What triggers an instant replay review without a challenge?

Under Rule 13 Section I, instant replay is triggered in these situations, among others:

• A field goal made with no time remaining (0:00) at the end of any period, or a foul called at 0:00.
• Officials are not reasonably certain whether a personal foul met the criteria for a flagrant foul, or for a clear-path-to-the-basket foul.
• An altercation occurs.
• A game clock malfunction at the end of a period, where officials are reasonably certain it malfunctioned.
• Uncertainty over whether a field goal was a two-point or three-point attempt, or whether a field goal or called foul came before the shot clock expired.
• Uncertainty over which player should attempt free throws.
• Uncertainty over whether an off-ball foul occurred before a shot or throw-in was released, or whether a team had the correct number of players on the court.
• In the last two minutes of the fourth period and overtimes: the rim-touch, restricted area and goaltending or basket interference reviews.

The Replay Center Official can also trigger review immediately for some two-point or three-point and shot clock questions in the first 46 minutes of regulation or first three minutes of overtime.

Source: 2026-27 Official NBA Playing Rules, Rule 13 Section I.