The NBA schedule for this upcoming season was released recently. Although there are some highlights for fans of the Spurs, including a quarter (21) of their games on national television—including a Christmas Day matchup in New York against the Knicks—league officials did no favors for the Spurs during the second half of the season.

During the march to the playoffs (if all goes well), the Spurs have nine back-to-back games scheduled during the latter part of the season. They have 15 total back-to-backs this season, but players need their rest and their energy high during the last portion of the season. That’s when all systems are full go, trying to earn a position to challenge to lift the O’Brien trophy.

The Spurs are young and will be full of exuberance, especially if they’re in contention near the end of the season, which most of silver and black nation expects at this point. They’ve got some veteran players, most notably Chris Paul, who will likely rest during some of these back-to-backs. The young players should counteract that, however, and it’s likely fans will see more of the likes of Stephon Castle and Tre Jones when Paul sits.

Jones was a reliable, steady player last season who ran the offense well and provided leadership. That won’t change this year, and the Spurs will be better for it. Look for Coach Pop to count on role players like Mamu and Charles Bassey to provide quality minutes at the forward positions during these back-to-backs as well. Although limited in opportunities, both players have been able to flash when given more playing time than usual.

Although a daunting task, the Spurs can mitigate some of the tribulations of back-to-back games later in the season. The NBA did the Spurs no favors, but a team that succeeds must overcome adversity on their way to the top.