Owned by Louis Pieri a former basketball coach and hockey coach, the Providence Steamrollers were one of 11 charter franchises in the Basketball Association of America. Playing at the Rhode Island Auditorium, the Steamrollers were coached by Robert Morris.

In their first game on November 2nd, the Steamrollers defeated the Boston Celtics 59-53. The first week was good to Providence, as they won their first three games and four of their first five games.

However, a four game losing streak would begin a tradition of losing for the Steamrollers. The Steamrollers would hover near .

500 most of the season, but never again held a winning record, as the season wore on the Steamrollers would slip out of the playoff race and ultimately finished in fourth place with a record of 28-32, which was better than the nearby Celtics who posted a 22-38 record in their first year. Ernie Calverley was the top player for the Steamrollers, making the second team All-BAA team, with a team high 14.

3 points per game, while leading the BAA in assists.