Among the NBA teams, the Blazers’ schedule is particularly tough. Portland has the second-most back-to-backs at 15 in the 2025-26 season. They will also struggle with their travel, as they will travel the most out of any team.
The Blazers’ 2025-26 Schedule Could Be Their Downfall
The Portland Trail Blazers are one of the teams with potential ahead of the 2025-26 season. They had a promising second half of the 2024-25 campaign, when they were one of the league’s best defenses. Chauncey Billups coached a top defense, headlined by versatile defender Toumani Camara.
The 2025-26 season is exciting for the Trail Blazers to compete for a spot in the playoffs. However, the schedule will be an obstacle they must overcome. It is not favorable to the Blazers, as it has some nasty stretches.
The Blazers’ Schedule Has The Second-Most Back-To-Backs
The Blazers won’t have many long breaks during the season due to their packed schedule. They will have 15 back-to-backs throughout the season, which is the second-most in the league. January will be the toughest month, when they will have four back-to-backs to start 2026.
The 2025-2026 Schedule by the numbers
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Portland has a roster that consists mostly of younger players. They have fresh legs to compete often, but they also have some veterans. Jrue Holiday will be crucial as a guard and leader, but he is in the later stages of his career. He is not as athletic as before, so the team must maintain a healthy rotation.
This will be a huge test for the Billups and the Blazers. The jam-packed schedule will be a good challenge for these players. With Holiday and the returning Damian Lillard as the locker room leaders, they are in a good spot.
The Grueling Travel Can Also Take Its Toll
Among the fans’ worries about this schedule is the load it has on the players. Robert Williams III and Jerami Grant have dealt with injuries in recent seasons. The Blazers’ depth has improved this season, with the roster being much healthier.
General Manager Joe Cronin also did a great job at maximizing the opportunities with his players. He has a mix of veterans and youth, so Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan can continue to develop.
Since they are not the best offensive team in the league, the Blazers will do their best to defend. This group is ready to follow Billups’ vision. In this challenging schedule, they will be learning to adjust on the job. It will be a huge task, but Portland has the talent to overcome its problems.
Aside from the back-to-backs, the Blazers will travel over 51,000 miles throughout the season. That is the most in the league, 6,000 miles over the average distance teams take. Of course, that is due to their placement in the Pacific Northwest, but it will also serve as a lesson.
The Blazers Must Step Up To The Challenge
If the Blazers want to compete for a playoff spot, they must meet this schedule head-on. The tough schedule should not be an excuse when the 2025-26 season comes around. A challenging slate is normal for any team in the NBA, even if the Blazers were unlucky.
Thankfully, the Blazers are hungry to succeed. They have Sharpe, who is ready to take the next step. The same goes for Henderson, as both players have high potential.
If the Blazers want to continue thriving, they must do their best to win games in this schedule. The first eight are particularly tough, but this team is prepared to compete.
NBA success does not come easy, and the Trail Blazers will face a massive test. It is up to Billups and his team to step up to this challenge and emerge as a success story.
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