Is there a way to play online?

I only see direct IP connections possible. I haven't read the manual yet. Just got this game.
Help?

That's the only option that's available in the PC version this year.

May I ask why? I haven't had time to research the game--just bought it.

I'm not on the production team so your guess is as good as mine. I think it comes down to the fact that there's a lot of issues with the PC version of NBA Live 08 and the lack of EASO support is but one of them.