The 2024-25 NBA season is just around the corner, with the Portland Trail Blazers scheduled for 82 games. As of now, 80 of these games are confirmed, with the remaining two pending based on the NBA Cup matches. The 82-game schedule was officially adopted by the NBA for the 1967-68 season, a change driven largely by the expansion of the league with the addition of the San Diego Rockets and the Seattle SuperSonics. Before this, the NBA’s regular season ranged from 66 to 80 games. The debate over whether the NBA should maintain the 82-game schedule remains contentious.
Should the NBA Shorten the Season?
There is growing discussion about whether the NBA should reduce the length of the season to better protect player health and address the issue of load management. Last season, the league introduced a new rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 games to be eligible for end-of-season awards. This rule aims to encourage top players to participate more consistently.
It is still too early to determine the effectiveness of this rule change. Regardless, the NBA acknowledges the need to tackle load management, a critical issue given that reducing the number of regular-season games in the short term is unlikely due to the economic incentives to host 82 games for maximum revenue.
Impact of the 82-Game Schedule on the Portland Trail Blazers
Since the departure of the SuperSonics in 2008, the Portland Trail Blazers have been the sole NBA team in the Pacific Northwest. This situation can be seen as a disadvantage in terms of scheduling and travel. For the 2024-25 season, one notable aspect of the Blazers’ schedule is that they will be traveling the farthest of any team in the league. This extensive travel can be particularly exhausting and challenging throughout an 82-game season.
However, in the coming seasons, the lengthy schedule might benefit the rebuilding Blazers. The team has only one player over the age of 30—Jerami Grant—with most of their core players aged 25 or younger. Gaining substantial playing time is crucial for player development, and the experience gained through the trials of a full season could significantly enhance their growth and performance.
