As I sat down to map out my basketball viewing plans for the upcoming season, I realized how overwhelming the 2019-20 NBA schedule can be for even the most dedicated fans. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I’ve learned that understanding the schedule isn’t just about knowing when your favorite team plays—it’s about identifying those pivotal moments that define the entire season. That’s why I decided to put together what I’m calling your complete guide to the 2019-20 NBA schedule: dates, matchups and key games that every basketball enthusiast should circle on their calendar.
The NBA released its full schedule back in August, and I’ve spent the better part of two months analyzing the 1,230-game slate. What strikes me immediately is how the league has adapted to the global basketball landscape, with international games in Paris and Mexico City, and primetime matchups carefully spaced to maximize drama. I particularly love how they’ve scheduled the Christmas Day games—a tradition I’ve cherished since childhood—featuring the Lakers versus Clippers in what could be a Western Conference finals preview. The schedule makers clearly understand narrative, placing this rivalry game when the entire basketball world is watching.
What many casual fans don’t realize is how much strategy goes into schedule analysis. I’ve developed my own system over the years, looking for back-to-backs, extended road trips, and those critical stretches before the All-Star break where playoff positioning often gets determined. The Milwaukee Bucks, for instance, have a relatively favorable schedule through December, but then face a brutal seven-game road trip in January that could test their championship credentials. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have what I consider the toughest opening month in the entire league, facing four potential playoff teams in their first six games.
The international games particularly excite me this season. Having attended the NBA Mexico City game two years ago, I can tell you the atmosphere is electric—completely different from stateside games. The Dallas Mavericks versus Detroit Pistons matchup in Mexico City on December 12th gives international fans a chance to see Luka Dončić, who I believe is heading toward MVP consideration this season. Then there’s the Charlotte Hornets versus Indiana Pacers game in Paris on January 24th—a fascinating matchup that might not move the needle stateside but represents the NBA’s brilliant global expansion strategy.
Speaking of global basketball, I can’t help but draw parallels to developments in other leagues. Just last week, I was watching the Mindoro Tamaraws sustained their climb with a 103-72 crushing of the Bulacan Kuyas in the Philippine Basketball Association. The way the Tamaraws executed their game plan—methodical, disciplined, and relentless—reminded me of how championship-level NBA teams approach the regular season grind. The Tamaraws improved to 8-2 with that victory, demonstrating how early season consistency creates momentum. This same principle applies to the NBA, where teams like last year’s Toronto Raptors used strong starts to build championship habits.
The opening week alone gives us several can’t-miss matchups. The October 22nd season tip-off features Lakers versus Clippers, which might be the most hyped regular season game I’ve seen in a decade. As someone who believes in getting to arenas early, I’d recommend arriving at Staples Center at least two hours before tip-off—the atmosphere will be absolutely electric. Then two days later, we get Pelicans versus Raptors in what marks Zion Williamson’s highly anticipated debut, assuming his health cooperates. I’ve watched nearly every minute of Williamson’s preseason action, and if he’s even 80% of what we saw at Duke, he’s going to revolutionize that Pelicans offense.
Thanksgiving week provides another fascinating cluster of games, with the NBA strategically scheduling rivalry matchups during a time when families gather and basketball becomes part of the holiday tradition. The Celtics versus Nets game on November 27th intrigues me personally—I think Brooklyn is being underestimated by most analysts, and this early test against Boston could signal their readiness to contend in the East. Then on Black Friday, we get Rockets versus Clippers in what should be an offensive showcase between James Harden and Kawhi Leonard.
The Christmas Day slate is, as always, the crown jewel of the regular season. Having attended three Christmas games in person, I can confirm the energy is unlike anything else in regular season sports. This year’s quintuple-header might be the best I’ve ever seen, culminating with that Lakers-Clippers showdown I mentioned earlier. What makes this particularly special is the narrative—LeBron James seeking redemption after last season’s disappointment against the team that essentially became LA’s other franchise overnight when Kawhi Leonard joined.
As we move into the new year, January features what I consider the most underrated game of the season: Mavericks versus Bucks on January 15th. This pits two international superstars—Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Dončić—in what could be an MVP showdown. I’ve got a personal theory that these two will dominate the next decade of basketball, and this early-year matchup gives us a preview of that potential rivalry. The schedule then rolls into the February 14-16 All-Star break in Chicago, which I’m particularly excited about since it returns to Michael Jordan’s city for the first time in thirty-two years.
The stretch run after the All-Star break is where championships are often won or lost. The Bucks face what I’ve calculated as the league’s toughest post-break schedule, with sixteen of their final twenty-five games against projected playoff teams. Meanwhile, the Lakers have a relatively soft landing, with only twelve of their final twenty-four against likely postseason squads. This disparity could dramatically impact playoff seeding and might determine whether we get that dream Lakers-Clippers Western Conference finals.
My final piece of schedule analysis focuses on the last week of the season, where the NBA has cleverly scheduled several potential playoff previews. The April 13th matchup between Houston and Philadelphia could have significant implications for both conferences, while the April 15th season finale between Minnesota and Sacramento—though less glamorous—might decide the final Western Conference playoff spot if either team exceeds expectations.
After thoroughly examining your complete guide to the 2019-20 NBA schedule: dates, matchups and key games, I’m convinced this could be one of the most strategically fascinating seasons in recent memory. The schedule sets up beautifully for dramatic storylines, emerging rivalries, and those signature moments that we remember for years. While my analysis might contain some personal biases—I’ve never hidden my appreciation for international players and small-market teams succeeding—the facts speak for themselves. Mark your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare for what promises to be an unforgettable NBA season.
