When it comes to sports, the passion of a team’s fanbase can either make or break the experience of attending a game. NBA fans are some of the most enthusiastic, creative, and, let’s be honest, dramatic in the sports world. But let’s dive into a more pressing question: which fanbases will welcome you with open arms, and which will make you consider watching from the safety of your couch?
Here is a (totally subjective and lighthearted) ranking of NBA fanbases from least to most friendly. Let’s not take this too seriously — after all, it’s just hoops!
30. Philadelphia 76ers
Ah, Philly. The City of Brotherly Love is famously… not very loving when it comes to sports. Sixers fans will boo their own team—and their grandma—if things aren’t going well. Passionate? Yes. Friendly? Not unless you’re wearing red, white, and blue. Proceed with caution and maybe don’t mention Ben Simmons.
29. New York Knicks
Madison Square Garden is an iconic basketball venue, but Knicks fans are notorious for being loud and blunt. If you’re not there to worship the team (even when they’re 12th in the standings), expect some side-eyes and sarcastic comments. Bonus points if you survive a conversation with a diehard fan about the team’s endless rebuild.
28. Boston Celtics
Boston fans are… intense. They love their Celtics to death, but they’re not exactly warm to outsiders. Expect a history lesson about Larry Bird and a fiery debate about Jayson Tatum’s MVP potential before you even find your seat. Don’t get on their bad side unless you’re ready for some good old-fashioned trash talk.
27. Los Angeles Lakers
Lakers fans are a mixed bag. Some are diehard supporters who’ve stuck with the team through thick and thin. Others, well, just came for the Instagram stories and a chance to spot Jack Nicholson courtside. If you’re there for basketball and not the glitz, you might find yourself rolling your eyes more than cheering.
26. Miami Heat
Miami fans get a bad rap for showing up late and leaving early, but don’t let that fool you—they’re still passionate. Just don’t expect them to strike up a friendly conversation; they’re too busy enjoying the South Beach vibes.
25. Golden State Warriors
Chase Center’s crowd is loud, but Warriors fans’ recent dominance has attracted some serious bandwagoners. If you’re not on board with the Splash Brothers, prepare for an unending monologue about why Steph Curry changed the game. Friendly? Meh, they’re more about the flex.
24. Brooklyn Nets
Brooklyn fans have had their ups and downs, and the vibes can vary depending on whether it’s pre-KD trade or post-KD trade. They’re not hostile, but they might be too busy trying to figure out what’s next for the team to really engage with you.
23. Los Angeles Clippers
The Clippers’ fanbase has been historically overshadowed by the Lakers, which has led to a scrappy underdog mentality. They’re not the most welcoming group, but they’re not out to get you either. Just don’t bring up that one time Kawhi and Paul George were supposed to deliver a championship…
22. Chicago Bulls
Bulls fans have high standards (thanks, Michael Jordan), and they’re not afraid to let you know about it. They’re loyal, but if you’re wearing another team’s jersey, don’t expect hugs and handshakes.
21. Dallas Mavericks
Dallas fans love Luka Doncic, and they’ll let you know it. They’re friendly enough, but they also have a certain Texan pride that might make you feel like you’re intruding on sacred ground.
20. Utah Jazz
Jazz fans are dedicated, but their reputation for being a little overzealous precedes them. Salt Lake City loves their basketball, but opposing fans might feel the intensity a bit too much. Still, they’ll give you credit if your team plays well.
19. Sacramento Kings
Light the beam! Kings fans are having a moment, and they’re loving it. The energy is contagious, and while they’re still figuring out what consistent success feels like, they’re generally a fun group.
18. Portland Trail Blazers
Blazers fans are a passionate, tight-knit community. They’re polite, but you might feel like you’ve wandered into a family reunion where everyone already knows each other.
17. New Orleans Pelicans
Pelicans fans are chill and friendly, probably because they’re too busy eating amazing food and enjoying life. They’ll welcome you to Smoothie King Center with open arms, as long as you don’t trash Zion Williamson.
16. Atlanta Hawks
Hawks fans are a lively, underrated group. They’re friendly as long as you’re cool with Trae Young slander (from their own fanbase, no less). The Southern hospitality is real, but don’t push your luck.
15. Toronto Raptors
Oh, Canada! Raptors fans are some of the nicest in the NBA. Even when the team’s struggling, they’ll talk basketball with you over a plate of poutine. Just don’t bring up Kawhi’s departure—it’s still a sensitive topic.
14. Memphis Grizzlies
Grizzlies fans are feisty but fun. They’ll talk smack, but it’s all in good spirits. Plus, they’re just happy to be a part of Ja Morant’s highlight reel.
13. Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo has brought a lot of joy to Bucks fans, and it shows. They’re friendly and approachable, but don’t be surprised if they try to convince you that Giannis is better than everyone else (and they might be right).
12. Phoenix Suns
Suns fans are riding the wave of recent success, and they’re here for a good time. They’ll banter with you, but it’s usually all in good fun.
11. Denver Nuggets
As recent champs, Denver has a lot to be proud of, but Nuggets fans are surprisingly down-to-earth. They’ll give you props for supporting your team, as long as you acknowledge Nikola Jokic’s greatness.
10. San Antonio Spurs
Spurs fans are loyal and knowledgeable, and they’re surprisingly welcoming. Popovich’s success has bred a calm confidence, so they’re less likely to heckle and more likely to chat hoops.
9. Cleveland Cavaliers
Cavs fans are still riding the high of LeBron’s championship run, and they’re a pretty friendly bunch. They might roast you a little, but it’s all in good fun.
8. Indiana Pacers
Pacers fans are some of the most polite in the league. They love basketball (it is Indiana, after all), and they’ll probably ask you to join their pickup game after the match.
7. Minnesota Timberwolves
Wolves fans have endured a lot of heartbreak, but their Midwestern charm shines through. They’re happy to chat with anyone who shares their love of hoops.
6. Charlotte Hornets
Hornets fans are laid-back and fun, maybe because they’re used to keeping their expectations in check. They’ll welcome you with open arms and a Michael Jordan anecdote or two.
5. Orlando Magic
Magic fans are friendly and optimistic, despite the team’s ups and downs. They’ll probably invite you to Disney World after the game.
4. Washington Wizards
Wizards fans are low-key and chill. They’re not the loudest, but they’re welcoming and down for a good time.
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3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Thunder fans are loyal, loud, and kind. They’ll probably share their nachos with you if you ask nicely.
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2. Detroit Pistons
The Motor City loves its basketball, and Pistons fans are surprisingly friendly. They’ll reminisce about the Bad Boys, but they’ll also happily talk about Cade Cunningham’s future.
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1. Houston Rockets
Surprised? Rockets fans are incredibly warm and welcoming, even when the team’s rebuilding. They’re here for the love of the game, and they’ll make sure you feel it too. Just don’t bring up James Harden’s departure — it’s still a sore subject.
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