NBA Teams Trivia

200+ Best NBA Teams Trivia Questions & Answers

Mike Oberman

Updated: November 18th, 2024

Are you ready to take a shot at these NBA team trivia questions? From the famous Lakers to the legendary Celtics, see how well you know your basketball teams!

NBA Basics and Scoring Trivia

Question: When a basketball player acts like they've been hit by a freight train but barely got touched, what's that dramatic move called?

Answer: Flop

Question: In what year did the NBA level up and officially start slam-dunking into our hearts? (Hint: Same year as the first Cannes Film Festival!)

Answer: 1946

Question: In basketball, what's the name of the trusty board that always has your back when you bank a shot?

Answer: Backboard

Question: If a player decides to go on a walk with the ball without dribbling, what rule are they breaking?

Answer: Traveling

Question: Which year did the NBA throw its first superstar party known as the All-Star Game?

Answer: 1951

Question: What's the name of the basketball hall of fame that's a slam dunk tribute to the game's inventor?

Answer: Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

Question: On what "royal" playing surface do basketball players battle it out?

Answer: Court

Question: When a team features two towering giants dominating the paint, what's that dynamic duo called?

Answer: Twin Towers

Question: When a defender swats away a shot and yells "Not in my house!", what's that move known as?

Answer: Block

Question: What are the lines at each end of the basketball court where epic buzzer-beaters happen?

Answer: Baseline

Question: If a player gets to take a shot without a defender in sight, what's that stress-free attempt called?

Answer: Uncontested shot

Question: In the elite 50-40-90 club, the "40" is all about sharpshooting from where? (Think: Downtown!)

Answer: Three-point percentage

Question: In the prestigious 50-40-90 club, the "90" represents a player's excellence in what type of shots? (Hint: Everyone else is just standing around watching!)

Answer: Free throw percentage

Question: In the legendary 50-40-90 club, what does the "50" signify? (Hint: Overall shooting mastery!)

Answer: Field goal percentage

Question: When a shot misses everything but the air itself, what's that whoopsie called?

Answer: Air ball

Question: When one player lobs the ball and another catches it mid-flight for a slam dunk, what's that high-flying play called? (It's not a bird or a plane!)

Answer: Alley-oop

Question: In basketball, when a player sinks the ball through the hoop to score points, what's that called? (And no, it's not doing laundry!)

Answer: A basket

NBA Jersey and Players Trivia

Question: When NBA teams are playing on their home court, what classic jersey color do they typically rock? (Hint: It's as bright as a brand-new net!)

Answer: White

Question: Dirk Nowitzki, the legendary German sharpshooter for the Dallas Mavericks, wore which jersey number? (Think: The answer to life, the universe, and everything minus one!)

Answer: 41

Question: When Carmelo Anthony was lighting it up for the New York Knicks, what lucky number did he sport on his jersey? (Hint: Jackpots and slot machines!)

Answer: 7

Question: Stephen Curry, the three-point maestro for the Golden State Warriors, wears which jersey number? (Hint: Half of 60, but double the excitement!)

Answer: 30

Question: Michael Jordan, the icon himself, famously wore which number during his time with the Chicago Bulls? (Hint: Also Beckham's choice across the pond!)

Answer: 23

Question: During his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers, what number did LeBron James wear? (Following in the footsteps of His Airness!)

Answer: 23

Question: At the 2012 Olympics, what number did Kevin Durant wear while dropping buckets for Team USA? (Hint: Matches the number of Olympic rings!)

Answer: 5

Question: Kevin Love showed some "love" for Team USA at the 2012 Olympics. What number did he have on his jersey? (Looks like two tall sticks standing side by side!)

Answer: 11

Question: Kobe Bryant, aka the Black Mamba, wore which number for Team USA during the 2012 Olympics? (Hint: It's a perfect score!)

Answer: 10

Question: At the 2012 Olympics, Russell Westbrook donned which jersey number for Team USA? (Think: The luckiest number in Vegas!)

