Extra rest, earlier start
League spaces out schedule
The NBA was determined to raise the quality of its product by building more rest into its gruelling schedule.
It appears that mandate was a success, based on the 2017-18 blueprint, released Monday.
The league completely eliminated stretches where teams play four times in five nights (down from 20 last season and from 70 in 2014-15) and the number of back-to-back contests have been reduced from 16.3 per team in 2016-17, to 14.4, an all-time low for the third consecutive year.
The Toronto Raptors play 14 back-to-backs, down from 17.
More rest results in better performance by athletes and the NBA is cognizant of that. The bad press from teams deciding to sit out superstars for high-profile games in recent years also spurred on the changes, which include not scheduling any games involved in back-to-backs on the U.S. national TV schedule.
The campaign kicks off earlier than ever, with the Raptors hosting the Chicago Bulls at the Air Canada Centre on Oct. 19, followed by a visit from the Philadelphia 76ers Oct. 21. The Raptors then embark on the longest road trip of the season from Oct. 23 to Nov. 3, heading to San Antonio, Oakland, Los Angeles, Portland, Denver and Utah.
Toronto’s regular season concludes April 11, which is the earliest in the club’s 23 seasons of existence.
Fridays will be the busiest day, with 18 games, including 12 at home. No surprise there, with the rising Maple Leafs locking down Saturday nights. In a mild throwback, the team will play a couple of Sunday matinee contests at home, including a tilt with MVP Russell Westbrook, Paul George and the revamped Oklahoma City Thunder.
The longest stretch at the ACC is four games, from Feb. 2-8.
LeBron James and Cleveland make only one Canadian appearance, on Jan. 11. Vanquished first-round opponent Milwaukee, featuring Giannis Antetokounmpo, arrive for a New Year’s Day battle. The defending champion Golden State Warriors hit Toronto Jan. 13, the Lakers are in town on Jan. 28, and the Minnesota Timberwolves visit on Jan. 30.
The Raptors’ schedule includes 12 U.S. national television appearances, including four on ESPN and one on TNT.
The always complex Canadian television schedule will be released at a later date.