Saturday, 13 October 2018

How long do the NBA use the same basketball for games before they retire and change the ball

A ball can be used an infinite number of times in NBA games, as long as it maintains a strict set of criteria which is examined by league officials before each and every game.
Here is a general outline of the league’s handling of basketballs:
  • All teams are sent 72 balls at the beginning of the season.
  • Testing of game balls will take place in each arena prior to the start of the game.
  • Equipment managers or ball boys take three basketballs to the officials’ locker room prior to the game.
  • The officiating crew chief will inspect the three game balls for wear/tear and ensure that the balls comply with the NBA-approved ball pressure specification of between 7½ and 8½ PSI.
  • The crew chief will bring all three game-ready balls to the court during the warm-up period.
  • The crew chief then selects the game ball from the three available balls.
  • If a problem exists with the ball used in the game, one of the two alternate balls will be used.
  • All game officials have been provided with portable air gauges to carry with them to each of their assigned games

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