Answer: 7

NBA and Jersey Trivia

Question: In the 2012 NBA Draft, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist didn't have to wait long to hear his name. What pick number was he?

Answer: 2

Question: Nate Wolters was chosen at which overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft?

Answer: 38

Question: Nemanja Nedović was the last pick of the first round in 2013. What pick number was that?

Answer: 30

Question: P.J. Hairston was selected at which spot in the 2014 NBA Draft?

Answer: 26

Question: Ray McCallum Jr. joined the NBA at what pick number in the 2013 Draft?

Answer: 36

Question: Rodney Hood was picked at which number in the 2014 NBA Draft?

Answer: 23

Question: Tim Hardaway Jr. was drafted at what overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft?

Answer: 24

Question: Anthony Davis was the top prospect in 2012. What pick number did he go at?

Answer: 1

Question: Which jersey number did C.J. Watson wear for the Brooklyn Nets in the 2012-2013 season?

Answer: 1

Question: Ricky Rubio sported what jersey number for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2012-2013 season?

Answer: 9

Question: In the NBA acronym, what does the "N" stand for?

Answer: National

Question: The Birmingham Bullets are known for playing which high-flying sport?

Answer: Basketball

Question: Selena Gomez's favorite sport involves hoops. What is it?

Answer: Basketball

Question: What is the name of the arena that hosts both LA-based NBA teams? (Think office supplies!)

Answer: Staples Center

Question: What is the governing body of the world's top basketball league?

Answer: NBA

Question: Which sports video game introduced a two-player mode called "Hold the Court"?

Answer: NBA Street

Question: Which basketball video game featured super-human dunks and players "on fire"?

Answer: NBA Jam

Question: In the 2012-2013 season, what was the new name of the Sacramento Kings' home stadium?

Answer: Sleep Train Arena

Question: Who is credited with inventing the game of basketball?

Answer: James Naismith

Question: Who was the owner of the Dallas Mavericks during the 2012-2013 season?

Answer: Mark Cuban

Question: What was the nationality of basketball's inventor, James Naismith?

Answer: Canadian

Question: What was the winning percentage (PCT) of the Oklahoma City Thunder when they led the Western Conference in 2012-2013?

Answer: 0.732

Question: During the 2012-2013 season, what was the Miami Heat's impressive winning percentage?

Answer: 0.805

Question: In some NBA Live games, Michael Jordan was replaced with a generic character known by what name?

Answer: Roster Player

NBA Players Trivia

Question: Counting all his championship rings, how many does "King" LeBron James have shining as of 2023?

Answer: 4

Question: In the 2014 NBA Draft, at which pick did Adreian Payne get the call—was it sweet 15 or another lucky number?

Answer: 15

Question: Back in the 2013 NBA Draft, which high-five pick was Alex Len selected at?

Answer: 5

Question: Which unexpected number one draft pick did Anthony Bennett become in 2013?

Answer: 1

Question: Near the end of the first round in 2014, at what pick did C.J. Wilcox join the NBA party?

Answer: 28

Question: Clint Capela, now swatting shots in the NBA, was picked at which quarter-century number in the 2014 Draft?

Answer: 25

Question: Cody Zeller was drafted in 2013 at which spot? Think of the number of Ninja Turtles!

Answer: 4

Question: Zooming in from Germany, Dennis Schröder was selected with which pick in 2013 that's just coming of age?

Answer: 17

Question: Dion Waiters didn't wait long in 2012; can you guess his pick number that's as fantastic as the seasons in a year?

Answer: 4

Question: With his signature hair, Elfrid Payton was the perfect 10 pick in the 2014 NBA Draft. True or false?

Answer: 10

Question: Fab Melo was drafted in 2012 at which pick? Double digits mean double the fun!

Answer: 22

Question: Glen Rice Jr. followed in his dad's footsteps; at which pick in 2013 did he get selected that's also Kevin Durant's jersey number?

Answer: 35

Question: Gorgui Dieng joined the NBA in 2013 at a pick number that's old enough to order a drink in the U.S.—what is it?

