It's unrealistic if you use the factory settings. Change a few things around, computer gets super smart and strategic. The players will box out, run the court more, use freestyle moves, etc. Put it on superstar, change the sliders, take off computer assistance... Live is very realistic.On 2K, when you mess with the sliders, simple things like rebounding become impossible even when you walk over a loose ball.Don't think I'm getting either until PS3 comes out though. Waiting for next-gen sports game.