The NBA's Schedule is Weird – And That’s Kind of the Point

Published in Humor and Quirks on Friday, August 22nd 2025 at 2:58 GMT by SB Nation
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The 2023-24 NBA season is underway, and while fans are thrilled for exciting basketball, 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 the distribution of games, travel demands, and overall flow that have left players, coaches, and analysts scratching their heads. While some changes are aimed at boosting viewership and revenue, they also highlight a deeper issue: the inherent challenges of crafting a balanced and sensible schedule for 30 teams spread across North America.

The Yahoo Sports article by Ben Rohlling dives into five specific quirks of this year’s NBA schedule, illustrating just how unconventional things have become. These aren't isolated incidents; they represent broader trends in the league’s scheduling philosophy – a philosophy that often prioritizes television ratings and revenue over player well-being and competitive fairness.

The Back-to-Back Blues: The most immediate and noticeable oddity is the prevalence of back-to-back games, particularly early in the season. While back-to-backs aren't new, their frequency this year feels amplified. Teams are often forced to play two games in quick succession, requiring significant travel and placing immense physical strain on players. The article highlights examples like the Sacramento Kings playing four road games in five nights, a grueling stretch that impacts performance and increases injury risk. This isn’t just about individual player fatigue; it affects team chemistry, strategic preparation, and ultimately, the quality of basketball being played.

The Geographic Jumps: Beyond back-to-backs, the sheer distance teams are forced to travel in short periods is baffling. The article points out instances where teams play games on opposite coasts within a 24-hour window. Imagine flying from Miami to Los Angeles and then having to perform at a high level just hours later. This logistical nightmare isn't just inconvenient; it’s demonstrably detrimental to player health and performance, potentially skewing results based more on travel fatigue than actual skill. The article references the Phoenix Suns facing a particularly brutal stretch involving cross-country flights and minimal rest.

The Home Court Disadvantage (or Lack Thereof): A key element of basketball is home court advantage – the energy of the crowd, familiarity with the arena, and reduced travel stress for the home team. However, this year’s schedule has significantly eroded that advantage. Teams are experiencing extended road trips, diminishing their opportunities to play in front of their fans and disrupting established routines. This imbalance can level the playing field, but it also diminishes the unique atmosphere and excitement that comes with a true home game.

The In-Season Tournament Impact: The introduction of the NBA’s inaugural in-season tournament has further complicated matters. While intended to add excitement and novelty, the tournament's scheduling requirements have forced teams into unusual game formats and travel patterns, often disrupting their regular season rhythm. Teams had to prioritize tournament games alongside their standard schedule, leading to compressed timelines and increased pressure.

The Television’s Grip: Underlying all these quirks is the undeniable influence of television contracts. The NBA prioritizes maximizing viewership, which often means scheduling games at times that are convenient for national audiences, regardless of the impact on teams or players. Prime-time slots, nationally televised doubleheaders, and strategically placed games contribute to higher ratings but can lead to unbalanced schedules and increased travel demands. This constant tug-of-war between competitive fairness and television revenue is a long-standing issue in professional sports.

Why Does It Matter?

The NBA’s scheduling issues aren't just about complaining about inconvenience. They have real consequences. Player health and longevity are paramount, and the current schedule puts players at increased risk of injury. Competitive balance is also threatened when teams face drastically different travel demands and rest periods. Ultimately, these factors impact the overall quality and integrity of the league.

Looking Ahead:

While a perfect solution to NBA scheduling remains elusive, there's growing recognition that changes are needed. The Players Association has consistently voiced concerns about player workload and travel demands. Some potential solutions include:

More Balanced Scheduling: Prioritizing geographic proximity when scheduling games to minimize travel distances.
Reduced Back-to-Back Games: Limiting the number of consecutive games played by teams.
Increased Rest Days: Providing more opportunities for players to recover and recharge.
Re-evaluating Tournament Scheduling: Finding a way to integrate in-season tournaments without disrupting the regular season flow. The NBA’s schedule quirks are a symptom of a larger issue – the tension between maximizing revenue and prioritizing player well-being and competitive fairness. While the league continues to evolve, finding a more sustainable and equitable scheduling model remains a crucial challenge for ensuring the long-term health and success of the game. The current situation serves as a reminder that even in a multi-billion dollar entertainment industry, common sense and player welfare should not be sacrificed at the altar of television ratings.

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The NBA's Schedule is Weird – And That’s Kind of the Point