Fans have been excited for the return of the NBA season, and now, there is an official schedule in place. There are plenty of questions that remain with the coronavirus and players testing positive, but things are moving forward.
“We know that COVID-19 will be with us for the foreseeable future,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said. “And we are left with no choice but to learn to live with this virus. No options are risk-free right now.”
The first night back, fans will get to see LeBron James, Zion Williamson, and Kawhi Leonard all back in action. The first game will be the New Orleans Pelicans vs. the Utah Jazz.
Ironically, the team that will begin the restart is the team that initiated the stoppage of play. Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz was the first player to test positive for COVID-19, causing the league to suspend the season.
Following that game will be a battle between the Los Angeles teams. The Lakers and Clippers will be a matchup of two potential champions at the end of the year. The Lakers are 5.5 games ahead and will likely be the top seed in the West for the playoffs.
Both opening games are scheduled for July 30. More teams will get going into the weekend.
July 31
- Orlando vs. Brooklyn
- Memphis vs. Portland
- Phoenix vs. Washington
- Boston vs. Milwaukee
- Sacramento vs. San Antonio
- Houston vs. Dallas
Aug. 1
- Miami vs. Denver
- Utah vs. Oklahoma City
- New Orleans vs. LA Clippers
- Philadelphia vs. Indiana
- LA Lakers vs. Toronto
Aug. 2
- Washington vs. Brooklyn
- Portland vs. Boston
- San Antonio vs. Memphis
- Sacramento vs. Orlando
- Milwaukee vs. Houston
- Dallas vs. Phoenix
Battle For The Postseason
Before the playoffs get started, there is still a fight for the final spot in the Western Conference. The Grizzlies currently hold on to the position with a 3.5-game lead but have teams on their heels.
The Pelicans, Blazers, and Kings are all tied looking to take over the Grizzlies. The Spurs also have a shot at just a half-game back from them.
Here is a look at the odds from DraftKings for playoff spots.
Team/Make Playoffs/Miss Playoffs
- Brooklyn Nets/-10000/+1200
- Memphis Grizzlies/-150/+112
- New Orleans Pelicans/+400/-670
- Orlando Magic/-10000/+1200
- Phoenix Suns/+6000/N/A
- Portland Trail Blazers/+350/-590
- Sacramento Kings/+1100/-10000
- San Antonio Spurs/+1300/-10000
- Washington Wizards/+1300/-10000
The eighth seed will have to participate in a play-in scenario after the final eight games of the season. It will be a new look for this different NBA setting.
Florida has recently received a spike in positive coronavirus tests, but Adam Silver is still confident with the situation in Orlando. Bettors will be glad to have an additional sport back, and sportsbooks will have plenty of bets available.
