Scoring Benefits to Eastward Travel in the NBA

Abstract

Travel across time zones may affect player scoring through circadian rhythm. We test how travel affects scoring for the US National Basketball Association from 2014–2018, a period featuring a new game scheduler. We also test whether a collective bargaining agreement that protected player rest changed how travel affects scoring. We find eastward travel increases scoring and point spread via three-pointers and field goals, with implications for point spread betting in sports gambling markets. The 2017 collective bargaining agreement mitigates the eastward travel benefit on scoring and increases scoring overall, suggesting improved fairness and potential benefits for players and fans.

Keywords

NBA basketball travel circadian rhythm time zones

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