NBA unveils interactive, real-time fantasy basketball app

The NBA on Thursday morning unveiled InPlay — an interactive, real-time fantasy basketball app that synchronizes with national broadcasts of NBA games, providing fans with a one-of-a-kind fantasy hoops experience.

Here's how it works:

During each NBA game telecast on TNT, NBA TV, ESPN and ABC, fans can play by simply launching the app and joining a public contest or creating a private game. But unlike your run-of-the-mill fantasy sports scoring system, users can only select one player per quarter, as opposed to an entire lineup, and accumulate points based on that player's performance (points, rebounds, assists, etc.). 

What's more, fans can activate four "turbo boosts" — which last 48 seconds and exponentially increase point totals for selected players — per quarter to help lead their team to victory. For example, if LeBron James stole the ball and is running a two-on-one fast break with Kyrie Irving, it's probably a good time to activate. A center switched onto Stephen Curry at the top of the key? Press the button. 

In short: There's a direct correlation between making real-time decisions during live NBA games and user success.

While using the app, which tips off in time for Thursday night's NBA on TNT doubleheader featuring the Los Angeles Lakers vs. Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Clippers, fans will have the chance to compete to win both per-quarter prizes and grand prizes, including gift cards to the NBA Store, a $35,000 Autotrader credit and tickets to the NBA Finals.

“We are always looking at ways to enhance the viewing experience, drive people to tune in to our broadcasts and increase the time spent watching live games,” said Melissa Rosenthal Brenner, NBA senior vice president of digital media. “NBA InPlay has the potential to meet these objectives while offering our fans an engaging, new way to experience the game.”

InPlay, which was developed by NBA Digital in partnership with FanDuel, is available for free download in the App Store and Google Play. 

"Our mission is to offer sports fans exciting new ways to engage with the players and teams they love, through innovative sports entertainment products," said Tom Griffiths, co-founder and chief product officer of FanDuel. "NBA InPlay is the first product of its kind and we are proud to partner with the NBA to give fans a revolutionary new way to enjoy the live viewing experience."

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