Answer: 21

Question: James Young became an NBA player in 2014 with which pick? Think of the age when you're almost an adult!

Answer: 17

Question: Jerami Grant was a late bloomer in the 2014 Draft. At which pick did he get chosen that's one shy of 40?

Answer: 39

Question: John Jenkins was picked in 2012 with a number that's legendary in basketball history—can you guess it?

Answer: 23

Question: Julius Randle got lucky in 2014. At which number was he drafted that's considered a lucky charm?

Answer: 7

Question: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope joined the league in 2013 at which pick? Turn it on its side and it's infinity!

Answer: 8

Question: Maurice Harkless heard his name called at which pick in 2012 that's halfway to 30?

Answer: 15

Question: Meyers Leonard was picked in 2012 with a number made of identical digits—double ones! What's the pick?

Answer: 11

Question: Nenad Krstić, who thundered in the 2010 playoffs, hails from which country famous for Novak Djokovic?

Answer: Serbian

Question: Tornike Shengelia dribbled into the NBA from which country known for its namesake former Soviet leader and delicious khinkali dumplings?

Answer: Georgian

Question: Which European country, famous for Prague and its pilsners, does NBA player Tomáš Satoranský call home?

Answer: Czech

Question: Tomislav Zubčić hails from which scenic country along the Adriatic Sea, known for "Game of Thrones" landscapes?

Answer: Croatian

Question: İlkan Karaman brought his talents from which country famous for its delight and bridging two continents?

Answer: Turkish

Question: Who was "The Answer" for the Philadelphia 76ers during the 2005-06 season, known for his killer crossover?

Answer: Allen Iverson

Question: The Harlem Globetrotters are world-famous entertainers in which sport involving slam dunks and trick shots?

Answer: Basketball

Question: In which sport did Michael Jordan soar as "His Airness" and become a global icon?

Answer: Basketball

Question: Yi Jianlian and Yao Ming are towering figures in which sport where height definitely matters?

Answer: Basketball

Question: Legendary coach John Wooden never broke the bank. What was the maximum annual salary he earned during his career? It's less than many rookie contracts today!

Answer: 35000

Question: Which NBA legend scored an unbelievable 100 points in a single game, a record that still stands tall today?

Answer: Wilt Chamberlain

NBA Coaches Trivia

Question: Who was leading the Dallas Mavericks as head coach during the 2012-2013 season—think of a 'Rick' not from "The Walking Dead"?

Answer: Rick Carlisle

Question: In 2012, which coach took the reins of the Portland Trail Blazers, blazing a new trail for the team—his name rhymes with "berry spots"?

Answer: Terry Stotts

Question: Which legendary coach was known for lighting up a victory cigar after every win, turning each game into a smoky celebration?

Answer: Red Auerbach

Question: Before becoming a coaching legend, at which high school did John Wooden begin his journey? Hint: It's a "day" and a "ton" of learning!

Answer: Dayton High School

Question: In the surprisingly low-scoring 2000 All-Star Game, what was the final score between East and West? Think teens vs. singles!

Answer: East 13 West 4

Question: Will Ferrell dribbled into laughs in his 2008 movie "Semi-Pro." What sport was at the center of this comedy slam dunk?

Answer: Basketball

Question: Thunder struck! What was the total number of fans who stormed into the Oklahoma City Thunder's home games during the 2012-2013 season? Hint: It's around three-quarters of a million!

Answer: 746000

Question: How many millions did Zaza Pachulia pocket in 2014? Let's just say it was enough to buy a small island—care to guess?

Answer: $5.2 million

Question: Zoran Dragić made his NBA debut in 2014. What was his rookie salary? Think in the ballpark of 1.5 million—dollars, not basketballs!

Answer: $1.5 million

Question: In which year did "His Airness" Michael Jordan take a break from soaring in the NBA to try his hand at baseball bats? Hint: It was the same year "Friends" first aired!

