NBA Seemingly Closer To Return

With some traction occurring in the talk to resume the season, fans are starting to get excited about the NBA making its return. There are plenty of possible exciting headlines.
The return to play is likely to be 22 teams that will compete in Orlando, Fla. The vote to proceed will be taken by the board of governors on Thursday. Insiders believe it is likely to pass.
This would allow for a few non-playoff teams that could compete for a spot in the postseason. A play-in tournament is likely for the eighth seed in each conference.
Exciting Storylines
After many believed that the NBA wouldn’t finish the season, it will be nice to crown an official winner of the 2019-20 NBA season. There are several storylines that need to be finished.
One of the ones on everyone’s mind is LeBron James. The Los Angeles Lakers have a great shot to compete for the championship. Fans will get to see how fresh he returns after the time off.
ESPN NBA expert Kevin Arnovitz discussed the King’s return to the postseason.
“This season, we saw what happens when James is afforded eight months off in lieu of a 100-game grind through late-June. Can we expect the same kind of production after he got a four-month hiatus on the eve of the postseason?
“If so, the Lakers — already prime title contenders — will be even more dangerous in a bubble postseason than they’d have been with LeBron logging a full season headed into the playoffs in April,” said Arnovitz.
There is no doubt that the Lakers make it past their first one or two opponents. But once the West reaches the conference finals, it will be filled with good competition.
Another interesting subject is the play of international star Luka Doncic. It is possible that he will face up against the LA Clippers in the first round.
Mike Schmitz of ESPN discussed the potential matchup of the former Rookie of the Year against the stars of the Clippers.
“I’m fascinated to see how Luka Doncic — the third-most efficient isolation player in the NBA (minimum 200 possessions) — will fare against elite wing defenders Paul George and Kawhi Leonard in his potential playoff debut,” Schmitz wrote.
In The East
The Milwaukee Bucks also need to return in the same form they left. Giannis Antetokounmpo and his team were leading the league with 53 wins before play stopped.
The reigning MVP will be competing in the weaker Eastern Conference and hopes to have a better outcome than last season.
Kevin Pelton of ESPN discusses the importance of this run for Giannis and his future in Milwaukee.
“The Milwaukee Bucks, who can offer Giannis Antetokounmpo a supermax extension this offseason. We don’t know whether Giannis’ decision will depend on the Bucks’ playoff run, but a championship sure wouldn’t hurt their chances of retaining the reigning MVP,” said Pelton.
There’s no doubt it will be an interesting playoff in the bubble concept. Even without fans, there may be more eyes on these athletes than ever before.