The NBA approved a plan to finish the 2019-20 NBA season. This has been in the works for a while after meeting with players and organizations throughout the month of May. 29 out of 30 teams voted yes for the final version that was approved. The Portland Trailblazers were the only team to vote no.
This is something completely new for NBA fans. While the league is coming back, it will not be the entire league.
Shams Charania of the Athletic initially broke the news on Twitter saying:
“Sources: NBA commissioner Adam Silver is planning to propose a 22-team format to resume the 2019-20 season Story on @TheAthleticNBA with full details of the play-in tournament for 8th seed”
He later released details about the play-in tournament.
“Play-in tournament in NBA’s 22-team format would only be for 8th seed, per sources: – If 9th seed is 4 or more games back, 8th seed earns spot – If 9th seed is 4 or fewer games behind, play-in: Single-elimination for 9th seed, double-elimination for 8th.”
Who are the 22 NBA teams?
Eastern Conference
[table “3” not found /]Western Conference
[table “4” not found /]Adam Silver felt returning was neccessary and said the following about resuming the league.
“The Board’s approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season. While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts.
We also recognize that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways.”
The NBA is known for allowing their players to use their voice for social issues important to them so the latter comes as no surprise.
When will the players report?
Players will report to Orlando June 21st with Corona Virus testing to follow immediately. The official 8 game schedule for each team is not set yet.
With the season confirmed the NBA will now have the draft lottery on August 25th, 2020 and the draft on October 15th, 2020. The 2020-21 season is slated to start December 1st.
The three teams with the highest odds for the number one pick in the draft are the Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Minnesota Timberwolves.
Belows are the Vegas odds to win the NBA Championship out of the 22 invited teams to win the 2019-20 Championship.
[table “5” not found /]
