NBA 2K19 received "generally favorable" reviews from critics for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, according to review aggregator Metacritic.[5][6]

Electronic Gaming Monthly gave the game 7/10, writing: "NBA 2K19 had a real opportunity to learn from last year's mistakes, and in some ways it did. The Neighborhood is more convenient, the Prelude is way more interesting, and the gameplay has seen some subtle but important improvements. Unfortunately, all this is marred yet again by the game's predatory microtransaction system, which turns the MyCareer stuff into a grind-heavy, pay-to-skip farce."[8]

GameSpot also gave the game 7/10, saying: "Although those willing to grind for everything will eventually get rewarded, the system of VC still comes off as exploitative. But there's a lot of fun to be had in NBA 2K19 despite its flaws, especially if you have a strong love for the sport.[10]

In its 8.5/10 review, IGN wrote, "NBA 2K19's rock-solid gameplay and strong sense of style make it the best of the series, but its style is slightly cramped by microtransactions."[11] Kotaku also criticized the game for pervasive microtransaction demands throughout the game on top of the initial premium price.[13]

The game was nominated for "Best Sports/Racing Game" at The Game Awards 2018,[14] for "Fan Favorite Sports/Racing Game" at the Gamers' Choice Awards,[15] for "Best Sports/Driving Game" at the Titanium Awards,[16] for "Sports, Racing or Fighting Title of the Year" at the Australian Games Awards,[17] for "Song Collection" at the National Academy of Video Game Trade Reviewers Awards,[18] for "Most Promising New eSports Game" at the SXSW Gaming Awards,[19] and for "Best Sport Game" at the Italian Video Game Awards