How long is halftime in NBA Season 2023-24?

Per the NBA rule book, under Section II Pt. C, "15 minutes will be permitted between halves of all games." The league implements this law for regular-season, in-tournament, playoffs and Finals games. The allotted time of 15 minutes is for teams to spend inside the locker room. During the break, host teams can ask performers to entertain the fans or promote upcoming events while there’s a rest between halves.

During the regular season, the 15-minute halftime break is more strictly followed. In the postseason, the league is a little more relaxed to give teams an extra breather. The playoffs are also when advertisements and promotional events ramp up. Teams maximize this opportunity while the players get a little extended rest.

In the Finals, the halftime break could be lengthened even more. Some reporters and fans have noted over the years that the 15-minute rule can sometimes be extended close to 20 minutes. The aforementioned reason used in the playoffs is the same rationale behind the more relaxed rule implementation in the Finals.

While teams milk this halftime stoppage for business or entertainment purposes, some players think the rest is overrated. Teams, based on their response, hardly do anything significant during their get-together. It’s mostly rest and fine-tuning their strategies on both ends of the floor. A struggling team, particularly in the playoffs could get an earful from their coach while in the locker room.

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Some NBA players spend the halftime keeping themselves warm and engaged

While NBA players could often use the rest for another 24 minutes of all-out action, some hardly take a breather. Some players spend close to 10-15 minutes keeping their body warm.

The stationary bike is reportedly a popular machine players use to keep themselves ready for the second half. They can get a light sweat going while still seated on the bike. Many are rumored to prefer the said gear over dynamic exercises such as lunges or jump squats.

For players who are playing through an injury, the suspension of the game at halftime is badly needed. Many get treatment from the training staff while others re-apply tapes or braces.

Basketball players love the break between halves. For whatever reason they may need it, they’re usually ready for the second half of the action.

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