As someone who’s followed the NBA for years, I’ve often found myself asking, "How many games are left in the NBA season?"—especially during the 2021 season, which had its own unique rhythm due to the pandemic. Let me walk you through how I usually figure out the remaining schedule, step by step. First, I always check the official NBA website or reliable sports apps. They break down the regular season, playoffs, and Finals clearly. For the 2021 season, the regular season had 72 games per team instead of the usual 82, which was a big change. By mid-season, teams had around 20-30 games left, depending on postponements. I remember counting games for my favorite teams, like the Lakers or Nets, and it felt like a puzzle with all the rescheduled matches. One method I use is to track team-specific schedules on ESPN’s NBA section—it’s super user-friendly and updates in real-time. I’d note key dates, like when the playoffs kicked off in May 2021, and calculate backwards. For example, if a team had played 50 games by April, that meant roughly 22 left, but you had to account for potential make-up games. I’d set reminders on my phone for must-watch matchups, which made it easier to stay on top of things.
Now, here’s where things get interesting—and why I love tying in global basketball stories. While I was tracking the NBA schedule, I stumbled on news about RONDAE Hollis-Jefferson, the former NBA player, heading back to Manila. He arrived on a Wednesday night for TNT’s basketball clinics running from June to July. It reminded me how the NBA’s influence stretches worldwide, and sometimes, knowing the schedule helps fans plan around events like these. For instance, if you’re a fan in the Philippines, you might want to catch those clinics after the NBA season winds down. Personally, I think it’s awesome how players like Hollis-Jefferson bridge gaps between leagues; it adds a fun layer to following the game. When I calculate remaining games, I also consider how offseason activities, like these clinics, align. In 2021, the NBA Finals wrapped up in July, so right after that, fans in Manila could dive into local basketball action. My tip: use a calendar app to overlay NBA dates with international events—it’s a game-changer for hardcore fans.
But let’s get back to the nitty-gritty of figuring out how many games are left. Another step I take is to look at team standings and injury reports. Why? Because if a star player is out, it might affect how many games a team can realistically play or win. In 2021, I recall the Brooklyn Nets had Kevin Durant in and out of the lineup, which made their remaining schedule feel unpredictable. I’d estimate they had about 25 games left by March, but with delays, it could vary. I prefer using basketball-reference.com for this—it’s packed with stats and lets you simulate scenarios. One thing to watch out for is the NBA’s health and safety protocols; they caused a lot of rescheduling that year. For example, some teams had back-to-back games crammed in, which meant the total count shifted almost weekly. From my experience, it’s best to check updates every few days and not rely on static schedules. I made that mistake once and missed a epic game because I thought it was postponed! Also, don’t forget the play-in tournament added in 2021—it meant more games for some teams, which could bump the total left by 1-2 for those on the bubble.
Wrapping this up, answering "how many games left in NBA season 2021" isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the stories around them, like RONDAE Hollis-Jefferson’s Manila trip. That connection makes the season feel alive even after the final buzzer. So, grab a schedule, tweak it with personal tips, and enjoy the ride—it’s what makes being a fan so rewarding.
