teams begin training camps in september. this allows the coaching staff to observe their players. teams play preseason games. these do not count for a team's final season record. the weaker players get cut. other players stay on the team and get paid. the nba regular season begins in the last week of october. all teams play 82 games during a normal season. there are 41 home games and 41 road (away) games. home games offer benefits to teams. they generally play better due to fan support and lack of travel. teams play every other team during the regular season. the best players play in the nba all-star game in february. fans vote for the starters. the coaches vote for the reserve (substitute) players. there is a pause in the season during the all-star game. teams do not play games for about a week. other events occur during the all-star break. these include the three-point contest, the skills course, and the slam dunk contest. players participate in part due to fan interest.