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Doctoral Dissertation Defense
of
Anthony G. Pinzone

For the degree of

Doctor of Philosophy
Exercise Physiology

The Relationship Between Relative Rest Index and Team Performance Across Eras of Competition in the National Basketball Association

March 25, 2025
2:00 P.M.
MACC Annex 272
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The Relationship Between Relative Rest Index and Team Performance Across Eras of Competition in the National Basketball Association

This dissertation assessed the relationship rest discrepancies between competing teams (relative rest index) in the National Basketball Association (NBA) with team performance. The first study aimed to assess this relationship over the prior two competitive NBA seasons, while the second study expanded on these findings, evaluating these associations across two, three-year windows of competition in the early 2000s and in recent years. 

Regular-season NBA matches from the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons were utilized for analysis in study one, while matches from the 2001-02 to 2003-04 and 2022-23 to 2023-24 seasons were included in study two . Linear and logistic hierarchical regression models were implemented to assess the relationship between relative rest index, competitive season (study one) or era (study two), and opponent quality on team performance (win occurrence, point differential, points for, points allowed). Relative rest index displayed significant positive associations with win occurrence and point differential in both studies. 

Findings from both studies support the notion that relative rest is associated with enhanced team performance in the NBA and suggest potential for relative rest index to predict team performance at a greater magnitude when compared to rest between games alone.