What can we learn from the release of the first half of the 2020-21 NBA schedule?
In a typical season, there is little difference in schedules for teams within the same conference. Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this season's schedule is a little different.
First, we're getting only half of the schedule for now, which means it will be a bit more imbalanced before the latter half is added.
Second and more important, the NBA has adjusted the schedule to reduce travel. This is meant to both facilitate playing through a pandemic and apply the lessons learned with teams playing at the same site on the ESPN Wide World of Sports campus during the conclusion to the 2019-20 season.
What's new this season? And what is the strength of schedule for each of the NBA's 30 teams? Let's break it down.