NBA 2025-26 Regular Season Schedule Unveiled
The NBA has unveiled the majority of its 2025-26 regular season schedule, revealing 80 out of 82 games for each of the 30 teams. The remaining two games are still contingent upon the outcomes of the NBA Cup group stage, an event that leaves a week open where each team is guaranteed a pair of matches. Notably, the clubs that reach the NBA Cup finals will play an additional game, but this one will not contribute to official league statistics or fantasy basketball data.
Fantasy Basketball Dynamics
For fantasy basketball participants, the schedule brings some intriguing dynamics: five teams will face a hectic stretch with 16 back-to-back games, the highest in the league. This lineup notably includes the Charlotte Hornets, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards.
The Philadelphia 76ers, in particular, carry weighty concerns regarding the health of star players, as Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George had their previous season cut short by injuries. Head coach Nick Nurse expressed uncertainty about Embiid’s readiness for the upcoming training camp in late September, raising alarms for those tracking fantasy stats as the forward’s health could prompt the team to manage his minutes carefully.
Team Highlights and Player Management
The Hornets are kicking things off with five back-to-backs in October and November, starting against the 76ers and the Wizards. Fans will be keeping a close eye on LaMelo Ball’s conditioning, especially since he hasn’t reached 50 games in a season since 2021-22. The management of his playing time will be critical, particularly with the addition of Collin Sexton and the re-signing of Tre Mann, who are poised to have significant fantasy value should Ball be rested.
Following closely, both the Golden State Warriors and LA Clippers are slated for 15 back-to-back contests. The Clippers possess the oldest roster in the league, yet Kawhi Leonard’s off-season focus on skill enhancement instead of injury recovery could shift his in-game durability as the regular season unfolds. This topic extends to other veteran players like Chris Paul and James Harden, who carry their own past vulnerabilities. Golden State’s roster age mirrors that of the Clippers, with key players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green all entering another year over 35.
Favorable Schedules for Some Teams
In contrast, five teams, including the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Houston Rockets, and Indiana Pacers, will manage a more favorable schedule with only 12 back-to-backs. This includes Cleveland and Houston, both seen as contenders for the upcoming playoffs, and the Celtics and Pacers, who are navigating critical recovery seasons with their stars, Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton, recuperating from Achilles injuries. Atlanta and Houston will also benefit from welcoming Kristaps Porzingis and Kevin Durant, respectively, back into their lineups — both of whom have faced injury issues recently.
Fantasy League Adjustments
For fantasy leagues on Yahoo!, the gaming system has also introduced two “double weeks”: from December 8-21 and February 9-22. During these spans, traditional scoring rules will be altered. The December double week coincides with schedule adjustments following the conclusion of the NBA Cup, where only two games will be counted for teams—including those participating in the finals—affecting how fantasy owners strategize. The second double week will be nestled around the All-Star break, which is set for February 13-15 in Los Angeles.
Teams such as the Hawks, Cavaliers, Nuggets, and Clippers will make their back-to-back appearances just post All-Star break, highlighting the continuing complexities of player management and strategic planning for fantasy leagues as the season unfolds.