Answer: 1994

Question: When basketball was first invented, what fruity containers were used as the original hoops? They might make you think of a summertime cobbler!

Answer: Peach Baskets

Question: In what year did the legendary "Dream Team" first dazzle the world at the Olympics, bringing together NBA superstars like never before? Hint: It was the same year "Aladdin" hit theaters!

Answer: 1992

Question: When you've got the rock in basketball, what's the one thing you must do unless you're shooting or passing? Think of keeping the ball moving up and down!

Answer: Bounce it

Question: Back in which year did Dr. James Naismith hang up peach baskets and give birth to basketball? Let's just say it's the same year the first Sherlock Holmes story was published!

Answer: 1891

Question: In January 2013, the NBA went global with a regular season game. Which city known for Big Ben and red double-decker buses hosted this hoop showdown?

Answer: London

Question: In which windy city do The Bulls charge across the basketball court? Think deep-dish pizza and the home of the Bean!

Answer: Chicago

Question: Where do The Mavericks ride into their home games? Think of a Texan city famous for its cowboy hats and where everything's bigger!

Answer: Dallas

Question: In which scorching city do The Suns rise for their home games? Hint: It's named after a mythical bird that rises from ashes!

Answer: Phoenix

Question: In which city known for blues music and Elvis Presley can you watch the Grizzlies roar on the basketball court?

Answer: Memphis

Question: Which country unleashed the original "Dream Team" at the Olympics, filled with NBA legends once professionals were allowed to compete? Think stars and stripes!

Answer: America

NBA Pay and Players Trivia

Question: In 2014, Caron Butler could've bought a few islands! Can you guess his NBA salary that year?

Answer: $4.5 million

Question: Chandler Parsons was living large in 2014—enough to make Gatsby jealous! How much did he earn?

Answer: $14.7 million

Question: With his 2014 salary, Chase Budinger could've started his own space program! What's your guess on his earnings?

Answer: $5 million

Question: DeJuan Blair's 2014 paycheck could make Scrooge McDuck dive into his money bin. Any idea what he made?

Answer: $2 million

Question: In 2014, DeMar DeRozan was bringing home the (Canadian) bacon! How much was his NBA salary?

Answer: $10.1 million

Question: Dwyane Wade was balling like a superstar in 2014. Can you guess how much his wallet weighed that year?

Answer: $15 million

Question: Elton Brand was still cashing big checks in 2014. Do you know his NBA salary that season?

Answer: $2 million

Question: Ersan Ilyasova's 2014 earnings could buy a small country! How much did he make?

Answer: $7.9 million

Question: When Dr. James Naismith invented basketball, what kind of fruity containers did he use as hoops?

Answer: Peach Baskets

Question: Gerald Henderson was scoring on and off the court in 2014. How much did he pocket that year?

Answer: $6 million

Question: Greivis Vasquez hit the jackpot in 2014! Can you guess his NBA salary that season?

Answer: $6.4 million

Question: Jordan Hill was climbing to new financial heights in 2014. What's your best guess on his earnings?

Answer: $9 million

Question: Kosta Koufos could've bought a ton of baklava with his 2014 salary! How much did he earn?

Answer: $3 million

Question: Kyle Lowry was living the high life in 2014. Any idea how "not-so-low" his salary was?

Answer: $12 million

Question: Marvin Williams could've thrown a massive party with his 2014 earnings. Can you guess the amount?

Answer: $7 million

Question: Taj Gibson's 2014 salary could buy a fleet of guitars! How much did he make that year?

Answer: $8 million

Question: Before dazzling in the NBA, Derrick Rose bloomed at which college?

Answer: Memphis

Question: Before becoming a legend at UCLA, at which university did John Wooden coach, known for the Sycamores?

Answer: Indiana State University

Question: In the 2012-2013 season, did the LA Clippers sink or swim in the Pacific Division? Where did they finish?

Answer: 1st

Question: Danny Green was raining threes in the 2013 playoffs for which team spurring to victory?

