MatchProphets
Log in
NBABasketball · NBA

Free NBA prediction pool with your friends

An NBA pool is a free game between friends where everyone predicts the score of the NBA games they choose to follow and scores points based on accuracy: 3 points for the exact result, 2 for picking just the winner, 0 if they miss. It works the same in the regular season (82 games per team) as in the play-in and playoffs.

Create a free leagueLog in
Competition format

What is the NBA's format like?

The NBA splits its 30 teams into two conferences, East and West, with 15 teams each. In the regular season each team plays 82 games between October and April, against opponents from its own conference and the other one. Once the regular season ends, the top 6 finishers in each conference go straight to the playoffs; the 7th to 10th seeds play the play-in for the two remaining spots.

How many teams are in each conference?

30 teams in total, 15 in the Eastern Conference and 15 in the Western Conference. Within each conference there are also three divisions of 5 teams, though for standings and playoff purposes what matters is the position within the conference, not the division.

Play-in

What is the play-in and who plays it?

The play-in is a preliminary stage of up to two games per team, between the 7th to 10th seeds of each conference, that decides who takes the two remaining playoff spots (7th and 8th seed):

GameMatchupWhat's at stake
Game 17th vs. 8th seed of the conferenceThe winner becomes the 7th playoff seed. The loser gets a second chance in Game 3.
Game 29th vs. 10th seed of the conferenceThe loser is eliminated. The winner advances to Game 3.
Game 3Loser of Game 1 vs. winner of Game 2The winner becomes the 8th playoff seed. The loser goes home.
Playoffs

What are the NBA playoffs like?

16 teams, 8 per conference, compete in a single-elimination bracket. Since 2003, every round has been played best-of-7, including the first round: first round, conference semifinals, conference finals, and the NBA Finals, always requiring 4 wins to advance.

2026-27 season

When does the 2026-27 season start?

The 2026-27 regular season kicks off on October 20, 2026 and runs through April 11, 2027. The play-in is scheduled between April 13 and 16, 2027, right before the playoffs begin.

How to set up your NBA pool on Match Prophets

  1. 01Create a free league and select the NBA among its competitions — you can combine it with any of the 9 football leagues.
  2. 02Invite your group with a link, no participant limit.
  3. 03Before each game, predict the score: 3 points for the exact result, 2 for picking just the winner.
  4. 04As soon as the game starts, the group's predictions are revealed, and the standings update on their own once it ends.

Frequently asked questions

Is it free to run an NBA prediction pool?
Yes, creating an NBA league on Match Prophets, inviting your group, and predicting is free, with no limit on participants or games.
Can I combine the NBA with football leagues in the same league?
Yes. When creating the league you choose which competitions it follows, and you can select the NBA alongside the Champions League, LaLiga, or any of the other 8 available football competitions, with a single combined standings table.
Do I have to predict all 82 regular-season games?
No, everyone predicts whichever games they want from what the app offers. With 82 games per team, most groups focus on the ones that interest them most: their favorite team, top clashes between leaders, or the weekend's games.
How are playoff games scored?
The same as in the regular season: 3 points for the exact score of each game, 2 for picking just the winner. Every game in a best-of-7 series is predicted and scored separately.
What's the difference between the play-in and the playoffs?
The play-in is a preliminary stage of up to two games per team, between the 7th to 10th seeds of each conference, to decide the two remaining playoff spots. The playoffs are the 16-team bracket that plays best-of-7 series up to the Finals.

NBA guides

How to run a free NBA prediction pool with friendsNBA playoffs prediction pool: how to score best-of-7 seriesNBA vs. football: differences when setting up a prediction pool

Available football leagues

UEFA Champions LeagueLaLigaPremier LeagueBundesligaLigue 1Serie APrimeira LigaEredivisieCampeonato Brasileiro Série A