NBA home teams in the Western time zone have a 10% better win ratio against Eastern teams due to time zone impact on players' sleep-wake cycles.

A study in Chronobiology International found that time zones significantly impact NBA player performance. Over 25,000 matches across 21 seasons were analyzed, revealing a near 10% better win ratio for home teams in the Western time zone when playing against Eastern teams. Home teams win more games when players' sleep-wake cycles, connected to their circadian rhythm, are 'ahead' of the local time after traveling west. The study suggests that NBA coaches and teams should consider time zone travel when planning games and preparing for them.

May 01, 2024
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