Washington Wizards fans can rejoice. Finally, it seems the scheduling committee got it right. After years of playing only seven games or less across ABC, ESPN, and TNT, the team was rewarded after an exciting season last year.
Eighteen. That’s right, it’s not a typo. I still remember expecting the team to get at least 15 two years ago after its exciting run to the Eastern Conference semifinals against Atlanta. Yet, they got somewhere around five.
Fans are long used to hearing, “Oh it’s okay, if you play well next season the team will be flexed into some national TV games. Still, that wasn’t good enough.
The Wizards have a perennial All-Star, and a likely first time All-Star. Their matchup against Boston in the second round was one of the most exciting series of the postseason.
Take a look at the national TV appearances below:
Wizards national tv appearances skyrocket. What a difference pic.twitter.com/HM0pAAY0TR
— J. Michael (@ThisIsJMichael) August 14, 2017
Other things of note from the team’s schedule:
- The team’s first west coast road trip starts October 23rd, in its third game of the season. The Wizards first west coast road trip last season began March 7th.
- The team is on ESPN in three of its first eight games.
- As noted before, they play in Boston on Christmas.
- Three of four matchups against Cleveland are on national TV.
- Three of four matchups against Philadelphia are on national TV.
- Four of four matchups against Boston are on national TV.
- The Champion Golden State Warriors come to Capital One Arena on February 28th.
As always, the national TV schedule is subject to change, so the Wizards could end up gaining a few more games, or losing some. Hopefully the increased exposure helps John Wall get more All-Star votes, and the Wizards gain more popularity across the league.
Next: Wizards vs. Raptors: Comparison
As of Monday, there are 64 days before Washington opens up at home against Philadelphia.