The duration of a standard professional basketball game is 48 minutes, divided into four quarters of 12 minutes each. In leagues such as the NBA, the game clock stops for various reasons, such as fouls and timeouts, which can extend the actual time spent playing. Overtime periods are played if the game is tied at the end of regulation, adding an additional 5 minutes to determine a winner. The fast-paced nature of the game and the strategic use of timeouts create an exciting viewing experience for fans.