According to Michael Wilbon at ESPN the NBA is planning on a 66 game schedule consisting of 48 conference games and 18 non-conference games.  While it is not as lopsided toward conference play as the NHL (they need to fix that system) I still find it disappointing. I think fans should have a chance to see every other team at least once in their home city (assuming they have an NBA team . . . sorry Seattle). Also, assuming you play those non-conference teams all at least once, who decides which three non-conference teams your team plays twice?

With this in mind, my idea -- no, David Stern hasn't called me yet -- would be a home and away between every team. This would fill 58 games of each team's season. With the remaining eight games each team would play the other four teams in its division in a second home and away. Viola! A nice, balanced, 66 game schedule with an emphasis on divisional play and a chance for fans to see each team. The four games against divisional foes is also the same as it has been in 82-game seasons. The only games missing are the other in-conference, non-division games.

The downside is this schedule would be even more brutal for the Blazers given less conference play.