How many players must a team have on the court to start a basketball game?

In order to start a basketball game, a team must have five players on the court. This requirement is established to ensure that the game can be played fairly and competitively, as having a full complement of players allows for proper team dynamics and strategies to be employed.

If fewer than five players are on the court for one team, the game cannot begin, which helps maintain the standard of play and ensures that each team is adequately represented. This rule is part of the standardized regulations governing basketball, and adheres to the principles of fair competition. The requirement for five players is consistent across various levels of play, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective effort in the sport.