The NBA's Schedule is Weird, and That’s Kind of the Point

Published in Humor and Quirks on Thursday, August 21st 2025 at 1:51 GMT by SB Nation
^{🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source}

The 2023-24 NBA season is underway, and while fans are thrilled for tip-offs and thrilling games, a recurring theme has emerged: the schedule is… unusual. It’s not just the condensed nature due to the inaugural in-season tournament; it's a series of quirks that have left analysts and even players scratching their heads. While some view these oddities as detrimental to competitive balance, others see them as an opportunity for innovation and fan engagement. Let's dive into five of the most notable schedule peculiarities and explore why they exist.

1. The Back-to-Back Blitz: This year’s schedule features a significantly higher number of back-to-back games than in previous seasons. While back-to-backs have always been part of the NBA landscape, the sheer volume this season is noticeable. Teams are facing consecutive games on different nights more frequently, placing increased physical and mental demands on players. This change stems from the league’s desire to accommodate the new in-season tournament, which necessitated a compressed schedule and altered travel patterns. The result? Players like LeBron James have openly voiced concerns about player health and potential for injury.

2. Coast-to-Coast Travel with Minimal Rest: Forget short road trips; some teams are embarking on grueling journeys that span the entire country within a matter of days. One team might play in Miami, then fly across the nation to face the Lakers in Los Angeles, followed by a game against the Nuggets in Denver – all within three nights. This intense travel schedule is exacerbated by the league’s desire to showcase games across different time zones and maximize television viewership. While fans benefit from seeing diverse matchups, players are paying the price with disrupted sleep patterns and increased fatigue.

3. The "Home" Game Paradox: Several teams have been designated as “home” teams for games played on their opponent's court. This bizarre arrangement is a direct consequence of the in-season tournament format. To ensure fairness and balance within the tournament, the league had to adjust traditional home/away designations. While seemingly arbitrary, these changes are intended to level the playing field and prevent one team from having an unfair advantage due to consistent home-court benefits during the tournament portion of the season.

4. The Uneven Distribution of Games: Not all teams are experiencing the schedule quirks equally. Some franchises have significantly more home games than others, while some face a disproportionate number of back-to-backs or cross-country flights. This uneven distribution is partly due to the league's attempts to balance television markets and cater to specific regional preferences. However, it also raises questions about competitive fairness, as teams with less favorable schedules may be at a disadvantage compared to those with more manageable travel demands.

5. The Tournament’s Impact on Regular Season Flow: The in-season tournament has fundamentally altered the rhythm of the regular season. Games now carry different levels of importance, and teams must strategically manage their players' minutes and energy levels to succeed in both the tournament and the traditional standings race. This added layer of complexity can make it difficult for fans to assess a team’s true potential and performance, as results may be influenced by tournament priorities rather than pure basketball ability. Why These Quirks Exist – And What They Mean for the Future

The NBA's schedule peculiarities aren't simply random occurrences; they are deliberate choices made to achieve specific goals. The league is constantly balancing competing interests: maximizing revenue, ensuring competitive fairness, and prioritizing player health. The in-season tournament has amplified these tensions, forcing the league to make compromises that have resulted in a more unconventional schedule than usual.

While some players and analysts criticize these changes, others argue that they represent an opportunity for innovation. The increased focus on data analytics allows teams to better manage player workloads and optimize performance under challenging conditions. Furthermore, the unusual scheduling can create unexpected matchups and storylines, potentially boosting fan engagement and excitement.

Looking ahead, it’s likely that the NBA will continue to experiment with its schedule format. As the league evolves and new challenges arise, expect further adjustments and modifications. The current season serves as a valuable learning experience, providing insights into what works and what doesn't when it comes to balancing competitive integrity, player well-being, and fan entertainment. Whether these quirks become permanent fixtures or temporary anomalies remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the NBA’s schedule will always be a work in progress, constantly adapting to the ever-changing landscape of professional basketball. The league's willingness to experiment, even if it results in some awkward moments and player grumbling, demonstrates its commitment to finding new ways to keep the game fresh and engaging for fans worldwide.

N※N

The NBA's Schedule is Weird, and That’s Kind of the Point