ATLANTA — AutoTrader.com, an official marketing partner of the NBA, has announced the tip-off of the NBA Drive to the Finals Fantasy Game, providing the grand-prize winner $25,000 toward the purchase of a vehicle on its Web site. Hosted by NBA.com and presented by AutoTrader.com, the Fantasy Game began with the opening round of the NBA Playoffs and is also featured on TNT’s NBA Tip-Off Show and Inside the NBA. Show hosts Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson will also compete in the game for a $10,000 gift to their favorite charity.

Visitors to NBA.com will be invited to participate in the fantasy game and asked to select one NBA player each night, throughout the first three rounds of the playoffs, they think will be the evening’s top performer. One $25,000 grand prize will be awarded, while runner-up and weekly prizes include Spalding Neverflat Basketballs, Sony PS3s, and NBA LIVE 07 games for PS3.

AutoTrader.com has partnered with the NBA throughout the 2006-2007 season with a package including the company as the sponsor of the TNT NBA Tip-Off Show presented by AutoTrader.com, 30-second television spots, and on-court signage, among other entities.