Playoff Push Intensifies: NBA's Toughest Schedules Revealed for Final Stretch

With the NBA season entering its final 28%, the race for playoff spots and seeding is about to reach a fever pitch. While some teams enjoy comfortable positions atop their conferences, the remaining schedule presents a gauntlet for others. Beyond mere standings, this final stretch will be crucial for integrating newly acquired stars and returning players, setting the stage for a dramatic postseason.

As of February 27th, 72% of the season is complete, and the numbers reveal a fascinating landscape. Notably, teams with a rest advantage hold a significant edge, boasting a 124-88 (.585) record. But the true challenge lies in navigating the strength of remaining schedules.

Toughest Schedules

Remaining strength of schedule – March and April

Here’s a look at the remaining schedule for every team, sorted from the toughest (regarding cumulative opponent winning percentage) to the easiest:

	Team	OppPCT	B2B	H | R
1.	Phoenix	.585	3	12 | 10
2.	Sacramento	.556	5	12 | 12
3.	Denver	.544	4	12 | 10
4.	Portland	.542	4	11 | 11
5.	L.A. Lakers	.542	6	12 | 12
6.	LA Clippers	.535	5	12 | 11
7.	Milwaukee	.533	5	12 | 12
8.	San Antonio	.531	6	13 | 12
9.	New Orleans	.523	3	11 | 11
10.	Oklahoma City	.521	4	12 | 11
11.	Memphis	.519	5	12 | 11
12.	Chicago	.509	3	9 | 13
13.	New York	.507	6	10 | 13
14.	Dallas	.505	3	10 | 12
15.	Utah	.503	4	11 | 12
16.	Brooklyn	.500	5	12 | 11
17.	Houston	.497	3	12 | 11
18.	Charlotte	.496	4	12 | 12
19.	Golden State	.493	4	11 | 12
20.	Indiana	.487	5	14 | 10
21.	Detroit	.486	4	11 | 11
22.	Cleveland	.484	4	10 | 13
23.	Miami	.478	4	16 | 8
24.	Orlando	.471	4	10 | 11
25.	Atlanta	.464	5	12 | 10
26.	Philadelphia	.464	5	11 | 13
27.	Washington	.446	5	9 | 15
28.	Boston	.444	4	12 | 10
29.	Minnesota	.438	3	11 | 10
30.	Toronto	.367	4	9 | 13

• OppPCT = Cumulative opponent winning percentage (as of Feb. 27)

  
  

• B2B = Back-to-backs (includes three Feb. 28-March 1 back-to-backs)

  
  

• H | R = Home games | Road games.

Leading the way with the most challenging remaining schedule are the Phoenix Suns, who face a formidable .585 cumulative opponent winning percentage. They must endure a tough period, with 19 of their 22 games against teams currently above .500. Close behind are the Sacramento Kings, with a .556 opponent winning percentage, facing a crucial series of games against other playoff contenders. The Denver Nuggets, despite their championship experience, also have a difficult path, with a schedule heavy on Western Conference teams and a tough early March period.

Eastern Conference Breakdown: Home-Heavy Heat and Challenging Bucks

In the East, the Milwaukee Bucks face the toughest remaining schedule in the conference, with few games against lower-tier teams. In contrast, the Boston Celtics have the league's third-easiest schedule, potentially setting them up for a strong finish. The Miami Heat enjoy the most home-heavy schedule, providing a significant advantage. However, the New York Knicks face a tough stretch with the most back-to-backs in the conference.

The Philadelphia 76ers are in a unique position, with a better record on the road than at home. They will face a heavy road schedule in March, challenging their resilience. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors benefit from the league's easiest remaining schedule, though their standing remains unstable.

Western Conference Wild West: Suns Struggle, Nuggets Battle, and Lakers Navigate Chaos

The West is a battleground, with the Suns facing a monumental challenge. The Nuggets have a schedule heavy on Western Conference teams. The Los Angeles Lakers encounter a chaotic stretch, dealing with a condensed schedule and numerous rest-disadvantage games. The Golden State Warriors will enjoy a long homestand but then embark on an extended road trip. The Oklahoma City Thunder face a tough series of games against winning teams, testing their young squad's resilience.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have the easiest remaining schedule in the West, potentially helping them secure a playoff spot. The Dallas Mavericks face a unique challenge, with more games against Eastern teams than Western. The San Antonio Spurs will have a league-high 25 games left, keeping them busy until the season's end.

Key Storylines to Watch:

• Integration of Stars: How quickly can teams like the Lakers, Cavaliers, and Warriors integrate their new stars and returning players?

  
  

• Play-In Positioning: The competition for play-in tournament spots will be intense, with key head-to-head matchups deciding who moves forward.

  
  

• Rest Advantage: Will teams with rest advantages make the most of their opportunities, or will the more determined teams defy the odds?

  
  

• Home Court Advantage: How will teams use their home-heavy schedules to secure essential victories?

  
  

The final 44 days of the NBA season promise to be a thrilling ride, full of dramatic twists and turns. As teams fight for playoff positioning, the strength of their remaining schedules will be crucial in determining their outcomes.