How much do back-to-back games matter?

by ZooooomByU on Mar 14, 2009 12:29 PM PDT

Like plenty of other fans I've decided to dissect the last month of action for the NW. I noticed that we're playing a lot of teams who are on their second night of back-to-backs. It got me thinking about how much this actually affects the outcome of a game, and how it could impact who wins the division. Here are some comparisons between the NW teams.

Portland: We play 7 teams who are on the second night of a back-to-back starting with our game against Philly on 3/23. In fact, the four teams we play during that home stand are all on the second night of consecutive play. Conversely, we only play 1 set of back-to-back games after our upcoming road trip, but 3 total when you include the upcoming road games.

Utah: The Jazz only play 1 team who is on a second night of back-to-back games, 4/11 when they host the Warriors. On the flip side, Utah plays 6 sets of back-to-back games for the rest of the schedule.

Denver: The Nuggets split the difference. They go against 4 teams who had played the night before. Meanwhile Denver will only play 2 more back-to-back sets through the close of the season.

Additionally, the opponents for the Jazz and Nuggets on these second nighters aren't exactly the cream of the crop. Their opponents will be GS, and NJ, NY, OKC respectively. These should be games that the Jazz and Nuggets win anyway. Whereas the Blazers will play Phoenix, Utah, SA, and LAL on their second straight nights of play. This may give Portland an edge against some tough competition during the stretch.

Poll

How do you think back-to-back games will impact the Blazers for the rest of the season?

Gives Portland the edge to win the NW

25 votes

Helps for a couple extra wins, but won't impact the division race

8 votes

Doesn't matter because good teams find ways to win

15 votes

48 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Teams on the second game of a back to back have about a 2 point disadvantage over teams that have a rest day

For comparison, having home court gives teams about a 3 point advantage.

by trk on Mar 14, 2009 1:40 PM PDT reply actions

Long post on this

with more info than you probably want to have.

http://www.blazersedge.com/2009/1/23/734327/back-to-back-games-are-the

When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.

by jscot on Mar 14, 2009 2:47 PM PDT reply actions

HAhahaha, It would be one of your own posts, you self promoter you....

Superman wears Tyler Hansbrough underwear. - JTDuck22

by maid tu rek on Mar 14, 2009 11:40 PM PDT up reply actions

Who would promote me

if I didn’t?

When I rule the world, everyone will know how to use Excel.

by jscot on Mar 15, 2009 7:48 AM PDT up reply actions

Didn't Portland get all their big time back to backs out fo the way?

If it wasn’t for all the injuries, I’d be pretty pumped about this final stretch and think the Blazers have a real chance at getting to my preseason prediction of 61 wins. I might have to lower my preseason prediction after the next road trip.

Are you following me camera guy? That's why I don't do 360 dunks anymore.

by Dragline on Mar 14, 2009 6:42 PM PDT reply actions

The Blazers are not going to get to 61 wins

Unless you count wins in the playoffs.

by trk on Mar 14, 2009 7:14 PM PDT up reply actions

You don't know him very well, do you?

by TallTimber on Mar 14, 2009 8:48 PM PDT up reply actions

lol

Superman wears Tyler Hansbrough underwear. - JTDuck22

by maid tu rek on Mar 14, 2009 11:41 PM PDT up reply actions

As long as I'm correct, I don't care

Only politicians, sports columnists and yours truly is allowsedt o to change a “preseason” predictions at the end of the season.

Are you following me camera guy? That's why I don't do 360 dunks anymore.

by Dragline on Mar 15, 2009 3:20 AM PDT up reply actions

After Friday’s win I predicted 41 & 24,

so far I’ve been dead on all year.

GO
THE TEACHER ......come into my classroom "THE PAINT" for some tutelage.
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"The rancor reflected in that remark I won't dignify with comment. But I'll address your general attitude of hopeless negativism." – Everett "O Brother, where art Thou?"

by Blazer1342 on Mar 15, 2009 8:03 AM PDT up reply actions