200+ Basketball Pick-Up Lines: Funny, Clever & Dirty

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Level up your game with these smooth basketball rizz lines

Co-authored by Bailey Cho

Last Updated: December 21, 2024 Fact Checked

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• Basketball Rizz Pick-Up Lines
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• Funny Basketball Pick-Up Lines
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• Cheesy
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• Cute
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• Clever
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• Sweet
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• Dirty
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• For Girlfriends
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• For Boyfriends
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• Delivering Basketball Pick-Up Lines

|Show more |Show less

Looking for a basketball pick-up line to break the ice and win your crush over? We’ve got you covered! In this article, we’re providing the ultimate list of basketball pick-up lines to score you major points in love. We also spoke with dating coaches Laura Bilotta and Michelle Jacoby for tips on how to say basketball pick-up lines so your delivery is always a slam dunk.

Best Basketball Pick-Up Lines

• You’re the Shaquille O’Neal to my Kobe Bryant.
• I hit threes all the time, but you’d be my first ten.
• I must be a ref because I keep checking you out.
• You’re like a full-court shot…rare but absolutely worth it.
• You must be a slam dunk because you’re a 10 out of 10.
• Are you a point guard? Because you’ve got my heart on lock.
• Are you a highlight reel? Because I can’t take my eyes off you.

Steps

Section 1 of 10:

Basketball Rizz Pick-Up Lines

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1. Take your game to the next level with these basketball-related rizz lines. Using a pick-up line is a great way to start a conversation with a basketball player or fan (and possibly get their number). Delivering rizz is all about timing, confidence, and charm, so if you’re ready to shoot your shot, try any of these smooth lines to show someone you’re interested:

   • I must be Kobe because I can’t pass you up.
   • I hit threes all the time, but you’d be my first ten.
   • I may not be an all-star, but I’ll give it my all for you.
   • You’re so hot, you’ve got me dribbling over my words.
   • Are you a basketball? Because I’d never pass on you.
   • You must be a slam dunk because you’re a 10 out of 10.
   • Monte Ellis must be jealous because you truly have it all.
   • Are you a basketball jersey? Because I need your number!
   • You must be a three-pointer because you’re nothing but net.
   • Are you a point guard? Because you’ve got my heart on lock.
   • Are you a free throw? Because I’d never miss my shot with you.
   • Are you a slam dunk? Because you’re scoring big points with me.
   • Are we doing drills? Because baby, you’ve got my head spinning!
   • I must be a bad defender because I can’t take my eyes off of you.
   • You’re so fine, I’d fake an injury just to get some time out with you.
   • Are you a basketball hoop? Because I just can’t stop aiming for you.
   • Are you a coach? Because I’m down to get schooled by you any day.
   • Are you a basketball jersey? Because I’d always flex you to my friends.
   • Are you a fan of basketball? Because maybe we could score together…
   • If we went to watch a NBA game, I’d spend most of my time watching you.
   • Are you a three-pointer in H.O.R.S.E? Because you’re worth the long shot.
   • Are you the three-point line? Because I’m aiming for a perfect shot with you.
   • Do you play basketball? Because you’re definitely in the league of extraordinary.
   • There’s something about you that raises my heartbeat more than any game ever could.
   • If I could, I’d put you on my fantasy basketball team because you’re my number one pick.
   • Are you a basketball coach? Because I need someone to teach me how to score with you.
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Section 2 of 10:

Funny Basketball Pick-Up Lines

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1. Break the ice and get the giggles going with a funny pick-up line. Humor is one of the best ways to bond with someone. So, use a basketball pick-line to break the ice and make the other person laugh. The following lines might just win them over and make them want to spend more time with you:

