Paul Sancya/Associated Press
The wide-open NBA season begins Oct. 19, with prime-time games between Brooklyn Nets and Milwaukee Bucks. Next, the Los Angeles Lakers will host the Golden State Warriors.
After a compressed 2020-21 season, the 2021-22 season is a return to normalcy. Each team will play 82 games between October and April. This should help keep more players healthy after last season's playoffs. As their teams were eliminated, stars like Kyrie Irving, Anthony Davis, James Harden, and Kawhi Leonard were not able to play.
The Bucks could face more challenges as they try to be the NBA champions again. Giannis Antetokounmpo, his team and others return most of the key players they had from the 2021 title run. However, healthier rosters could mean more potential contenders next season.
There are many teams that have been stronger than theirs in the offseason so no one can predict what will happen in 2021-22. This is a list of the tasks each team must complete to be eligible for the playoffs.
Schedules for Teams
Eastern Conference
Atlantic
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
Toronto Raptors
Central
Chicago Bulls
Cleveland Cavaliers
Detroit Pistons
Indiana Pacers
Milwaukee Bucks
Southeast
Atlanta Hawks
Charlotte Hornets
Miami Heat
Orlando Magic
Washington Wizards
Conference in the West
Southwest
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
Memphis Grizzlies
New Orleans Pelicans
San Antonio Spurs
Northwest
Denver Nuggets
Minnesota Timberwolves
Portland Trail Blazers
Oklahoma City Thunder
Utah Jazz
Pacific
Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Clippers
Los Angeles Lakers
Phoenix Suns
Sacramento Kings
Important Dates
October 19: The First Day of Season
Feb. 18-20: All-Star Weekend
April 10: End of the Regular Season
April 12-15, Play-In Tournament
April 16: Playoffs Begin
For much of last season, the Nets and Lakers were considered the favorites to win it all. They will be back as top contenders next season thanks to the talent on both rosters.
Brooklyn's trio of Irving Harden, Kevin Durant and Harden remains the same. However, this season, the team will be able to spend more time together to build a stronger bond. Marc Stein reports that the Nets played just seven regular season games without all three of their players due to injuries. They spent just 202 minutes together on the court during this period.
All three teams scored a combined total of 78.4 points per match. However, more time together can result in greater success in the postseason. Patty Mills, Blake Griffin and other depth players should help Brooklyn win many more games next season.
The Lakers also traded for Russell Westbrook in the offseason, adding another All-Star to their roster, alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and LeBron James. The roster features a mix of veteran players such as Carmelo Anthony or Dwight Howard, along with younger players like Malik Monk or Kendrick Nunn. It also includes a lot players who can help win the games.
Last season's playoffs demonstrated that there are many contenders beyond these star-heavy teams.
After reaching the NBA Finals last year, the Phoenix Suns resigned leader Chris Paul to maintain its elite backcourt and Devin Booker. Trae Young and Atlanta Hawks will be looking to continue their run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
These teams hope that retaining their core will be enough for them to win the title.
Trade speculation has also led to Bradley Beal, Damian Lillard, and Ben Simmons all potentially moving on to other teams. These deals could change the league's landscape going into 2021-22.
Everyone is still trying catch Milwaukee, which features Antetokounmpo as the MVP and elite secondary options in Khris Midton (and Jrue Holiday). After several years of playoff failure, the Bucks have finally won and they will be trying to maintain their confidence going into the next season.
This could be a thrilling year, as top teams jockey for playoff positioning. It will position them for a title race.
