With teams spread across North America, fans often wonder how many times their favorite teams will face off against each other during the regular season.
How Many Times Do NBA Teams Play Each Other Per Season?
In a standard NBA season, teams in the same division play each other four times, while they play teams outside their division but within their conference three or four times, and teams from the other conference twice.
Below we look in deeper detail at the scheduling intricacies of the NBA and shed light on the number of times teams play each other per season.
The NBA Regular Season Structure
Before delving into the specifics of how many times NBA teams play each other, it is essential to understand the structure of the regular season.
The NBA regular season typically spans from October to April, with each team playing a total of 82 games.
These games are divided into home and away matchups against both conference and non-conference opponents.
Conference and Divisional Alignment
The NBA is divided into two conferences: the Eastern Conference and the Western Conference.
Each conference is further divided into three divisions, resulting in a total of six divisions.
The Eastern Conference consists of the Atlantic, Central, and Southeast Divisions, while the Western Conference comprises the Northwest, Pacific, and Southwest Divisions.
Home and Away Games
During the regular season, NBA teams play an equal number of home and away games.
This means that for every matchup against a specific team, there will be one game played at the home arena of each team.
Home games provide teams with the advantage of playing in front of their home crowd, while away games require teams to travel and compete in unfamiliar environments.
Number of Games Against Conference Opponents
Within their respective conferences, NBA teams face off against each other multiple times throughout the regular season.
The number of games against conference opponents varies depending on the divisional alignment and the total number of teams in each conference.
Divisional Matchups
Teams within the same division play each other more frequently compared to teams from different divisions within the same conference.
In a typical NBA season, teams play four games against each of the other four teams in their division, resulting in a total of 16 divisional matchups.
Non-Divisional Conference Matchups
In addition to divisional matchups, NBA teams also face non-divisional opponents within their conference.
The number of games against non-divisional conference opponents varies depending on the total number of teams in the conference.
For conferences with an even number of teams, each team plays three games against the other four teams in two of the three non-divisional divisions.
This results in a total of 12 non-divisional conference matchups.
For conferences with an odd number of teams, each team plays two games against the other four teams in two of the three non-divisional divisions, and three games against the five teams in the remaining non-divisional division.
This results in a total of 15 non-divisional conference matchups.
Number of Games Against Non-Conference Opponents
While the majority of NBA games are played against conference opponents, teams also face off against teams from the opposing conference.
The number of games against non-conference opponents is typically lower compared to conference matchups.
Non-Conference Matchups
Each NBA team plays two games against teams from the opposing conference, resulting in a total of 30 non-conference matchups.
These games provide an opportunity for teams to compete against opponents they may not face as frequently during the regular season.
Examples and Statistics
Let’s take a closer look at some examples and statistics to further illustrate the number of times NBA teams play each other per season.
Example 1: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Los Angeles Clippers
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Los Angeles Clippers are two popular NBA teams that share the same home arena.
As both teams belong to the Pacific Division of the Western Conference, they play four games against each other during the regular season.
These matchups often generate significant excitement among fans, as they showcase the battle for supremacy in the city of Los Angeles.
Example 2: Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers
The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers have a historic rivalry that dates back several decades.
As teams from different conferences, they only face each other twice during the regular season, once at each team’s home arena.
These matchups are highly anticipated by fans due to the rich history and competitiveness between the two franchises.
Statistics: Average Number of Games
On average, NBA teams play approximately 52 games against conference opponents and 30 games against non-conference opponents during the regular season.
This distribution ensures that teams have a balanced schedule and face a mix of familiar and unfamiliar opponents.
Q&A – How Many Times Do NBA Teams Play Each Other Per Season?
1. How many times do teams within the same division play each other?
Teams within the same division play four games against each other during the regular season.
2. How many times do teams play non-divisional opponents within their conference?
Teams play either three or two games against non-divisional opponents within their conference, depending on the total number of teams in the conference.
3. How many times do teams play against teams from the opposing conference?
Each team plays two games against teams from the opposing conference.
4. Do all teams play an equal number of games against each other?
No, the number of games against each other varies depending on the divisional alignment and conference structure.
5. Are there any exceptions to the regular season structure?
Occasionally, the NBA may introduce changes to the regular season structure, such as during lockout-shortened seasons or when implementing new scheduling formats.
6. How are home and away games determined?
Home and away games are determined through a combination of factors, including scheduling algorithms and considerations for travel distances.
7. Can teams face each other in the playoffs after the regular season?
Yes, teams that qualify for the NBA playoffs can face each other in a best-of-seven series, providing additional opportunities for matchups between teams.
8. Do teams have any control over their regular season schedule?
While teams may provide input on their preferences, the NBA ultimately determines the regular season schedule to ensure fairness and balance across all teams.
9. Are there any rivalries that result in additional matchups?
Some rivalries, such as the Boston Celtics vs. Los Angeles Lakers, may result in additional matchups during the regular season due to their historical significance and fan interest.
10. How do teams prepare for multiple matchups against the same opponent?
Teams often study game footage, analyze opponent strategies, and make adjustments based on previous matchups to prepare for multiple games against the same opponent.
11. Are there any advantages to playing more games against certain opponents?
Playing more games against certain opponents can provide teams with a better understanding of their strengths and weaknesses, allowing them to develop effective game plans.
12. How do teams handle back-to-back games against the same opponent?
Back-to-back games against the same opponent require teams to make quick adjustments and adapt their strategies based on the outcome of the previous game.
13. Can teams request changes to their schedule?
Teams can request changes to their schedule in exceptional circumstances, such as when faced with unforeseen events or logistical challenges.
14. How do teams deal with injuries during the regular season?
Teams have to manage injuries throughout the regular season, which may impact their performance and require adjustments to their game plans.
15. How does the regular season schedule impact playoff seeding?
The regular season schedule plays a crucial role in determining playoff seeding, as teams earn positions based on their win-loss records and performance against other teams.
Summary
The NBA regular season consists of 82 games, with teams playing an equal number of home and away matchups against both conference and non-conference opponents.
Within their respective conferences, teams play more games against divisional opponents compared to non-divisional opponents.
Additionally, teams face off against teams from the opposing conference twice during the regular season.
The number of games against each other varies depending on the divisional alignment and conference structure.
Understanding the scheduling intricacies of the NBA provides fans with valuable insights into the number of times their favorite teams will face off against each other, adding to the excitement and anticipation of the regular season.