   • I must be a ref because I keep checking you out.
   • Are you a jump ball? Because I’m ready to fight for you.
   • Are you Dennis Rodman? Because I’ll be your rebound.
   • Is your name Jordan? Because you’ve got serious game.
   • You’re like the LeBron of my dreams, always takin’ the W.
   • Is your name Duncan? Because I’d love to post up with you.
   • Do you believe in love at first sight, or should I dribble by again?
   • Call me a ball hog because I’m not sharing you with anyone else.
   • Are you a basketball? Because I’m bouncing straight to your DMs!
   • You must be a backboard because you’ve got me banking on this shot.
   • I might get called for traveling because I can’t stop walking toward you.
   • They call me a benchwarmer, but I’d be starting if you were on my team.
   • You’re like a basketball game…full of twists, turns, and unexpected fouls.
   • You’re like a missed shot…I can’t stop thinking about what could’ve been.
   • Are you a coach? Because you’ve got me running plays I didn’t know I had.
   • Are you Shaq? Because you’ve got me feeling small next to your greatness.
   • Is your name Kobe? Because you’re about to make my heart do a fadeaway.
   • Are you a full-court press? Because I feel the pressure when I’m around you.
   • Are you De’Aaron Fox? Because you’ve been running through my mind all day.
   • Are you a 24-second shot clock? Because you’ve got me rushing to make a move.
   • Are you a basketball game? Because you’ve got me feeling like I’m in for a wild ride.
   • Call me Jordan Poole because when I see a baddie like you, I’m hitting nothing but net.
   • Are you Steph Curry? Because you just hit me with that three-pointer straight to my heart.
   • Are you LeBron James? Because you’ve got me feeling like I’m witnessing greatness whenever you’re around.
   • Are you a basketball game? Because you’ve got me feeling like I’m about to pull off the upset of the century.

Section 3 of 10:

Cheesy Basketball Pick-Up Lines

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1. Drop a cheesy pick-up line to grab your crush’s attention. Starting a conversation with a pick-up line is the perfect way to show off your personality and make a memorable first impression. While some basketball pick-up lines are corny and cliché, the following lines are cheesy, charming, and sure to make your crush smile:

   • Ready to score some points with me?
   • You’re the slam dunk of my dreams, baby.
   • Let’s create our own highlight reel together.
   • You’re the ultimate game-changer in my playbook.
   • You’re like the perfect layup…smooth and effortless.
   • Let’s make some magic happen on and off the court.
   • Are you the hardwood? Because I’ve fallen hard for you.
   • Do you play center? Because you’re the center of my world.
   • You must be a championship ring because you’re all I’m after.
   • Just like a great basketball play, you’ve got all the right moves.
   • Call me a basketball because I’m ready to bounce into your life.
   • Let’s make this game a sudden-death overtime, just you and me.
   • Are you a basketball shoe? Because I think we’d be a perfect pair.
   • Are you the fourth quarter? Because you’re saving the best for last.
   • Are you a basketball legend? Because you’ve got me believing in miracles.
   • Are you a basketball team? Because I want to be your most valuable player.
   • Are you a three-point line? Because you’ve got me going the distance for you.
   • I’d love to show you my crossover move, but I’m afraid I’d cross over into your heart.
   • If you were a ball, I’d keep shooting because I’d never pass on the chance to be with you.
   • Do you like basketball? Because I keep bouncing ideas about us off the backboard of my mind.
   • Are you a basketball playbook? Because it feels like we’re meant to execute something special together.
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Section 4 of 10:

Cute Basketball Pick-Up Lines

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1. Reference iconic NBA duos to get their heart racing. If you’ve been talking to the other person for a while, express your feelings with a sweet and sporty twist. Use the classic “you’re the ____ to my ____” saying, and fill in the blanks with one of the greatest NBA duos of all time. It’s one of the cutest ways to emphasize how much someone means to you!

   • You’re the Magic Johnson to my Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
   • You’re the Michael Jordan to my Scottie Pippen.
   • You’re the Shaquille O’Neal to my Kobe Bryant.
   • You’re the Larry Bird to my Kevin McHale.
   • You’re the Steph Curry to my Klay Thompson.
   • You’re the LeBron James to my Dwayne Wade.
   • You’re the Tim Duncan to my Tony Parker.
   • You’re the John Stockton to my Karl Malone.
   • You’re the Isiah Thomas to my Joe Dumars.
   • You’re the Jerry West to my Wilt Chamberlain.
   • You’re the Gary Payton to my Shawn Kemp.
   • You’re the Bill Russell to my Sam Jones.
   • You’re the Kevin Durant to my Devin Booker.
   • You’re the Dirk Nowitzki to my Jason Kidd.
   • You’re the Kawhi Leonard to my Paul George.
   • You’re the Chauncey Billies to my Ben Wallace.
   • You’re the Jayson Tatum to my Jaylen Brown.
   • You’re the Nikola Jokic to my Jamal Murray.
   • You’re the Luka Doncic to my Kyrie Irving.
   • You’re the Jimmy Butler to my Bam Adebayo.
   • You’re the Giannis Antetokounmpo to my Damian Lillard.

