During the 1987-88 NBA season the home team won 67.9 percent of the time.
This season it's at 57.4 percent and NBA insiders tell ESPN that Tinder and Instagram account for a good chunk of the increase in the visiting teams success.
"Tin-der-i-za-tion," a NBA GM declares. "Like the dating app. No need to go to the clubs all night anymore." It's absolutely true that you get at least two hours more sleep getting laid on the road today versus 15 years ago," says one former All-Star, who adds that players actually prefer Instagram to Tinder when away from home. "No schmoozing. No going out to the club. No having to get something to eat after the club but before the hotel."There may be other factors at play. The NBA monitors their refs more closely than they have in the past, and that may cut down on "hometown" calls. Players are also taking better care of themselves in general.
“From the teams I’ve been on, nobody drinks on the plane,” NBA journeyman D.J. Augustin told ESPN. “A lot of teams don’t allow it. Guys are being smart about their bodies and their careers. Taking care of your body is the biggest thing.”All the extra rest seems to be helping more than just the visitors. This year teams are scoring an average of 105.5 points a game, the most since 90-91.
Given the efficiency of Tinder and IG, off the court scoring is probably at an all time high.