The NBA just released the schedule for all the teams going to Orlando next month for the resumption of the season. We already know when we’re going to see the best matchups between the strongest teams and all the calendar for the rest of squads trying to surprise the favorites.
Moreover, fans were quick to notice something that sparked any kind of rumors about the league and what they could be planning to do to get Zion Williamson in the playoffs. Once the schedules for the 22 teams were revealed on Friday night, a lot of fans pointed out the New Orleans Pelicans had the easiest schedule of all.
They are 3.5 games behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the 8th seed and things look very favorable for Zion and his Pels given their schedule. The beginning won’t be easy, though, as they start facing the Jazz and Clippers. After that, they go against the Grizzlies, Kings, Wizards, Spurs, Kings and Magic.
On the other hand, the Grizzlies will have a very complex schedule. They will go against the Trail Blazers, Spurs, they’ll have a crucial game against the Pelicans and from that point, the competition gets bigger and bigger. Jazz, Thunder, Raptors, Celtics and Bucks are the last five rivals for the Grizzlies.
This has led fans to create any theory about how bad the league wants Zion and the Pelicans in the playoffs. Seeing the strength of each schedule, you can say that, especially with all the teams the Grizzlies will face.
Strength of schedule for the NBA restart: pic.twitter.com/uha6fDWNF4
— Jacob Goldstein (@JacobEGoldstein) June 26, 2020
However, that could be an opportunity for the Portland Trail Blazers, too, who have a healthy roster and can’t wait to show everybody they can compete even though they weren’t good for a big part of the season.
You can say what you want about Zion and New Orleans, but that 8th seed is up for grabs and there is no clear favorite to take it.