Section 5 of 10:

Clever Basketball Pick-Up Lines

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1. Show off your basketball knowledge with a clever and witty pick-up line. If you really want to impress your crush, incorporate wordplay, double meanings, and basketball-related terms into your pick-up line. Words like “dunk,” “dribble,” “buzzer-beater,” “crossover,” and “assist” can elevate your line and help you score major points. Here are some ideas to help you get started:

   • If I was playing H.O.R.S.E, I’d bet everything on you.
   • You don’t need a buzzer-beater to win over this heart.
   • I can’t dunk, but I’ll jump through hoops to be with you.
   • Do you play defense? Because stealing my heart is a foul.
   • If I were a ball, would you rebound me if I came your way?
   • Are we on defense? Because you’ve just stolen my attention.
   • Are you a crossover? Because you’re making my knees weak.
   • Are you a highlight reel? Because I can’t take my eyes off you.
   • Are you a buzzer-beater? Because you just made my heart stop.
   • Are you a warm-up? Because I feel better every time I’m with you.
   • You must be a perfect swish because everything about you feels right.
   • You must be a zone defense because I just can’t find a way around you.
   • You must be a dunk contest because watching you leaves me speechless.
   • Are you an assist? Because you just gave me all the reasons to smile today.
   • You must be a loose ball because I’m diving for you with everything I’ve got.
   • Are you a tip-off? Because it feels like you’re the start of something amazing.
   • Are you basketball season? Because I want to spend every second with you.
   • Are we in the fourth quarter? Because I think it’s about time I made my move.
   • Are you a crossover dribble? Because you’ve got me stumbling over my words.
   • Are you a step-back jumper? Because you’re creating space in my heart for you.
   • Are you a triple threat? Because you’ve got the looks, the moves, and the brains.
   • You must be a perfect pick because meeting you feels like the start of a great play.
   • Are you playing man-to-man defense? Because I think we’re the perfect match-up.
   • Do you want to play H.O.R.S.E? Because I’m ready to take a shot for you every time.
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Section 6 of 10:

Sweet Basketball Pick-Up Lines

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1. Sweep them off of their feet with a basketball pick-up line. According to Jacoby, “positive comments, enthusiasm, and warmth” translate to every medium, whether you’re flirting in person or over text. If you want to make the other person feel good, give a genuine compliment about their personality or appearance—but be sure to add a basketball-related spin! Here are some sweet lines to melt their heart:

   • I’d never commit a turnover with your heart.
   • If you were a basketball drill, you’d be my favorite.
   • Your smile is like a slam dunk straight to my heart.
   • You’re like a fast break—you take my breath away.
   • If my heart was on the court, you’d be its star player.
   • You’re so stunning, even my shot clock stopped ticking.
   • It feels like hitting the winning show every time I see you.
   • If you were a game, you’d be the NBA Finals—unforgettable.
   • I’m usually a better shooter, but around you, I’m all butterflies.
   • I’m ready to be your point guard if you’ll be my shooting guard.
   • Are you a playoff game? Because you’re making my heart race.
   • I hope you’re good at catching because I’m starting to fall for you.
   • Are you a halftime show? Because you just captured my attention.
   • Are you a basketball net? Because I’m falling for you hard and fast.
   • Are you in a three-point contest? Because watching you is thrilling.
   • You must be a backboard because I want to put all of my hopes in you.
   • Is your nickname “Dunk?” Because every time we meet, my heart leaps!
   • Are you a coach? Because you’ve drawn up the perfect play for my heart.
   • I’m not a referee, but here’s my verdict—we’re bound to make a great team.
   • I should probably play in the NBA, considering how often I shoot glances your way.

