Here is the full guide on how to switch on defense in NBA 2K25. Switching defensive matchups / assignments in NBA 2K25 can be a strategic advantage while playing Rec, Pro-Am, Park, and Head-to-Head (H2H) modes like Play Now and MyTEAM.
How to Switch Matchups on Defense in NBA 2K25 (MyPLAYER or Player Lock)
- Tap Right Bumper (Xbox) or R1 (PlayStation), then the icon of the player / position you want to guard / switch to. For example, to switch onto guarding the Point Guard, you’d press RB + A (Xbox) or R1 + A (PlayStation), while on defense.
How to Swap Player on Defense in NBA 2K25 (H2H)
- To Player Swap for on-ball defense, tap A (Xbox) or X (PlayStation)
- To Icon Swap for on-ball or off-ball defense, tap Right Bumper (Xbox) or R1 (PlayStation)
How to Change Defensive Matchups (H2H Online – Before Game)
- Select ‘Matchups’
- While at this screen, choose which player you want guarding the opponent’s player
How to Change Defensive Assignments in NBA 2K25 (H2H – In-Game)
- Press Start to open the in-game menu
- Go to “Gameplan” > “Defensive Settings”
- Press RB (Xbox) or R1 (PlayStation) to select the opponent’s player you want to change matchups for
- Go down to ‘Matchups’, then press RS left or right to choose which defender you want to guard the opponent’s player
Why Switch Matchups?
Matchups and the ability to switch matchups are a big part of creating a strategic advantage for your team. For example, if you’re a center and matched up with a stretch center who can hit threes, it makes more basketball sense to matchup with a slasher so yo can stay protecting the paint. You also see this a lot in Pro-Am in NBA 2K25, where the other team’s best defender / lockdown defender switches matchups by matching up with the PG to try to slow him down.
Conclusion
We hope this NBA 2K25 tutorial came in handy for you, and keep it locked here at NBA 2KW for all your NBA 2K tips and guides!
