Time-out, 4 return, when can 5th return?

[jdw3018]

Originally Posted by jdmara

A team doesn't always consits of five players though, that's the point that myself and tjones is getting at. A team can play (after the start of the game) with four if they wish, unless there is a rule I don't know about.

-Josh

Just to clarify: a team may not play with less than five if they have five players available. A team may not choose to play with less than five.

That said, if a coach tells you only four of his players are available to play (players could be unavailable for a variety of reasons we don't have the authority to rule on), then you would continue the game with less than five on the court.