Answer: San Antonio Spurs

Question: Draymond Green made a splash in the 2013 playoffs with which team known for their golden performances?

Answer: Golden State Warriors

Question: DeMar DeRozan was rapping up victories in the 2014 playoffs with which team?

Answer: Toronto Raptors

Question: Patrick Patterson prowled the courts in the 2014 playoffs with which Canadian squad?

Answer: Toronto Raptors

Question: Patty Mills helped spur his team to glory in the 2014 playoffs. Which team did he play for?

Answer: San Antonio Spurs

Question: After the 2005-2006 season, which shiny accolade did Dwyane Wade snag for his finals heroics?

Answer: NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (Finals MVP)

NBA Players and Teams Trivia

Question: In October 2013, which basketball legend known for his sharpshooting took his final shot in life’s game?

Answer: Bill Sharman

Question: Who's the Los Angeles Lakers star who once scored so many points in a single game that even calculators did a double-take?

Answer: Kobe Bryant with 81 points

Question: In November 2013, which basketball Hall of Famer and rebounding giant bid farewell to the court of life?

Answer: Walt Bellamy

Question: During the 2013 playoffs, which Brooklyn Nets player netted 24 points in the final game of their first-round series?

Answer: Deron Williams

Question: James Harden brings the heat on the court, but which sunny city did "The Beard" originally call home?

Answer: Los Angeles

Question: Before casting magic on the NBA courts, at which college did Magic Johnson first enchant fans with his play?

Answer: Michigan State

Question: Before racking up triple-doubles in the NBA, where did Russell Westbrook hone his skills as a Bruin?

Answer: UCLA

Question: Which university did Grant Hill attend, becoming a Blue Devil before making his heavenly moves in the NBA?

Answer: Duke

Question: In the 2012 playoffs, which Denver Nuggets player was blocking shots left and right, averaging 3.1 swats per game?

Answer: JaVale McGee

Question: Which dynamic duo powered the Lakers to NBA championships from 2000 to 2002, dominating like superheroes?

Answer: O'Neal and Bryant

Question: Which French point guard danced his way onto the cover of NBA Live 09, making hoops fans say "Ooh là là"?

Answer: Tony Parker

Question: In the 2013 playoffs, which Golden State Warrior was so hot from beyond the arc he shared the high-points total, making a big splash?

Answer: Stephen Curry

Question: Who was the Golden State Warrior grabbing rebounds like golden tickets, snatching 13 boards in the final game of their 2014 first-round match?

Answer: David Lee

Question: Before becoming a Lakers legend, from which high school did Kobe Bryant leap straight into the NBA, skipping college altogether?

Answer: Lower Merion

Question: Which iconic basketball player was known as the "Black Mamba" for his lethal scoring ability?

Answer: Kobe Bryant

Question: Who's the basketball legend still holding the NBA record for average points per game, soaring above the rest like he's got wings?

Answer: Michael Jordan

Question: In the 2013 playoffs, which Miami Heat player was stealing the ball so often you'd think he had a license for it?

Answer: Dwyane Wade

Question: In the final game of the 2011 NBA Finals, which Miami Heat player was cleaning the glass with 9 rebounds, making every board count?

Answer: Udonis Haslem

Question: What do you call the Chicago NBA team that charges through opponents like a stampede?

Answer: Bulls

Question: Which NBA team from Dallas marches to the beat of their own drum, just like their name suggests?

Answer: Mavericks

Question: Which Philadelphia NBA team is named after the year of American independence, encouraging fans to "Trust the Process"?

Answer: 76ers

Question: Which Toronto NBA team roars onto the court like it's straight out of a dinosaur movie?

Answer: Raptors

Question: Which Utah NBA team keeps the rhythm flowing on the court, sharing its name with a smooth music genre?

Answer: Jazz

Question: What's the name of Real Madrid's basketball sibling, dribbling and shooting instead of kicking goals?

Answer: Real Madrid Baloncesto

Question: In Sacramento, which NBA team reigns supreme on the court like true royalty?

