In this unprecedented time in sports history, the league-and the world-were put on pause as the Coronavirus pandemic paralyzed the 2019-20 regular and playoff season. That was March 11, since then sports fans have grown tireless. As the country slowly re-opens, the NBA’s board of governor’s voted and approved that the season resume in Orlando, FL at the iconic Walt Disney World Resort inside the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at the resort.
To salvage what is left of the season, the league invited 22 teams (pictured below) to participate in 8 regular season games and playoffs. The 22-teams include reigning chamber Toronto, Miami, Indiana, Philadelphia, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee, Boston, Denver, Utah, Oklahoma City, Dallas and Houston.
Nine teams will be playing for three remaining playoff spots. Eastern Conference Brooklyn, Orlando and Washington for two spots. Western Conference Memphis, Portland, New Orleans, Sacramento, San Antonio and Phoenix will compete for just one spot.
13 Western Conference teams and 9 Eastern Conference teams were invited because the lower seeded ball clubs have very similar records and the last eight regular season games played may determine who is included in the 16-team playoff picture. The NBA’s intention is to follow all CDC protocols such as social distancing (when teams are not playing), regular temperature checks, and regular Covid-19 testing, with little to no fans in the audience.
Teams will begin training in July and play should resume in weeks that follow. With people still staying home for their safety, this last stretch of the regular season and playoffs will presumably be one of the most televised events in basketball history.
The nation is wounded from continuous events of racial injustice and police brutality-this restored NBA season will bring happiness while at the happiest place on Earth.
