NBA schedule release: Winners & losers, including rookies, monster slates and some questionable decisions

The time has come. The NBA has officially dropped its 2026-27 regular-season schedule. As with anything in life, there are winners and losers — let’s dive in. 

Winner: The Villain. And by proxy, all villainous people

Look, I’m a big fan of a good social media product. Russell Westbrook called it quits on a fruitful 18-year career and did so with aplomb, a beautifully crafted mini-movie highlighting all the best parts of his time in the NBA. 

I’m also a fan of removing all of the pomp and circumstance and getting right to brass tacks with a schedule release, as well. And who better to do this with than Suns wing Dillon Brooks? Phoenix’s social-media release was a hilarious breath of fresh air, a reminder that, yes, all 30 teams in fact do play against each other. Brooks, who looks anything but camera-ready, balls up the script, throws it at the camera and declares, “We play everyone,” before staring directly at the camera in a manner similar to his trademark pregame ritual. It’s obvious. It’s brilliant. 

Winner: Key & Peele enthusiasts

I’m sure most of you are familiar with comedians/actors Keegan Michael-Key and Jordan Peele, and their old hit sketch comedy show, “Key & Peele.” If not, get hip to it. For those that do remember the series, you’ll immediately recall the infamous Substitute Teacher skit, featuring an enraged Key charged with taking attendance of his class. The only issue is Key is unable to pronounce anyone’s name. 

Introducing the Dallas Mavericks’ social-media schedule release. Adding current players Dereck Lively and Max Christie to the scene — with some of the students wearing opponent team gear — was the icing on the cake in their homage to the original. Bravo. 

Loser: Opening Night

Is anyone going to say it? 

It’s one thing for the league to pivot to an earlier start time (much earlier) to kick off the regular season. But you can’t have the reason you do — which involves the European market and its primetime viewing slot — and present the international basketball fanbase with Celtics-Pistons. No disrespect to either franchise, both of whom won 56-plus games last season. But surely there could have been a bigger draw, with some actual European stars. 

If the NBA truly wanted to capitalize on that day and bring in as many eyes as possible, there are better routes to take. Let’s remove the current ring night from this equation temporarily. (I certainly understand the geographic storylines between the 76ers and Knicks.) But the fun in ring night comes in the opposing team waltzing in, not giving a crap about the reigning champs being crowned and raining on their parade. Concerning the Knicks, is there a better candidate out there than the Indiana Pacers? Not only do you get to highlight the return of star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, but you also re-ignite an actual rivalry. 

I’m also not saying Philadelphia shouldn’t be included, it absolutely should. But why not pit it against Boston? Can’t think of a better emotionally slanted slate than seeing Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum square off after years of battles together. No one asked, but here’s my ideal schedule: 

• Boston-Philadelphia

• Minnesota-Miami

• Spurs-Thunder

• Pacers-Knicks

Loser: Streaming wars and bar enthusiasts 

Since there are so many different mouths the NBA has to feed concerning streaming rights, we’re forced to follow a fragmented viewing experience. Nothing better than getting off after work, heading over to the local bar to wind down and asking the employees if any of the TVs have Peacock or Amazon Prime. 

Winner: Virality

I love when teams have a good pulse on what’s making waves for its schedule release. The name is Samuel Henderson, probably the best birdcaller I’ve ever seen (not a long list). Look him up. And then watch this. 

Loser: East Group B (or whoever is in charge of seeded random draw)

Because of the structure of the NBA Cup, only eight teams will advance from the group stage to knockout play. Six winners from both conferences and two wild cards. This means there could potentially be five teams from this pool to be eliminated from the tournament. 

Knicks. Cavs. 76ers. Pacers. Heat. Pacers. Something about that just feels cruel. 

I’m pleased with the league’s decision to move the latter stages of the competition out of Vegas — once a year is enough for the common man or woman — but why not Seattle or another city that doesn’t currently have an NBA franchise? It feels like a missed opportunity playing at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. 

Winner: Monday, Nov. 2

With all the attention on the national television schedule, League Pass lovers might not be feeling attended to right now. I would ask that you look under your seats and pull out the piece of paper that says 11/2 on it. A quick run through some of the games …

• Pistons-Hornets: Chess match featuring two of the games’ brightest coaches.

• Hawks-Pacers: East playoff teams are always a vibe. 

• Nets-Knicks: Battle of NY, featuring Julius Randle. 

• Wizards-Magic: I expect Washington to be competitive from the jump and all signs from Orlando indicate it has something to prove.

• Celtics-Rockets: Ime Udoka’s old friends, Tatum vs. Kevin Durant, possibly high-level playoff teams.

• Jazz-Spurs: Victor Wembanyama against Utah’s frontline should be a real treat.

• Suns-Warriors: Steph Curry and Draymond Green dealing with a pesky Brooks (and Devin Booker/Jalen Green as a nice aside).

• Raptors-Clippers: Which team will Kawhi be suiting up for? Legit question these days.

• Heat-Lakers: Luka Dončić. Giannis Antetokounmpo. Downtown Los Angeles. Need I say more? 

Loser: Rookie of the Year race

AJ Dybantsa (No. 1 pick) and Darryn Peterson (No. 2 pick) won’t meet until the second to last day in February, well after the All-Star break. I was in the building for their first matchup in Vegas during Summer League, and the energy in the building was palpable. It’s a shame we have to wait that long for a rematch.

Cam Boozer, the No. 3 pick (and my sleeper for the actual award) won’t get any national TV time against either of his colleagues. If the NBA is all for promoting its young and upcoming stars, well, this is certainly one way to do it.