Answer: Kings

NBA Teams Trivia

Question: In the trendsetting borough of Brooklyn, what's the name of the NBA team that's all about catching opponents in their web?

Answer: Nets

Question: Which NBA team from Dallas is always ready to ride into action like a crew of adventurous cowboys?

Answer: Mavericks

Question: Rev up your engines! What's the name of the NBA team from Detroit that's always firing on all cylinders?

Answer: Pistons

Question: Which NBA team from Golden State battles on the court like true gladiators of the hardwood?

Answer: Warriors

Question: In Indiana, which NBA team keeps the pace so fast you'd think they're in a race car?

Answer: Pacers

Question: Feeling the heat? Which NBA team from Miami brings the sizzle to every game?

Answer: Heat

Question: Which NBA team from Milwaukee is always bucking the trends and charging ahead?

Answer: Bucks

Question: In the land of 10,000 lakes, which NBA team from Minnesota howls into the night?

Answer: Timberwolves

Question: Which NBA team from New Orleans took flight with a name inspired by a bird you might spot in the bayou?

Answer: Pelicans

Question: When storms are brewing in Oklahoma City, which NBA team is bringing the thunder?

Answer: Thunder

Question: As of 2023, how many NBA championships have the Los Angeles Lakers collected in their trophy case, matching their storied rivals?

Answer: 17

Question: In the Valley of the Sun, what's the name of the NBA team that always brings the heat—literally and figuratively?

Answer: Suns

Question: Which NBA team from Portland blazes a trail with every fast break and slam dunk?

Answer: Trail Blazers

Question: Which NBA team from San Antonio spurs their way to victory with teamwork and precision?

Answer: Spurs

Question: In the nation's capital, which NBA team makes magical plays that leave fans spellbound?

Answer: Wizards

Question: What's the devilishly good nickname of Duke University's basketball team?

Answer: Blue Devils

Question: Which NBA team calls Indiana home, always keeping up the tempo on the court?

Answer: Pacers

Question: Matching their West Coast rivals, how many NBA championships have the Boston Celtics won as of 2023?

Answer: 17

Question: Which Boston Celtics legend once lit up the scoreboard with a record 60 points in a single game, proving Larry legends never die?

Answer: Larry Bird with 60 points

Question: Which team lassoed the Phoenix Suns and ended their playoff run in 2006, showing that everything's bigger in Texas—including victories?

Answer: Dallas Mavericks

Question: Which NBA team from Toronto roars onto the court like it's straight out of "Jurassic Park"?

Answer: Raptors

Question: Dribble me this: What's the sport of choice for the Brighton Bears across the pond?

Answer: Basketball

Question: Which NBA team does actor Frankie Muniz cheer for—hint: they're from L.A. but not the Lakers!

Answer: Clippers

Question: Which basketball team plays its home games at The Palace of Auburn Hills, ruling the court like royalty?

Answer: Detroit Pistons

Question: Which bird lends its name to the NBA team flying high in New Orleans?

Answer: Pelicans

Question: Which city is home to an NBA team that's truly magical, making opponents disappear with their skills?

Answer: Orlando

Question: In which city does the NBA team called The Heat turn up the temperature on their rivals?

Answer: Miami

Question: Which city rockets to the top of NBA standings with its high-flying team?

Answer: Houston

Question: In the 2012-2013 season, which division did the New York Knicks conquer, making a Big Apple statement?

Answer: Atlantic

Question: Which Eastern Conference team finished the 2012-2013 regular season with a scorching .805 winning percentage?

Answer: Miami Heat

Question: Which Eastern Conference team was the 7th seed in the 2011 playoffs, surprising many with their Liberty Bell grit?

Answer: Philadelphia 76ers

Question: Which city is home to the NBA team formerly known as the Bobcats, prowling the courts in the Carolinas?

Answer: Charlotte

Question: What's the correct name of the Philadelphia-based NBA team that's a real 'revolution' in basketball?

Answer: 76ers