Basketball is great. Traveling is great. But sometimes, combining the two is… not so great. Whether it’s a lifeless arena, an underwhelming city vibe, or a fan experience that makes you want to re-evaluate your life choices, not every NBA destination is worth the trip.
If you’re planning an NBA road trip, consider skipping these 15 cities unless you’re ready for disappointment, overpriced hot dogs, or just an overall weird time.
15. Washington, D.C. (Washington Wizards)
Washington, D.C. is an incredible city for history buffs, but for basketball? Not so much. Capital One Arena has all the energy of a DMV waiting room, and the Wizards rarely give fans anything to cheer for. Plus, you’ll probably end up paying more for parking than your actual game ticket.
14. Charlotte, NC (Charlotte Hornets)
Charlotte is a nice city, but let’s be real—the basketball product is rough. The Hornets have spent most of their existence either rebuilding or regretting their last rebuild. The arena itself? Nothing special. The atmosphere? Meh. If you want to see someone airball a free throw in front of a half-empty crowd, this is your spot.
13. Orlando, FL (Orlando Magic)
Orlando is a fun place if you’re a Disney adult, but as an NBA city? It’s mid at best. The Amway Center is perfectly fine, but you’ll be surrounded by tourists who got their tickets in a package deal with their theme park visit. Also, if the Magic are bad (which is often), the crowd noise is eerily similar to what you’d hear at an Olive Garden during lunch.
12. Toronto, ON (Toronto Raptors)
Yes, Toronto is a fantastic city, but traveling here for an NBA game comes with extra hassle. Expensive flights, border crossings, and unpredictable winter weather make it a logistical headache. Also, unless the Raptors are contending, Scotiabank Arena can feel surprisingly low-energy. Save yourself the passport stamp and just watch from home.
11. Oklahoma City, OK (Oklahoma City Thunder)
OKC has passionate fans, but outside of the arena, there’s not much to do. If you enjoy staring at flat landscapes and eating at the same five restaurants, then maybe this is the place for you. Otherwise, you’ll probably be itching to book an early flight home.
10. Memphis, TN (Memphis Grizzlies)
Memphis has a rich music and food culture, but FedExForum often feels like a ghost town when the Grizzlies aren’t good. Also, the team’s attempt at a “grit and grind” identity doesn’t always translate into fun basketball. If you’re in Memphis, just go eat BBQ and call it a day.
9. Houston, TX (Houston Rockets)
The Rockets have been in rebuild mode for what feels like a decade, and Toyota Center lacks any real atmosphere. Houston is a massive city, but the fan engagement inside the arena is weak. It’s more of a social event than a real NBA experience.
8. Minneapolis, MN (Minnesota Timberwolves)
Minneapolis is brutally cold for half the season, and Target Center doesn’t exactly scream “must-visit arena.” The Timberwolves have a history of mediocrity, and unless the team is winning, the crowd is about as lively as an audiobook on 0.5x speed.
7. Brooklyn, NY (Brooklyn Nets)
Barclays Center looks cool, but the crowd often feels like they wandered in on accident while looking for a hipster coffee shop. Brooklyn has never had the passionate fanbase that the Knicks have, and when the team is bad, the energy is nonexistent. You’re better off catching a game at MSG and pretending the Nets don’t exist.
6. Sacramento, CA (Sacramento Kings)
Yes, Kings fans are loud when the team is good, but Golden 1 Center isn’t exactly a bucket-list NBA stop. Sacramento itself isn’t exactly the most exciting place to visit, and for a long time, the Kings were just a historic reminder of how not to run a franchise.
5. New Orleans, LA (New Orleans Pelicans)
New Orleans is an amazing city. The basketball experience? Not so much. Smoothie King Center lacks energy most nights, and Pels fans are often outnumbered by fans of the other team. Just go to Bourbon Street instead—you’ll have a better time.
4. San Antonio, TX (San Antonio Spurs)
Spurs fans are loyal, but AT&T Center is in the middle of nowhere, and the surrounding area is not a lively basketball scene. When the team is bad, the place feels lifeless. You might as well just stay home and watch old Tim Duncan highlights.
3. Atlanta, GA (Atlanta Hawks)
Atlanta has a great nightlife scene, but you wouldn’t know it inside State Farm Arena. The Hawks’ fanbase is often outnumbered by opposing fans, and the overall energy is lackluster unless Trae Young is hitting logo threes. You’ll have more fun at a Waffle House at 2 a.m. than at a Hawks game.
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2. Indianapolis, IN (Indiana Pacers)
The basketball tradition in Indiana is legendary, but Gainbridge Fieldhouse is… fine? The problem is, there’s just not much excitement around the Pacers unless the team is contending. If you’re traveling for an NBA experience, Indy isn’t going to be at the top of your list.
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1. Salt Lake City, UT (Utah Jazz)
If you love hiking and scenic mountain views, Salt Lake City is beautiful. If you love a fun NBA road trip, this is… not it. Vivint Arena has die-hard fans, but the overall experience lacks energy unless the team is elite. Plus, nightlife options are limited unless you’re really into drinking soda and going to bed at 9 p.m.
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