuries.
NBA Playoffs: How Many Games Are There?
The NBA playoffs use a best-of-seven format.
Each round allows:
- Minimum: 4 games
- Maximum: 7 games
There are four rounds:
- First Round
- Conference Semifinals
- Conference Finals
- NBA Finals
A team that wins every series in seven games plays 28 playoff games.
That’s why elite teams play far more games than struggling ones. This impacts career totals and records.
The NBA Play-In Tournament and Extra Games
The Play-In Tournament is new.
It started in 2020.
Teams ranked 7th to 10th in each conference compete for playoff spots.
These games:
- Count toward the season total
- Add 1–2 extra games for some teams
This means how many NBA games in a season can vary even more now. Modern seasons are slightly longer for some teams.
NBA Lockouts and Shortened Seasons
Not every NBA season is normal.
In some years, labor disputes shortened the schedule:
- 1998–99 season: 50 games
- 2011–12 season: 66 games
During these years, how many NBA games in a season was very different.
Fans and players disliked these changes. Fewer games meant rushed schedules and higher injury risks.
Thankfully, full 82-game seasons have returned.
How the NBA Schedule Is Created
The NBA schedule is not random.
It considers:
- Travel distance
- TV contracts
- Rivalries
- Arena availability
Teams play:
- Division rivals more often
- Conference teams regularly
- Non-conference teams less frequently
This balanced system keeps the season fair.
Knowing this helps explain how many NBA games in a season feel different for each team.
How Many NBA Games Does One Team Play Per Week?
On average:
- Teams play 3–4 games per week
Some weeks are lighter. Others are intense.
Back-to-back games still exist but are fewer now. The NBA reduced them to protect players.
This pacing makes the long season manageable and keeps stars healthy.
NBA Season Timeline: Month-by-Month Overview
Here is a simple season timeline:
- October: Preseason begins
- Late October: Regular season starts
- April: Regular season ends
- April: Play-In Tournament
- April to June: Playoffs
- June: NBA Finals
This long calendar shows why understanding how many NBA games in a season matters. It affects training, contracts, and fan planning.
Why Knowing NBA Game Counts Matters
Understanding how many NBA games in a season helps fans:
- Follow standings correctly
- Compare player stats fairly
- Understand fatigue and injuries
It also helps new fans enjoy the sport without confusion.
As someone who follows the league closely, I’ve seen many debates online caused by misunderstanding the schedule. Knowing the facts avoids confusion.
FAQs
1. How many NBA games in a season for one team?
Each team plays 82 regular-season games.
2. Do playoff games count toward the season total?
Yes. Playoff games add to the total games played.
3. What is the maximum number of NBA games a team can play?
Around 110 games including playoffs.
4. Has the NBA ever played fewer than 82 games?
Yes, during lockout seasons.
5. Do preseason games count?
No. Preseason games are not official.
6. Why doesn’t the NBA shorten the season?
The league values balance, revenue, and tradition.
Conclusion
So, how many NBA games in a season?
The clear answer is 82 regular-season games, but the full picture is much bigger.
When you include playoffs and play-in games, the number changes. Some teams play far more than others. That’s part of what makes the NBA exciting and unpredictable.
If you’re new to basketball or a long-time fan, understanding the season structure helps you enjoy the game more. It gives meaning to stats, standings, and player performances.
