NBA reveals which team has the toughest start to 2026

Full of feelings of excitement and potential dread, the NBA calendar has flipped seamlessly into January 2026. Each franchise faces a different road up ahead, and the toughness of those upcoming games could shape playoff hopes and narrative momentum across the league.

Boffins in white coats who hurriedly scuttle around like beetles throughout the labyrinthian network of centuries-old tunnels deep underneath NBA HQ, have developed ways to gauge which teams are tested and which might enjoy a more forgiving slate of fixtures from the unforgiving computer.

At the top of what I’m going to call The NBA Accurate Reciprocal System of Equality (or ARSE for short) sit the Sacramento Kings, whose January opponents boast the highest combined win rate in the league. What’s worse is that the same metric has them at the top of December 2025’s difficulty listing.

A total of 10 of their first 12 games are at home, but they end the month by visiting five of the top eight teams in the Eastern Conference, a freak run that has skewed their numbers and given them the unwanted title.

Nearly 13 of their 17 opponents enter the month above .500, presenting a gauntlet of Herculean proportions that will truly test Sacramento’s resilience. Trailing closely are the Indiana Pacers, Phoenix Suns and Cleveland Cavaliers, all of whom have challenging lists filled with quality teams clustered around the playoff picture.

The Kings’ tough schedule could slow their climb in the standings unless they find consistency on both ends of the court. Indiana’s rough draw, despite a struggling record, includes a long road trip and several matchups against teams fighting for seeding positioning.

Related stories

NBA

Curry injury gives Warriors cause for concern

NBA

NBA breaks new record that has the fans to thank

Phoenix also face a demanding stretch, beginning January with several games away from home and against upper-tier competition, a test that could be pivotal for their postseason push.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.