Three takeaways from Warriors’ 2022-23 NBA schedule release originally appeared on NBC Sports Bayarea
The suspense is over. Warriors fans already knew they’d be hosting the Los Angeles Lakers for opening night of the 2022-23 NBA regular season on Oct. 18. To the delight of both Draymond Green and Ja Morant, it also already was announced the Warriors would welcome the Memphis Grizzlies to San Francisco for Christmas.
Now, the Warriors’ entire schedule has been released. What did we learn?
Let’s break down what the schedule presents in Golden State’s quest for another title defense, highlighted by three key categories.
First Month
The Warriors went 14-2 over their first month of play last season. Through November, they were 18-3 with losses to the Grizzlies, Charlotte Hornets and Phoenix Suns. Klay Thompson, while still rehabbing his torn Achilles, wasn’t available for any of those games.
However, the Warriors also were seen as having the fifth-easiest schedule through their first 20 games — one game before that loss to the Suns.
In the first month of their schedule last season, the Warriors played nine home games and seven on the road. Eight of those games at Chase Center came from a season-long homestand, and three of their first four games were on the road. This season, the opposite is true.
Along with opening in front of Dub Nation, the Warriors’ first three games are at home before they fly to Phoenix. Golden State’s home-road splits for the first month couldn’t be more even. Literally. The Warriors play eight homes and eight away games in their first 16 contests.
Now, what about the competition?
Through the first month of the season, nine games will be against playoff teams from last season, including the play-in tournament. But one of those teams in the San Antonio Spurs, who are in no rush to compete right now. Plus, three games are against the Sacramento Kings, who should be better and fight for at least a play-in spot, though they’re not exactly a championship contender.
What will be the most noteworthy is the fact that the Warriors play the Suns twice in the first month, both times being in the desert. They also play the Miami Heat, who were the top seed in the East last season and one shot away from the NBA Finals, twice in that first 16-game stretch.
Final Month
Though a strong start is needed, an even better finish can propel teams going into the playoffs. The Warriors ending the regular season on a five-game win streak was huge last…