The NBA season always brings excitement and intense competition as teams battle it out for a spot in the playoffs. As the regular season winds down, the schedule becomes a crucial factor in determining which teams have a favorable path to the postseason. Let’s take a look at some teams that seem to have a smoother road ahead.
1. Los Angeles Lakers:
The Los Angeles Lakers have one of the most favorable schedules down the stretch. With their superstar duo LeBron James and Anthony Davis back from injuries, they have the ability to play at an elite level. The Lakers have matchups against teams with a losing record, which could give them a chance to rack up some wins and improve their playoff position.
2. Brooklyn Nets:
The Brooklyn Nets are another team with a favorable schedule heading into the playoffs. Despite dealing with various injuries this season, their stacked roster of superstars, including Kevin Durant, James Harden, and Kyrie Irving, can be a force to be reckoned with. With a majority of their remaining games against teams below .500, the Nets have a real opportunity to solidify their position in the playoffs.
3. Phoenix Suns:
The Phoenix Suns have been one of the biggest surprises this season, playing at a high level and currently holding one of the top spots in the Western Conference. Their favorable schedule comes in the form of more home games than road games. With a strong home-court advantage, the Suns can capitalize on their friendly schedule and strengthen their playoff position.
4. Denver Nuggets:
The Denver Nuggets have proven to be a formidable team, led by MVP candidate Nikola Jokic. They have a fairly favorable schedule remaining, with a mix of games against both playoff-bound teams and those with losing records. This balance gives them the opportunity to build momentum and secure a good seed in the playoffs.
5. Philadelphia 76ers:
The Philadelphia 76ers, led by MVP candidate Joel Embiid, have been dominant this season. They boast a strong home record and have a favorable schedule ahead, with a significant number of games against teams with losing records. This gives them an advantage, as they can capitalize on their home-court advantage and notch some crucial wins.
Having a favorable schedule can make a significant difference in a team’s playoff aspirations. It provides an opportunity to accumulate wins, build confidence, and secure a higher seed, which can ultimately lead to a more comfortable postseason journey. These teams mentioned above can take advantage of their favorable schedules and make a strong push towards the playoffs.
However, it’s important to note that in sports, nothing is given, and upsets can happen at any moment. While some teams are seemingly handed a favorable schedule, they must not underestimate their opponents as even teams with losing records can be dangerous on any given night.
So, as the NBA regular season enters its final stretch, keep an eye on these teams with favorable schedules. They have the potential to make significant runs and create some fireworks in the playoffs, making the road to the championship even more thrilling for fans.