Section 7 of 10:

Dirty Basketball Pick-Up Lines

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1. Throw out a spicy pick-up line to make your crush blush. Trying to turn up the heat and get your crush hot and bothered? Drop one of these spicy pick-up lines to create sexual tension, in person or over text. Just make sure the other person feels comfortable with dirty talk and back off if they don’t respond in the same way! Here are some naughty options:

   • You be the Bulls and I’ll bring the Heat.
   • If I were your defender, I’d be all over you.
   • You must be the paint because I’m ready to get physical.
   • Call me your defender because I’ll stay on you all night long.
   • If you were a layup, I’d make sure to finish strong every time.
   • You’ve got me sweating harder than a fourth-quarter overtime.
   • Your jersey looks nice, but I bet it’d look even nicer on my floor.
   • Are you a basketball hoop? Because I’m ready to score all night.
   • I don’t need a coach to tell me you’re the best play I’ll ever make.
   • Are you a basketball court? Because I want to dribble all over you.
   • Are you a technical foul? Because you’ve got me hot and bothered.
   • Are you the rim? Because I’m ready to throw it down on you tonight.
   • Are you a basketball play? Because I can’t get enough of your moves.
   • You’ve got me thinking about switching positions…on and off the court.
   • You’re like a full-court press—you’ve got my attention from every angle.
   • Are you a court-side seat? Because I’m ready to get up close and personal.
   • Are you a three-pointer? Because you’re shooting straight into my fantasies.
   • Are you a slam dunk contest? Because you’ve got me ready to show off for you.
   • Are you a basketball fan? Because I want to make you scream my name from the stands.
   • Are you a basketball jersey? Because I want to wrap you around me and feel your warmth.
   • Are you a basketball court? Because I’m ready to lay you down and show you some serious skills.
   • Are you a basketball game? Because you’ve got me on the edge of my seat, ready for overtime.
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Section 8 of 10:

Basketball Pick-Up Lines for Girlfriend

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1. Steal her heart with a sweet and romantic pick-up line. If you want to make your girlfriend feel valued and appreciated, come up with a line that conveys your feelings. Being over the top can be really nice, so don’t be afraid to get sappy and affectionate! Here are some sweet and romantic lines:

   • You’re the real MVP of my life.
   • You’re not just my girlfriend, you’re my highlight reel.
   • Teammates for life, you and me—what do you think?
   • If loving you was a foul, I’d take the penalty every time.
   • You’re like a full-court shot…rare but absolutely worth it.
   • I’m not into fast breaks, but I’d sprint to catch up with you.
   • You’re my favorite play, and I’ll never call a timeout on us.
   • You’re like my shooting hand—I can’t function without you.
   • Just like a perfect jump shot, meeting you feels like destiny.
   • You’re the only one I want on my team, on and off the court.
   • With you by my side, I feel like I can take on the whole team.
   • You’ve got me feeling like I just hit a triple-double…complete.
   • You must be a shot clock because time stops when I’m with you.
   • Are you a referee? Because you just blew my mind with your beauty.
   • Are we in overtime? Because every moment with you feels like a win.
   • You must be the key because you’re at the center of everything I want.
   • I might not be a pro player, but I know I’ve scored big time meeting you.
   • Are you a basketball jersey? Because I’d love to wear you everywhere I go.
   • In the game of love and basketball, there’s one thing I aim to be…your MVP.
   • You’re my MVP: Most Valuable Partner, and I want to be on your team forever.
   • You’re my championship ring…I worked hard and now I’ve got the ultimate prize.
   • Are you a basketball announcer? Because you’ve got me cheering for you like crazy.
   • I might not be able to make layups that well, but laying down my heart for you is easy.

