When the NBA schedule was released several weeks ago, fans were excited. It gave them something new to analyze after a lengthy break without basketball action. Now they know if their teams will have any overwhelming road trips or lengthy home stands. Sometimes, fans will find something new because every team schedule has its own unique traits. Let us see what they are in teams from the Southwest Division.
Houston Rockets
The NBA did not waste time when it came to Dillon Brooks and the drama surrounding him. Brooks, who now plays for the Rockets, recently attacked LeBron James verbally in the Playoffs, and the NBA is rewarding us with three early matchups between their teams. They are also giving us three early matchups where we get to see Brooks play against his former team. The Rockets playing the Los Angeles Lakers or the Memphis Grizzlies will be happening six times in Houston’s first 20 games.
San Antonio Spurs
Every year, the Spurs are kicked out of their own city as they give way to the rodeo show that comes to town. At least next season’s “Rodeo Trip” will be shorter than the one they took last time. It was a 22-day run of playing nine games last February, while it will be a 20-day run of playing nine games next year. There is usually a break in the road trip because of the All-Star festivities, and that time to rest is something players look forward to yearly.
Memphis Grizzlies
Everyone knows that Ja Morant was suspended and that his return date is now being monitored. Barring any future problems with the law, Morant’s return to the basketball court could be on the third week of December. That could be a little early Christmas gift for the fans. Some are even saying that he could be returning in a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, which happens to be a nationally televised game.
New Orleans Pelicans
If you study their schedule carefully, you will realize that the Pelicans caught a big break. For some reason, they will only have to play some of the big teams three times instead of four. The team will be facing the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns thrice, which could be a big help when going through a tough season.
Dallas Mavericks
Markieff Morris has something to be excited about. A back-to-back set of games against both NBA teams based in Los Angeles would reunite him with his brother Marcus Morris, who plays for the Los Angeles Clippers, for an extended period of time. If the Mavericks leave for L.A. right after their home game against the Sacramento Kings on November 19, the Morris twins could be together for six straight days.
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