Fears Exist NBA Season Could be Lost
According to a report by ESPN.com, NBA owners and executives are bracing for the possibility of not return to league play until mid-to-late June. And that’s reportedly a best-case scenario for the league’s return.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski also notes that, “Fears exist of a season completely lost.” This comes on the heels of the United States CDC recommending that all gatherings of 50-plus people be suspended for eight weeks.
Before Jazz player Rudy Gobert was diagnosed with the virus last Wednesday, the NBA discussed playing in front of no fans to limit gatherings but everything changed following that diagnosis. On that note, NBA commissioner Adam Silver has encouraged teams to stay open to “experimental ideas” about “scheduling format, venues and television.”
In related news, Wojnarowski also reports that the NBA Board of Governors will meet via a call on Tuesday to discuss the impact that the coronavirus pandemic has had on the league. It will be the third reported meeting between the Board of Governors since last Wednesday and the first since the CDC recommended that all gatherings of at least 50 people be suspended for at least eight weeks.
With play remaining suspended, the Lakers remain favored to win the 2020 NBA Championship at 9/4, followed by the Clippers at 5/2 (these odds courtesy of Sportsbook.com). The Bucks are also 3/1, followed by the Celtics, Rockets and Raptors at 25/1.