As the NBA gears up for another exciting season, fans and teams alike are eagerly anticipating the schedule release. With each team vying for a spot in the playoffs and a chance at the championship, the road to success is often paved with tough opponents and grueling matchups. It’s no secret that some teams have a more challenging path ahead than others, and the NBA Bleacher Report has just unveiled its list of the toughest schedules for the 2022 season.
The NBA Bleacher Report’s analysis takes into account various factors that contribute to the difficulty of each team’s schedule. It considers factors such as the strength of opponents, the number of back-to-back games, and the frequency of games against playoff contenders from the previous season.
Topping the list of toughest schedules for the 2022 season is the Brooklyn Nets. Despite boasting a formidable roster that includes superstars like Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, the Nets will have their work cut out for them. The New York-based team faces a grueling travel schedule with multiple road trips, including a particularly challenging stretch in February where they have nine out of ten games away from home. Furthermore, they will be facing several high-caliber opponents throughout the season, making their road to the playoffs a daunting one.
Following closely behind the Nets is the Los Angeles Lakers. The Lakers, buoyed by their star-studded lineup featuring LeBron James and Anthony Davis, will have to navigate a treacherous path. The team faces an early-season stretch with numerous road games against strong opponents, including a difficult back-to-back against the Brooklyn Nets and the Boston Celtics. Additionally, they have a demanding February schedule that sees them facing top-tier teams like the Milwaukee Bucks and the Miami Heat.
Other teams that made the Bleacher Report’s list include the Portland Trail Blazers, the Golden State Warriors, and the Philadelphia 76ers. The Trail Blazers will have their mettle tested with a slew of away games alongside tough matchups against playoff contenders from last season. The Warriors, eager to return to their former glory, will need to overcome a challenging road schedule as well as a number of back-to-back games. Meanwhile, the 76ers face a particularly brutal January with seven out of nine games on the road, including matchups against the Nets, Bucks, and Lakers.
Fan favorites such as the Chicago Bulls, the Dallas Mavericks, and the Denver Nuggets also feature on the list. The Bulls, led by new addition Lonzo Ball and a resurgent Zach LaVine, will face a tough back-to-back against the Lakers and the Brooklyn Nets in December. The Mavericks, with superstar Luka Dončić at the helm, will tackle a challenging February schedule with matchups against the Lakers and the Boston Celtics. The Nuggets, despite their deep playoff run last season, must confront a barrage of road games in March, including clashes with the Los Angeles Clippers and the Utah Jazz.
While the NBA schedule can be unpredictable and every game is an opportunity for teams to prove their mettle, the Bleacher Report’s analysis provides a glimpse into the challenges that lie ahead for various teams in the 2022 season. Whether these tough schedules inspire teams to rise to the occasion or prove to be stumbling blocks along the way, NBA fans can look forward to an action-packed and competitive season filled with exciting matchups and intense battles on the court.