Jan 25, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) stands beside Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant (35) at Quicken Loans Arena. Cleveland won 108-98. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports
With the NBA officially releasing its 2015-16 schedule, we analyze the schedule a find the winners and losers
With the NBA’s release of the 2015-16 schedule, you can now start setting calendar reminders and planning life events around your favourite team’s games. The NBA is in the midst of a renaissance, with veteran hall-of-famers still playing integral roles (Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan), superstars stretching our collective imagination on what’s possible with a basketball (LeBron James, Stephen Curry), and young up-and-comers proving age ain’t nuthin’ but a number (Andrew Wiggins, Anthony Davis).
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There is no shortage of highly marketable players and DVR-eligible marquee matchups. Pick any two teams from the Midwest Division and enjoy the fireworks!
As you begin to digest your favourite team’s schedule, you’ll have an opinion on whether they got screwed (more likely) or got lucky. The NBA did a great job of looking after its teams and their players’ health, reducing the number of back-to-backs for each team from 19.3 to 17.8, and also reducing the number of 4-games-in-5-nights instances from 70 to 27.
After poring through each team’s respective schedules, here is one writer’s opinion on the Winners and Losers from yesterday’s release.
Next: Winners
Mar 31, 2014; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard
Kemba Walker(15) celebrates with center
Al Jefferson(25) during the second half against the Washington Wizards at Time Warner Cable Arena. Bobcats defeated the Wizards 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Charlotte Hornets – Winner
The Charlotte Hornets had a productive offseason that has resulted in a playoff-contending roster, plus the most team-friendly schedule in the NBA.
The enigmatic Lance Stephenson is no longer with the squad and replaced by 3-and-D specialist, Nicolas Batum. The loss of second-year forward Noah Vonleh might hurt, but there’s no denying the excitement surrounding his replacement, Frank Kaminsky.
Charlotte are one of eight teams who do not have any 4-games-in-5-nights stretches. Of those eight teams, they Hornets are one of only two that have a homestand as long as seven games. What puts their schedule over the top is they have TWO separate 7-game homestands – one that includes Brooklyn, Philly, and Sacramento, while the other includes Minny, Detroit, and Orlando).
Plus, you know…..it’s the East!
Next: Pistons
Apr 1, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) brings the ball down the court during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Pistons – Winner
Detroit may have had one of the worst offseasons, overpaying for a SECOND starting point guard (Reggie Jackson), while losing a rebound monster (Greg Monroe).
At least the NBA rewarded them with a nine-game homestand (!), plus ZERO 4-games-in-5-nights stretches. Their longest road trip is six games, but is out of the way by mid-November. Stan Van Gundy’s crew will have a good mix of rest and home-cooking throughout the season.
Plus, you know…..East!
Next: Suns
Mar 22, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns guard Archie Goodwin (20) celebrates a three point shot with guard Eric Bledsoe (2) in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Mavericks 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Phoenix Suns – Winner
While the average number of back-to-backs has been reduced to just under 18 for each team, the Suns were lucky enough to have only 14 instances (tied with Minnesota for the league-low).
Phoenix will spend majority of February in Arizona, as their longest homestand (7 games) also has the all-star break in the middle of it. Similar to Detroit, Phoenix gets rid of the longest road trip early (Nov. 29 – Dec. 7).
Their only 4-games-in-5-nights stretch is actually a tale of two years, with tough road games to end 2015 (Dec. 30 @Spurs & 31 @OKC), then easier trips in California to kick off 2016 (Jan. 2 @Kings & 3 @Lakers).
Next: Raptors
Mar 6, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Toronto Raptors center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots the ball over Charlotte Hornets center Bismack Biyombo (8) during the first half at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors – Winner
The NBA took Toronto’s “We The North” slogan to heart, gifting the Raptors with two separate 7-game homestands (as you’ve read, Charlotte’s the only other).
Toronto’s schedule lands in the four spot because the second homestand also leads into their only stretch of 4-games-in-5-nights.
Homestand = March 2 – 14; 4-Games-5-Nights = March 14 – 18 (Bulls, @ Bucks, @ Pacers, vs. Celtics).
This is where Masai Ujiri’s offseason moves to build on defense and the league’s top benches will really pay off. Plus……EAST!
Next: Losers
March 24, 2015; Sacramento, CA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center
Nerlens Noel(4) talks to center
Joel Embiid(21, left) during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the 76ers 107-106. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Philadelphia 76ers – Loser
We already know Sam Hinkie has no problems with building for the future and making Philly fans suffer through season after season of ineptitude. This time around, the NBA has helped push that along by dropping the most brutal schedule on the Sixers.
They have 19 back-to-backs and are one of five teams to have four games in five nights…..TWICE! They’re also one of only two teams to be burdened with multiple 6-game road trips. Yes, they play in the East, but what good is that when you’ve got a schedule like this.
Next: Clippers
Jul 21, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers players pose with jerseys at press conference at Staples Center. From left: Branden Dawson (22), DeAndre Jordan (6), Austin Rivers (25), coach Doc Rivers and Josh Smith (5), Cole Aldrich (45), Paul Pierce (34) and Wesley Johnson (33). Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
L.A. Clippers – Loser
The more I look at the Clips schedule, the more I’m tempted to give them the dubious title of worst schedule.
Doc Rivers‘ crew is one of five teams with a league-high 20 back-to-backs. They have one instance of 4 games in 5 nights, but it occurs at the end of the season (March 27 – 31) when players are fatigued, physically and mentally.
Last season, the Clippers were the fourth-oldest team (average age of 28.8), and managed to get OLDER, by adding Paul Pierce and Pablo Prigioni. Longest road trip, you ask? Five games……on FOUR separate occasions!! It’s not a stretch to imagine that with one of the league’s most outspoken teammates leading the charge, the Deandre Jordan fiasco may not be the most dramatic story to occur in Clipperland this season.
Next: Blazers
Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard Damian Lillard (0) during the final seconds against the Memphis Grizzlies in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports
Portland Trail Blazers – Loser
Oh, Portland. Poor, poor Portland.
The Blazers were outclassed by the Memphis Grizzlies during the playoffs, bowing out in five games. That was the beginning of the end, as Portland went on to lose all but one of their starting five during the offseason.
LaMarcus Aldridge and Wesley Matthews move to Texas with playoff aspirations (okay, loftier goals for Aldridge in San Antonio), while Batum and Robin Lopez made the jump to the Leastern Conference. Now, they’ve been saddled with 19 back-to-backs and 4-games-in-5-nights on 2 occasions – the second of which occurs in April and includes games vs. Miami, Golden State, and Oklahoma City (is this the part where I remind Blazer fans they drafted Greg Oden over Kevin Durant?).
Next: Warriors
Jun 11, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) reacts after a play during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers in game four of the NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Golden State Warriors – Loser
It’s been said many times before that the only thing harder than becoming an NBA champion is repeating. With the bullseye placed on their collective backs, the Dubs will also have to endure one of the tougher schedules.
Throw out the fact that they play in the West, Golden State has 20 back-to-backs and are the only team with multiple road trips of 7 games! The second of those trips is sandwiched around the all-star break with a list that reads like a playoff-prepping gauntlet including the Suns, Clippers, Hawks, Heat, and Thunder.