Ask anyone in the US what their favorite sport is and undoubtedly their answer will be American football. However, their second choice is typically basketball, 
with more Americans taking part in it than any other team sport.
Basketball was invented over one hundred years ago in 1891. The majority of people begin playing by joining a high school team, which have huge followings, particularly in the Upper South and Midwest of the country.
Professional Basketball
For those who have the talent, moving on to be a professional basketball player can be a lucrative career choice. There are actually 30 teams in the National Basketball Association (NBA), and the players are actually the highest-paid athletes in the world. It is the only league which allows games to be played on Christmas Day, attracting the year’s highest TV ratings. Another popular event is the NBA All-Star Game, which occurs in February, allowing for a break from the regular season.
Successful Teams
Many teams have had great success in the NBA championships over the years, but top of the list are the Boston Celtics with a record 17 Finals 
wins. This entitles them to receive the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Also worth a mention are the Los Angeles Lakers, the Golden State Warriors, the Chicago Bulls, and the San Antonio Spurs. Fans of the Charlotte Hornets, the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Clippers manage to retain their enthusiasm despite their teams never having appeared in the Finals.
With basketball being so popular, it is no surprise to learn that it attracts many gamblers who wish to place several bets on their favorite teams. This can be done quickly by using offshore sportsbook betting providers With a choice of over 82 professional games in a season, it should be easy to find winners.