NBA Tickets: How to Find Games and Good Seats

The NBA regular season usually runs from around October to April, with each team playing a long schedule of home and away games across those months. That gives you plenty of dates to choose from if you want to see a particular team or arena.

After the regular season come the play-in games and then the playoffs. Playoff dates and matchups are set late, often only days ahead, because they depend on results, so playoff tickets appear and sell on a much shorter timeline than regular-season games.

Which games cost more

Demand drives NBA prices. Weekend games, rivalry matchups, nights when a star player is in town and games in big markets are usually in higher demand, so they tend to cost more and sell out sooner.

Weeknight games and early-season games are usually cheaper and easier to get, especially against opponents with less pull. If you mainly want the arena experience rather than one specific matchup, picking one of these dates is often the simplest way to pay less.

Choosing your seats

Courtside and floor seats put you right next to the action and are the most expensive in the arena. Lower-bowl seats along the sideline give the classic broadcast-style view of both ends, while baseline seats behind the baskets are usually cheaper and great for watching plays develop toward you.

Upper-level seats cost the least and still show the whole court, which suits fans who want to follow team play. Our Sports Seating Guide explains how to weigh view, distance and price when you pick a section.

Comparing prices and timing

Compare the all-in price, including fees, for the same seat rather than the listed price alone. Two offers that look close can end up different once fees are added at checkout.

Prices can move either way as tip-off approaches: some games get cheaper as sellers release seats, while high-demand games only climb. Our Cheap Tickets guide covers ways to lower the cost, and our When to Buy Tickets guide explains how timing tends to affect price and availability.

Game-day tips

Most NBA tickets are mobile tickets, so add them to your phone before you leave and make sure your battery is charged. Check the arena's own bag policy before game day, because many venues limit bag size or type.

Arrive early if you can. Watching the warm-ups is a good way to see players up close, and getting through security before the crowd means you will be in your seat for tip-off.

Where checkout happens

TicketsGarage is a discovery site. When we list an event, checkout happens on the partner's own site — Ticketmaster or HelloTickets, depending on the listing. The seller on that page handles your order, delivery and any refund if plans change.

Always finish the purchase on the verified checkout shown for the event, and check the all-in total there before you pay.

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Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to buy NBA tickets?

There is no single best time. High-demand games often rise as tip-off approaches, while some weeknight and early-season games get cheaper as sellers release seats. Compare the all-in price over a few days, and buy early for games you cannot miss.

What are the best seats at an NBA game?

It depends on your budget and what you want. Courtside and floor seats are closest to the action, lower-bowl sideline seats give the best all-round view, baseline seats are usually cheaper, and upper-level seats are the most affordable while still showing the whole court.

Are NBA tickets cheaper on weeknights?

Usually, yes. Weeknight games tend to have lower demand than weekend games, so prices are often lower, especially early in the season and against opponents with less pull. Rivalry and star-player games can still be expensive on any night.

Where do I buy NBA tickets on TicketsGarage?

TicketsGarage links to the Ticketmaster or HelloTickets partner checkout for each listing. Check the seller, the all-in price and the delivery method on that checkout before you pay.