The NBA released its 2021-22 regular-season schedule Friday. Here are three takeaways on what the Nets will face:
National attention
Predictably, the Nets will be spending a lot of time on national television. They will play 26 times on ESPN (10), ABC (five) and TNT (11), with an additional 12 on NBATV. That includes the Oct. 19 regular-season opener at the Bucks on TNT — a rematch of the Eastern Conference semifinals, won by Milwaukee in seven games — and a Christmas Day road showdown against LeBron James and the Lakers on ABC. Only the Lakers (30) and Warriors (29) will play on national television more than the Nets.
Home cooking
After a brief two-game road trip, the Nets open the season with a six-game homestand at Barclays Center and end with six of their last eight in Brooklyn. Those first six home contests include just one opponent — the Heat — that produced a winning record a year ago. A fast start is expected.
Plenty of rest
After the All-Star break, the Nets have just three of their 12 back-to-back sets, giving their Big 3 of Kevin Durant, James Harden and Kyrie Irving the opportunity to be fresh for the stretch run, assuming they can stay healthy. Of their final 22 games, 12 are at home.