Regional preseason games

One positive effect of last year’s lockout was the shortened preseason games. One home, one away and it was against a divisional opponent.

The Pistons played the Cavaliers twice. Why can’t the same thing apply for non-lockout years? No, I’m not advocating for playing the Cavs eight times or taking four trips to Cleveland (Lord knows I’m saying no such thing).

But how about playing Cleveland, Chicago, Indiana and Milwaukee, home and home for the entire exhibition season? With the Pistons in Miami for tonight’s game, it seems like teams can go through a lot of unnecessary travel when rest would appear to be at a premium.

Of course, the preseason is where the NBA goes overseas to expand its ever-widening popularity so it’s probably not a realistic possibility to narrow the focus to only divisional foes.

And of course, the players won’t complain about spending an off day in Miami, either. But what if that preseason game was in Minnesota or Charlotte?

Join the Conversation

The Detroit News aims to provide a forum that fosters smart, civil discussions on the news and events that we cover. The News will not condone personal attacks, off topic posts or brutish language on our site. If you find a comment that you believe violates these standards, please click the "X" in the upper right corner of the post to report it.

Related Posts in Detroit Pistons on Detroit Pistons