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What happens if the NBA regular season is canceled?

By Nick Crain

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 06: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Miami Heat during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 06, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - MARCH 06: Zion Williamson #1 of the New Orleans Pelicans reacts against the Miami Heat during a game at the Smoothie King Center on March 06, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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Winners

Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are a young team that is hanging on to the final playoff spot in the Western Conference by a thread. Just 3.5 games ahead of a veteran Portland Trail Blazers team who has the talent to steal that final spot, Memphis would benefit greatly if the regular season were to be canceled and the league was to go straight to the playoffs.

Orlando Magic

Similar to the Grizzlies, the Orlando Magic are holding on to the final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Although they are 5.5 games ahead of the Washington Wizards who are the current ninth seed in the East, having the guarantee of making the playoffs would be extremely beneficial. Anytime you are guaranteed a playoff spot, it’s considered a win.

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Utah Jazz

Currently sitting at the fourth seed in the West, the Utah Jazz will have homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Just one game ahead of the Oklahoma City Thunder, they could have potentially dropped to the fifth seed had their last game against the Thunder not been canceled just before tip. The Jazz would really benefit from the NBA regular season coming to an end, as the Thunder among other teams just behind is playing well and looking to make a jump in the standings.

LA Clippers

The LA Clippers are one of the most talented teams in the NBA, but their biggest problem is staying healthy. Kawhi Leonard has load managed all season and Paul George has had a history over the past couple of seasons of wearing down over the course of the year and not playing at full health in the playoffs. For the Clippers, jumping straight into the playoffs after the hiatus would be very beneficial. This team was built for an is anticipating the playoffs.

Next, let’s break down the teams that would be impacted in a negative way if the NBA regular season were canceled.