6 NBA teams screwed over by the schedule release
The idea of playing a balanced schedule is a rarity in American professional sports. An NFL team that finishes in first place in their division one year draws other first-place teams on the schedule the next year. NHL calendars lean heavily on divisional matchups and regional rivalries. MLB moved to a more balanced schedule in […]
The 2026-27 NBA schedule has been released, and it has hit six teams particularly hard. The Boston Celtics, with 16 back-to-back games, face one of the most grueling schedules in the league. They play 22 times in a stretch of three games in four nights, ranking eighth hardest overall. The New Orleans Pelicans also have a tough road, with the hardest schedule in the NBA.
They are set to play 16 back-to-backs and have 27 'three in four nights' stretches, leading to a -5 net rest disadvantage. The Chicago Bulls, with 15 back-to-backs, face 24 stretches of three games in four nights and rank fourth hardest in net rest. The Cleveland Cavaliers tied for the league-leading 16 back-to-backs, with 23 'three in four nights' games, and a -2 net rest advantage.
Lastly, the Dallas Mavericks also have a challenging schedule, with 16 back-to-backs, a -3 net rest advantage, and will need to manage Kyrie Irving's return from an ACL injury.
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