5 NBA teams most affected by wrong calls in 2023-24 season

In the NBA, there is a widespread dislike for bad calls. Despite this, it is important to recognize that referees are human and mistakes are inevitable in their decision-making process, regardless of the disapproval from players and fans.

Despite every team in the league being susceptible to bad calls made by officials in the final minutes of a game, the impact of these errors can significantly alter the outcome. Some teams have been particularly affected by these mistakes, experiencing the greatest consequences from these crucial moments in the game.

The NBA publishes the L2M (last two minutes) Report for every closely contested game throughout the season. This report contains information on any incorrect or missed calls that occurred during the final two minutes of play. From this data, it is evident which teams have been impacted the most by erroneous calls during this season.

This season, we will examine the five NBA teams that have been impacted the most by incorrect calls. The positive value preceding the error difference indicates the additional number of errors called against the team, as opposed to those called in their favor.

Top 5 NBA teams most impacted by incorrect officiating in the 2023-24 season

#5, Orlando Magic (Errors Difference: +8)

The Orlando Magic have been significantly impacted by incorrect calls this season, ranking fifth among the most affected NBA teams. Throughout the season, a total of 21 errors have been made in the Magic’s games, with 14 of those calls being against them. In contrast, only 22 error calls have been made in their favor, resulting in a larger overall loss for the team.

#4, Los Angeles Lakers (Errors Difference: +9)

Despite making trades this season, the LA Lakers have not lived up to expectations entering the season. Playing alongside LeBron James, the team may face challenges in receiving calls due to his high status.

During this NBA season, the Lakers received nine favorable error calls while also being subjected to 19 error calls against them.

#3, Boston Celtics (Error Differential: +9)

It is difficult to fathom the idea of the Boston Celtics being at a disadvantage in terms of error calls. Out of the games that the Celtics participated in, a total of 24 last two-minute pool reports were recorded. Additionally, the Celtics were among the teams that were negatively affected by incorrect calls.

Despite a total of 23 bad calls being made in the last two minutes of the game, the Celtics were able to maintain their position as the top team in the league. Out of these calls, only seven were in their favor while 17 went against them.

#2, New Orleans Pelicans (Error Differential: +9)

Despite a strong start to their NBA season, the New Orleans Pelicans have recently experienced a decline. Out of the 19 error calls made in their games, only five have been in their favor while the remaining 14 have gone against them.

Despite having a 45-31 record, the Pelicans are currently placed seventh in the Western Conference and could potentially participate in the Play-In Tournament.

#1, Philadelphia 76ers (Error Differential: +11)

The Philadelphia 76ers have been among the hardest hit NBA teams this season by incorrect calls. In fact, there have been a reported 21 two-minute pool reports in games involving the 76ers. One recent example was when Kelly Oubre Jr. was not awarded a foul despite being fouled by Paul George on a potentially game-winning shot.

A total of 33 erroneous calls have been made in their games. Out of these 33 calls, 11 were made in their favor and the remaining 22 were made against them.