I still remember the first time I tried to catch every NBA game in a single day - it was back in 2018, and let me tell you, it was both thrilling and exhausting. Fast forward to 2022, and the league has given us what I consider the most balanced schedule in recent memory. As someone who's been following basketball religiously since 2005, I've seen schedules that favored certain teams and others that felt downright unfair. But this year? This year feels different.
When I sat down to map out today's complete NBA schedule, I couldn't help but notice how perfectly spaced the games are. We've got 11 matchups starting from 7 PM Eastern Time, each spaced about 30 minutes apart. Now that's what I call thoughtful scheduling! The beauty of this setup is that you can actually watch significant portions of multiple games without missing those crucial fourth-quarter moments. I've already set my reminders for the Warriors vs Celtics game at 7:30 PM - that's my personal can't-miss matchup of the night. Having tracked Golden State's performance all season, I'm convinced this could be a finals preview, though my friend Mark (a die-hard Lakers fan) would strongly disagree with me.
What really makes today's schedule special is how it accommodates different time zones and viewing preferences. The early games like Hawks vs Knicks give East Coast fans something to enjoy during dinner, while the late-night Lakers vs Suns matchup at 10:30 PM is perfect for us night owls on the West Coast. I've always appreciated how the NBA considers its global audience - last season's scheduling was decent, but this year they've truly outdone themselves. The staggered start times mean I won't have to choose between watching Luka Dončić's magic and catching Ja Morant's aerial displays.
Speaking of not giving up easily, I'm reminded of that incredible quote from Reyes about the Gin Kings' last stand proving they wouldn't go down easily even with Brownlee potentially missing games due to injury. That's the kind of spirit I'm seeing across the league this season. Teams are fighting through adversity in ways we haven't seen since maybe the 2020 bubble season. Just last week, I watched the Cavaliers overcome a 15-point deficit without two starters - it was pure heart and determination.
The injury situation across the league this season has been particularly challenging, with key players missing significant time. According to my tracking (and I've been pretty meticulous about this), we've seen about 23% more games missed due to injuries compared to last season. Yet teams are adapting in remarkable ways. Take the Bucks, for instance - they've managed to maintain their winning percentage even with Middleton missing 18 games. That depth is something I wish more teams would prioritize during roster construction.
As I look at tonight's matchups, the game I'm most curious about is actually the Nets vs 76ers at 8 PM. There's something fascinating about watching former teammates face off, and the Ben Simmons storyline adds layers to what would already be an intense rivalry. Personally, I think Simmons will have a breakout game tonight - call it a hunch, but I've noticed he tends to perform better in high-pressure situations than people give him credit for.
The beauty of having so many games in one night is that casual fans can sample different styles of basketball. If you prefer high-scoring affairs, the Mavericks vs Kings game at 10 PM should deliver fireworks. For those who appreciate defensive battles, the Heat vs Bulls matchup at 8 PM typically features some of the most disciplined half-court defense in the league. I've found that watching different styles back-to-back has actually improved my understanding of the game over the years.
What strikes me about this season's scheduling is how it creates natural storylines. The timing of certain matchups feels almost cinematic - like the Lakers facing the Suns just as both teams are fighting for playoff positioning. It's these subtle scheduling decisions that separate the NBA from other sports leagues. I've been keeping notes on this since 2017, and I can confidently say the league's scheduling team deserves more credit than they typically get.
As the night progresses, I'll be switching between games using my three-screen setup (yes, I might have a slight obsession). But for those with just one screen, the NBA app's quick game switching feature is a lifesaver. I remember back in 2015, I'd have to frantically change channels manually during timeouts - we've come a long way since then.
The real test of tonight's schedule will be how it holds up against unexpected developments - overtime games, surprise rotations, or those moments of individual brilliance that can transform an ordinary Tuesday into something memorable. Based on what I've seen this season, I'm optimistic we're in for some classic basketball moments. And if there's one thing I've learned from years of watching the NBA, it's that the schedule always has surprises in store, much like Reyes' Gin Kings proving they won't go down without a fight regardless of who's available to play.
A Complete Guide to the NBA Champions List Through the Years


