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NBA Schedule Grind: Which Teams Face Toughest Travel?
15 Aug
Summary
- Pelicans face the league's hardest schedule with 16 back-to-backs.
- Boston Celtics tied for most back-to-backs and play 22 'three in four nights'.
- Several teams, including Bulls and Cavaliers, face challenging road to success.
The 2026-27 NBA regular season schedule presents a daunting travel itinerary for several teams, potentially affecting their performance and playoff aspirations. The New Orleans Pelicans have been dealt the most challenging schedule, leading the league with 16 back-to-back games and an overwhelming 27 instances of playing three games in four nights. This rigorous schedule creates a -5 net rest disadvantage for the Pelicans.
The Boston Celtics are in a similar predicament, tied with other teams for the league-high of 16 back-to-backs. They will also play 22 games within a three-in-four-night span, ranking as the eighth toughest in this metric, and carry a -4 net rest disadvantage.
Chicago Bulls and Cleveland Cavaliers are also facing significant scheduling hurdles. The Bulls are tied for second-most with 15 back-to-backs and play 24 three-in-four-night games, while the Cavaliers are tied for the lead with 16 back-to-backs and have 23 such games. These demanding schedules are poised to make the upcoming season a true test of endurance and depth for multiple franchises.
