NBA is a sports simulation that allows players to replay individual games or entire basketball seasons while tracking team statistics with an integrated stats tracker. Players can relive legendary teams from the 1960s to the 1980s, including 20 of the best teams from that era. The game features 5-on-5 matches in three modes: player vs. player, player vs. computer, or computer vs. computer. The stats tracker records steals, blocks, assists, rebounds, shooting percentages, free-throw percentages, and playing time. Strategic decisions, such as offensive and defensive tactics, can be made before the computer calculates the game progression. An optional expansion included team and player trading.