How Many Games Are Left in the NBA Season and What to Expect
2025-11-15 15:01
As we hit the midpoint of the NBA season, I find myself constantly checking the schedule and crunching numbers—something I've done professionally for over a decade as both a sports analyst and former journalist. Right now, with approximately 246 regular-season games remaining before the playoffs begin in mid-April, the tension is building in ways that remind me of other major sporting events where timing and legacy intersect. It’s fascinating how the structure of professional sports seasons often creates these high-stakes windows, whether we're talking about basketball or boxing. Just the other day, I came across veteran reporter Lance Pugmire’s social media post discussing the potential for a second Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather bout, especially if Pacquiao, at 46, manages to reclaim a world championship. That piece of news struck a chord with me because it mirrors what we often see in the NBA: veteran players and teams making late-season pushes that defy expectations, turning the final stretch into a theater of drama and surprise.
When I look at the remaining NBA games, it’s not just about the quantity—it’s about the quality of narratives unfolding. For instance, teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, both packed with seasoned stars, are fighting to secure play-in tournament spots, and every one of their remaining 20-25 games feels like a mini-final. I’ve tracked similar patterns in boxing; take Pacquiao’s potential comeback, which Pugmire highlighted. If Pacquiao wins another title, it could set the stage for a legacy-defining rematch, much like how LeBron James or Stephen Curry might use these last games to cement their careers. From my perspective, this overlap between age, opportunity, and fan anticipation is what makes sports so compelling. We’re drawn to underdogs and aging champions because their journeys resonate with our own hopes for resilience.
Digging deeper into the data, the NBA’s remaining schedule breaks down to about 30-35 games per team, depending on postponements and make-up dates—though I’ll admit, my estimates might be off by a game or two since the league occasionally adjusts for broadcast needs. What’s undeniable, though, is the impact on playoff seeding. In the Eastern Conference, the top three teams are separated by just a handful of wins, meaning every matchup could reshuffle the standings. I see parallels here to Pugmire’s boxing update: just as a single fight can revive a career, a clutch win in these final NBA games can transform a team’s trajectory. Personally, I’m rooting for the dark horses—squads like the Oklahoma City Thunder, who’ve outperformed expectations. Their hustle reminds me of Pacquiao’s relentless drive; it’s that same hunger that turns athletes into legends.
Of course, injuries and fatigue will play a huge role down the stretch. Having covered sports for years, I’ve noticed that late-season games often expose roster depth in ways that early matchups don’t. For example, if a key player like Kevin Durant or Nikola Jokić goes down, it could derail a championship bid—akin to how an injury sidelined Pacquiao in past bouts. Pugmire’s post got me thinking about risk and reward; in boxing, one punch can end it all, while in the NBA, a single ankle sprain might cost a team its title hopes. That’s why I always advise fans to watch these remaining games with an eye on player minutes and rest strategies. Teams that manage their stars wisely, like the Boston Celtics have occasionally done, tend to peak at the right time.
As we approach the playoffs, the intensity ramps up, and every game becomes a must-watch event. I expect surprise performances from rising rookies and trade deadline acquisitions, much like how Pacquiao’s potential comeback could introduce new twists in boxing. From a viewer’s standpoint, this is where the magic happens—the moments that define seasons and careers. So, whether you’re a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, keep tabs on those remaining matchups. They’re not just games; they’re chapters in a larger story of perseverance, much like the ones Lance Pugmire alluded to in his boxing coverage. In the end, it’s this blend of uncertainty and triumph that keeps us all coming back for more.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
