With 30 teams to choose from based in major cities around the United States and Canada, there’s no shortage of top-class options to weigh up in the National Basketball Association. Indeed, as you’d expect in the planet’s premier basketball league, you can have a great spectator experience and watch world-class plays whoever you choose to see. Here, we’ve highlighted a selection of franchises to consider; whether they’re iconic teams, boast some must-see star players, or play at world-renowned venues, there’s something for everyone, new and established fans alike.
- Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
- New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, New York
- Boston Celtics at TD Garden, Boston
- Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, San Francisco
- Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena, Los Angeles
Arguably the most iconic NBA team of all time, the Los Angeles Lakers are also among the league’s most successful and historic franchises. Founded in 1947, the Lakers – then based in Minneapolis – won an NBL championship in their inaugural season before the league merged with the BAA in 1948 to form the NBA. They lifted 5 NBA championships in their first 6 years in the league, and after relocating to LA in 1960 they have continued to challenge for top honours ever since.
They have boasted some of the game’s biggest stars throughout their storied history, from Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and Shaquille O’Neal. Today, their roster includes the modern-day superstar of NBA, LeBron James, as well as star center/power forward Anthony Davis. Fans won’t want to miss the chance to see NBA all-time leading points scorer James – who's in the final years of his illustrious career – while he’s still playing, and stars like Davis only sweeten the deal further.
You can find ticket and schedule information for the Los Angeles Lakers here.
New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, New York
Founded in 1946, the New York Knicks have been ever-present in the NBA since its formation, and along with the Boston Celtics they’re 1 of just 2 of the founding members of the league still residing in their original city. Unlike the Celtics, they’ve not had that much success over the years, with just 2 NBA championships to their name, both won in the 1970s.
However, the Knicks’ blue-and-orange colours are recognized around the world for a reason. New York is renowned for its basketball culture, and their Manhattan location is perfect to combine with a city break. In Madison Square Garden – nicknamed by fans the “Mecca of Basketball” – they play at arguably the world’s most iconic sports and entertainment venue. Just getting to experience MSG is a bucket-list entry worth the price of admission for most fans, with its electric atmosphere and almost unrivalled viewing experience that elevates even the most mediocre of games into something special.
You can find the Knicks’ ticket and schedule information here.
Boston Celtics at TD Garden, Boston
Like the Knicks, the Boston Celtics are among the 8 founding members of the NBA dating back to 1946. Their original owner, Walter Brown, was also one of the key founders of the league. It was Brown – who also owned the Celtics’ former home at Boston Garden – who was struck with the idea to host basketball games on vacant nights at major ice hockey arenas around the country, an idea which ultimately led to the creation of the NBA.
Bostonians will be forever grateful for that flash of genius, because the Celtics have enjoyed a truly remarkable history that has cemented their place in NBA folklore. Led by the iconic Bill Russell, the Celtics won 11 championships between 1957 and 1969, including a record 8 in a row from 1959 to 1966, while Larry Bird ushered in a new era of success in the 1980s. In 2024, current stars Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum ended a 16-year wait for a new title as they guided the Celtics to a record 18th championship, separating them from the Lakers as the league’s most successful team. You’ll feel the weight of history surrounding you if you step through the doors of TD Garden, and you can expect to watch some top-class play.
Check out the Celtics’ schedule and ticket information here.
Golden State Warriors at Chase Center, San Francisco
Another founding member of the NBA, the Golden State Warriors have been entertaining fans since 1946. They spent the first 16 years of their history operating in Philadelphia, before relocating to San Francisco in 1962 having collected 2 championship titles, including the inaugural BAA championship in 1947.
The Warriors have been a force to be reckoned with over the last decade, reaching 5 consecutive NBA Finals between 2015 and 2019, winning 3 of them, before adding another championship victory in 2022. With stars such as Draymond Green and one of the game’s all-time greats in Steph Curry, the Warriors remain one of the most exciting teams to watch in the league.
Koobit has the complete GSW schedule and ticket information here.
Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
An expansion team who joined the NBA in 1968, the Milwaukee Bucks did not have to wait long for their first taste of success, winning their first NBA championship in 1971 thanks in no small part to the efforts of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Little did they know they would face a 50-year wait for another until they ended their drought in 2021.
Spearheaded by the legendary Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks not only won the championship but have also dominated the Central Division, racking up 6 consecutive titles from 2019 to 2024. Recent additions to the roster including Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday have only increased their potency, so there are few teams more entertaining to watch live than this iteration of the Bucks. What’s more, the Fiserv Forum is a popular NBA arena known for providing a strong spectator experience.
You can find out more about the Milwaukee Bucks’ schedule and ticket information here.
