The year of 2022 is well underway, and the basketball season of 2021/22 is halfway through. So, what does the new year have in store for basketball fans? Here are a few events within basketball you would be sorry to miss.
Basketball fans have a lot to look forward to in the coming months. The basketball season is in full swing. Soon, the All-star basketball game will take place as usual. However, leading up to the NBA finals, some changes have been made to commemorate the late Kobe Bryant. Additionally, the legalization of sports betting across America has changed the experience of watching the sport for the fans.
A tribute to the late Kobe Bryant at the All-star Game
The NBA will see a small but significant change in 2022. The All-star Game trophy will be altered to pay a tribute to basketball icon Kobe Bryant who lost his life alongside his daughter in a tragic helicopter accident 2 years ago. In addition to the new name, the trophy is redesigned. The new trophy has an eight-sided base, a tribute to Kobe Bryant’s original No. 8 jersey, which he started wearing in high school. The All-star Game will take place in Cleveland on February 20.
The NBA finals
Of course, one of the biggest events to look forward to in 2022 is the NBA finals, which will take place on Thursday the 2nd of June to Sunday the 19th. Yet, the NBA title of 2022 could be taken by any team. The Phoenix Suns are on pace to win 60 games, but no team has yet dominated the season, which means that anything could happen in the coming months. The NBA finals will surely be worth a watch.
Sports betting legalized in most states
Since the Supreme Court approved legal sports betting four years ago, the industry has grown drastically, spreading across America. 30 states have legalized sports betting, 18 of which allow online sports betting. If you live in a state that has recently legalized sports betting, this season of basketball is going to be even more exciting than usual. Betting on sports heightens the experience of watching the game. You will find yourself more involved than ever before.
Pennsylvania is an example of a state that has legalized both in-person betting and online betting, so if you are a fan of the Philadelphia 76ers, or if you simply wish to raise the stakes of the upcoming games, you can bet on basketball games in Philadelphia. Other states that have legalized online sports betting include New York, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Tennessee to name a few. More states are planning on legalizing either in-person betting or online sports betting, so keep an eye on the legal process of your state if you are interested in placing a bet of your own.
As the NBA finals are slowly approaching, make sure to keep yourself informed on everything basketball. Warm up to the basketball event of the year by reading the latest news.
