After a headline-worthy offseason, the NBA may have made the Washington Wizards’ path back to the postseason a little easier.
The league released Washington's schedule on August 13, outlining the dates and times for all 82 games. It’s a huge determinant of how the team's season will go, with factors like how much it travels and how often it plays deciding its success.
Coming off of one of the worst seasons in NBA history, the league had all the reason to hand the Wizards a difficult path. Surprisingly, though, they ended up with a very advantageous schedule.
With multiple benefits to Washington’s schedule in 2026-27, the team will certainly have a chance to find success.
Rest will be advantageous for injury-prone stars
As two All-Star-caliber players return this season, improvement should be inevitable for Washington. However, a large reason for concern looms over the team — the injury risk for both of them.
Trae Young missed 67 games last season due to both quad and back injuries, while Anthony Davis has played just 71 games over the past two years. It’s unlikely that either will be able to stay fully healthy for the entire year, given their histories.
The good news, though, is that the Wizards’ schedule minimizes the risk of either getting hurt. The team plays back-to-back games just 13 times this season, tied for the least in basketball.
More rest in between games makes it more likely both can stay healthy. The schedule will give them more time in between games to recover, and also increases the likelihood they’ll play, rather than participating in “load management”.
By ensuring their combined $110 million players will compete, the space in between games is a massive win for Washington.
An easy start can help all
For a team that finished 17-65 a season ago, every game will likely be a challenge. However, Washington’s early schedule has the potential to let them build some momentum and chemistry.
Of the Wizards’ early opponents, three of the seven didn’t make the postseason, and only the Cleveland Cavaliers advanced beyond the second round. The team should be challenged, but have a fair chance in most of the games.
Not facing the NBA’s top teams initially should also allow time for Washington to coalesce. With potentially three new starters and two other new players joining the rotation, it may take time for this roster to mix. Facing teams like the New York Knicks or the Detroit Pistons early could present an insurmountable test.
The Wizards hope they’ll be able to leap out to a strong start, giving them the fire they need to improve this year.
Traveling shouldn’t be terrible for Washington
One of the most underrated aspects of the NBA season is the toll which heavy travel can take on players. Long road trips, especially late in the year, become increasingly difficult to handle and can lead to injuries piling up.
For the Wizards, though, travel will be an area of little concern. The team is set to fly just 35,748 miles this season, good for 26th in the league, per NBA statistician Gabriel Guzman.
Washington should benefit from traveling less, enabling it to rest and recover in between contests. It will also have the advantage of rarely having to switch time zones when traveling for road games.
Games on the road against the Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Denver Nuggets, and Phoenix Suns will all take place before the typical 10:00 p.m. EST start.
This advantage will similarly allow the team to not have to shift schedules when competing, allowing it to stay mostly on the eastern time zone. It’s another way for a team with serious injury concerns to recuperate and reach its full potential.
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