How to Find Cheap NBA Tickets: 10 Proven Strategies

Finding Affordable NBA Tickets

NBA tickets can be expensive, but there are proven strategies to find great deals. Whether you're watching the Lakers, Celtics, or your local team, these tips will help you save money.

1. Buy Weekday Games

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday games are significantly cheaper than weekend matchups. Our data shows:

• Weekday games: 25-40% cheaper on average
• Sunday afternoon: Moderate pricing
• Friday/Saturday night: Premium pricing

2. Target the Right Opponents

Not all matchups are priced equally:

Cheaper Games:

• Bottom-tier teams visiting
• Early season games
• Post All-Star break (if team is out of playoffs)

Expensive Games:

• Rival matchups (Lakers vs Celtics, etc.)
• Star player returns
• Playoff implications

3. Check Prices 2-4 Hours Before Tip-Off

Last-minute deals are real for NBA games. Resellers would rather sell cheap than not sell at all. Check platforms like Ticket Scan right before the game for flash deals.

4. Consider Upper Level Seats

Modern arenas have excellent sightlines even from upper sections. The price difference can be dramatic:

• Lower bowl: $150-500+
• Club level: $100-300
• Upper level: $30-100

5. Use Price Comparison Tools

Prices vary wildly between platforms. A $80 ticket on Ticketmaster might be $60 on SeatGeek. Always compare before buying.

6. Buy Season Ticket Resales

Season ticket holders often sell games they can't attend at face value or below. Look for:

• Individual game listings (not broker inventory)
• Sellers with high ratings
• Tickets posted recently

7. Target Rebuilding Teams

Teams in rebuilding phases have cheaper tickets but still offer great basketball. Young stars like to prove themselves, making these games entertaining.

8. Check for Promotions

Teams run promotions throughout the season:

• College night discounts
• Military appreciation games
• Group packages
• Flash sales

9. Avoid Premium Games

Skip these unless money isn't a concern:

• Opening night
• Christmas Day
• MLK Day
• Rivalry games
• Playoff races

10. Set Price Alerts

Don't constantly check prices manually. Set alerts on Ticket Scan for your target price and let us notify you when deals appear.

Sample Savings by Strategy

Strategy

Typical Savings

Weekday vs Weekend	25-40%
Last-minute purchase	15-30%
Price comparison	10-25%
Upper vs Lower level	50-70%

Start Saving Today

The best way to find cheap NBA tickets is to track prices over time and strike when they drop. Create a free Ticket Scan account to start tracking your favorite teams.