How Many Games Before NBA Playoffs Start? A Complete Season Breakdown

As a longtime basketball analyst and someone who's spent countless seasons tracking the NBA calendar, I often get asked one particular question around March every year: just how many games do teams play before the playoffs begin? It’s a question that seems straightforward, but when you dive into the structure of the NBA season, there’s a lot more nuance than people realize. Let me walk you through the breakdown, because honestly, the journey from opening night to the postseason is both grueling and fascinating. I’ve always been drawn to the rhythm of the NBA schedule—the way it builds momentum, tests endurance, and separates contenders from pretenders. So, let’s get into it.

First off, the NBA regular season consists of 82 games for each team, a number that’s been set in stone for decades, though there’s been occasional chatter about shortening it to reduce player fatigue. I personally love the 82-game format; it’s a marathon that rewards consistency, and as a fan, it gives you months of drama to sink your teeth into. Teams typically start in mid-October, with the playoffs kicking off in mid-April, which means they’re playing roughly six months of basketball before the real showdown begins. That’s 82 opportunities for squads to jockey for position, develop chemistry, and—unfortunately—deal with injuries that can derail everything. Speaking of injuries, it’s a topic I can’t ignore, especially when I see parallels in other leagues. For instance, in the PVL on Tour, players like Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Kat Tolentino are sidelined with knee and ear injuries, respectively, and their absence highlights how crucial health is in any sport. In the NBA, a single injury to a star player can shift the playoff landscape dramatically, and I’ve seen seasons where teams limp into the playoffs barely holding it together. It’s a reminder that those 82 games aren’t just about wins and losses; they’re about survival.

Now, if we break it down further, the season is split into a series of phases that each team navigates differently. Early on, from October to December, it’s all about finding your footing. I’ve noticed that teams with strong starts often carry that confidence deep into the year, but it’s not a guarantee—remember, the 2015-16 Warriors started 24-0 and still faced heartbreak later. Then, from January to the All-Star break in February, the grind really sets in. This is where depth matters, and as someone who’s analyzed roster construction for years, I can’t stress enough how important bench players are. They log minutes in those mid-season games that might seem forgettable but ultimately determine playoff seeding. After the All-Star break, it’s the home stretch, with about 25-30 games left depending on the schedule. This is when every game feels like a playoff preview, and the intensity ramps up. I’ve always preferred this part of the season because you see teams making strategic pushes, resting stars selectively, and sometimes, if they’re out of contention, even tanking for better draft position. It’s a chess match, and I love watching the coaches’ decisions unfold.

But let’s talk numbers, because they tell a story too. On average, teams play about 3-4 games per week, with back-to-backs adding to the physical toll. In a typical season, there are around 1,230 regular-season games league-wide before the playoffs, though exact figures can vary with scheduling quirks. For example, in the 2022-23 season, the actual total was 1,230 games, but I’ve seen years where it’s slightly higher due to make-up games or international fixtures. Personally, I think the league could tweak the schedule to reduce travel and injuries—maybe cut it to 78 games—but I know purists would argue that dilutes the tradition. And hey, I get it; as a fan, I’d miss those extra matchups. What’s more, the playoff picture starts to crystallize around game 70 for most teams. By then, you can usually predict who’s in and who’s out, barring any miracle runs. I recall the 2021 Memphis Grizzlies, who clawed their way in after a strong finish, and it’s moments like that which make the pre-playoff grind worth it.

Of course, injuries are the wild card in all this, and they’re something I’ve followed closely across sports. In the PVL, for instance, the Flying Titans are dealing with absences like Dindin Santiago-Manabat and Kat Tolentino, and it’s a stark reminder that recovery timelines can stretch for months. In the NBA, we’ve seen superstars like Kevin Durant or LeBron James miss chunks of the season, and it often forces teams to recalibrate their entire approach. I’ve always believed that managing player health is as important as coaching strategy, and in my opinion, the league’s recent emphasis on load management—though controversial—makes sense. Still, it can lead to frustrating moments for fans who pay to see stars play. On the flip side, those 82 games allow for comebacks and surprises; think of Derrick Rose’s MVP season or Luka Dončić’s breakout years. The length of the season means there’s room for narrative arcs that you just don’t get in shorter formats.

Wrapping it up, the path to the NBA playoffs is a 82-game odyssey that blends athleticism, strategy, and a bit of luck. From my perspective, it’s one of the best aspects of professional basketball—it tests teams in ways that a shorter season never could, and it sets the stage for the high-stakes drama of the playoffs. Whether you’re a casual viewer or a die-hard fan like me, understanding this breakdown adds depth to how you watch the game. So next time someone asks how many games lead up to the playoffs, you can not only say 82 but also explain why each one matters. And if you take anything from this, let it be that the journey is just as important as the destination—because in basketball, as in life, it’s the grind that shapes the glory.