Section 9 of 10:

Basketball Pick-Up Lines for Boyfriend

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1. Highlight what you love about him to express affection. Want to make your boyfriend feel like a champion? Mention his best qualities, what he brings to the table, or how boring life would be without him! Here are some romantic lines to help build intimacy in your relationship:

   • If life is like basketball, you’re my winning shot.
   • Is your name Spalding? Because you’re ballin’.
   • Like a great coach, you bring out the best in me.
   • Are you a crossover? Because you just made my heart flip.
   • I’d trade my starting spot just to sit next to you on the bench.
   • You’re not just a player in my heart, you’re the whole league.
   • I’d rather be in the paint with you than scoring from the outside.
   • I don’t need a scouting report to know you’re the MVP of my life.
   • Are you a buzzer-beater? Because you’re the highlight of my day.
   • I’ll always be your biggest fan, cheering you on from the sidelines.
   • With you, I’ll never need a rebound because I’m in this for the win.
   • You’re like a game-winning shot…rare, perfect, and unforgettable.
   • I don’t need to call a timeout because time stops when I’m with you.
   • Are you on the court? Because I’d run up and down with you any day.
   • You’re my perfect assist…I couldn’t do this thing called life without you.
   • Are you a basketball jersey? Because I want to wear you close to my heart.
   • Are you a timeout? Because being with you feels like a pause in all the chaos.
   • You’re the MVP of my heart, the one I want to celebrate with after every game.
   • You can call me a coach because I’m already planning our future plays together.
   • I don’t need a buzzer-beater to know you’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.
   • Are you a basketball? Because when I’m with you, everything else feels like a rebound.
   • The scoreboard doesn’t matter…being around you makes me feel like I’ve already won.
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Section 10 of 10:

How to Deliver Basketball Pick-Up Lines

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1. 1
   Personalize your joke to show off your humor. When you’re starting out, it’s great to have a bunch of pick-up lines in your back pocket. But if you want to level up your game, reference your crush’s favorite team, player, or position. This makes your line less generic, plus makes the other person feel special.

   • When initiating a conversation on a dating app, Bilotta says to “avoid using generic opening lines and instead strive for a personalized approach that demonstrates your interest and sincerity.” Be sure to “use an interesting and engaging conversation starter that shows you've taken the time to read the other person's profile.”
2. 2
   Watch basketball games to improve your rizz. If your crush is a basketball fan, start watching local or NBA games so you’ll have more to talk about. This can help you connect with them on a deeper level, plus come up with unique and creative lines that stand out.

   • According to Bilotta, “finding common ground is a great way to build rapport and create a fun atmosphere for joking around.” If your crush is a fan of Jordan Poole, for example, you could make a joke about the viral baddies meme.
3. 3
   Wait for the perfect time to drop your line. Timing is everything when it comes to delivering pick-up lines, so feel the flow of the conversation before making your move. In general, opening with a rizz joke is a great strategy to flirt with someone. But if you’re already chatting, wait for a break in conversation to score big in love.

   • If you’re approaching someone in person, Jacoby says “being friendly is all it takes.” You don’t have to be “super smooth or rehearsed all the time,” and having a “big smile and a warm personality” can help you make a good first impression.
4. 4
   Maintain eye contact and smile. Confidence is one of the biggest factors when it comes to flirting with someone, and if you don’t look comfortable delivering your pick-up line, it’ll show. Make sure to look at the other person directly and flash a smile to make them feel at ease. If it helps, practice saying your line in the mirror so you sound more natural and effortless.

   • If you’re flirting with someone on a dating app, Bilotta says “emojis can be a great way to add a playful tone to your messages and convey your sense of humor.” Send a 😉, 😈, or 😏 to lighten the mood and be extra flirty!
5. 5
   Respect the other person’s boundaries. In general, a person will appreciate a flirty joke if they’re into, but feel uncomfortable or creeped out if they don’t like you. Before shooting your shot, think of how the other person acts when they’re around you. Some signs that they might be interested include: having open body language, making eye contact, trying to touch you, fidgeting around you, or giving you compliments.

   • If you’re on a date, you can tell it’s going well if the person is “facing you or mirroring your body language,” according to Jacoby.
   • If your pick-up line falls flat, don’t try to explain it. Instead, make a joke about the line! For example, you could tell them it was terrible but that they were making you nervous. Bilotta says, “one of the best ways to put someone at ease and build a connection is to be willing to laugh at yourself.”
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