A ‘bubble’ idea of “play-in” games leading into NBA Playoffs
As questions and uncertainty still lurk around the future outlook of the NBA, we take a look at a potential idea of implementing a new logistical approach to conclude this season.
Following the indefinite suspension of the NBA and its uncertainty of return due to the coronavirus outbreak, there could be a new postseason approach involving “play-in” games that would lead directly into the NBA Playoffs.
The league continues to suffer a shortage of time in its 2019-20 season, so actions may need to be taken to change the traditional season-ending plans by creating a quicker approach to the much-anticipated playoffs. Time is extremely sensitive in this situation.
Let’s revisit my proposed formatted idea of implementing “play-in” games in ‘bubble’ sites once the NBA season hypothetically returns.
There would be 24 teams included with 12 from each conference.
Eastern Conference:
(8) Orlando Magic vs. (9) Washington Wizards
(5) Indiana Pacers vs. (12) New York Knicks
(6) Philadelphia 76ers vs. (11) Chicago Bulls
(7) Brooklyn Nets vs. (10) Charlotte Hornets
(1) Milwaukee Bucks, (2) Toronto Raptors, (3) Boston Celtics, (4) Miami Heat receive byes and clinch playoff spots.
Western Conference:
(8) Memphis Grizzlies vs. (9) Portland Trail Blazers
(5) Oklahoma City Thunder vs. (12) San Antonio Spurs
(6) Houston Rockets vs. (11) Sacramento Kings
(7) Dallas Mavericks vs. (10) New Orleans Pelicans
(1) LA Lakers, (2) LA Clippers, (3) Denver Nuggets, (4) Utah Jazz receive byes and clinch playoff spots.
Notables:
- Initial best-of-three series, 1-1-1 format on a neutral court
- If lower seed (9-12) wins best-of-three series, an extra elimination game would occur to decide who advances (lower seed needs three wins to advance)
- Playoff teams reseeded in conference after “play-in” games to form a traditional 16-team bracket
- Normal 7-game series playoff format then proceeds as usual
In addition, the Eastern Conference would form a ‘bubble’ by only playing their games in the city of Orlando, where all teams would be quarantined during the competition in hopes of social distancing from the general public while maintaining proper guidelines of avoiding COVID-19.
The Western Conference would take place in the ‘bubble city’ of Las Vegas.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver mentioned both cities as potential sites to resume the season in a conference call with players on Friday, as explained by ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
The NBA Finals could take place at either site as well or possibly even the Bahamas if the league wanted to spice things up, but hopefully, the two teams who book their spot in the Finals would be able to play on their home courts by the time it arrives.
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Other than location playing an important factor, it would make the most sense to shorten the season and speed up the process while still granting contending playoff teams an opportunity due to the expected window of essential time available.
A total of 259 regular season games have been postponed, making it virtually impossible for the league to reschedule every single one of those games and finish the regular season without deeply affecting the outlook of next season.
I believe canceling the remainder of the regular season and implementing play-in games instead would be the more logical option.
Unfortunately, this proposed format would come with exclusion. The Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Golden State Warriors (Warriors mathematically eliminated from playoff contention anyway) would be eliminated from contention due to their current stance in their conference standings.
Although it is unlikely that any of these teams would realistically make the postseason, it would still be harsh for someone else to declare your season officially over. On the bright side, it could give them a better stance toward a lottery pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.
Another ideal aspect to consider is that the Bucks, Lakers, Raptors, and Celtics have already clinched playoff spots, so I thought it would be unfair to place them in play-in games when they have already booked their ticket.
For this proposed ‘bubble’ plan to work, there are logistical issues that would need to be contained.
The NBA will have to consider the availability of testing and the number of support staff needed to assist in all settings in addition to the sensitive time window.
There needs to be enough speedy, reliable tests that can be provided to NBA teams and staff without taking away supportive opportunities from the public, and enough workers to assist teams with hotels, food and beverage distribution, transportation, and facilities.
Adam Silver is reportedly preparing to have no fans if the season returns, which would take away about 40 percent of league revenue and could cause a financial conflict.
Implementing play-in games ahead of the playoffs would create more suspense – leading to more attractive television contracts – resulting in a large increase in league revenue.
The financial impact of TV revenue streams would rapidly boost NBA profits in this proposed idea. It would be similar to how the NCAA increasingly profits off TV revenue during March Madness.
Despite many challenges associated with this ‘bubble’ plan of play-in games leading into the NBA Playoffs, I believe this idea could fairly work logistically and financially.
Depending on the essentiality of time, testing, and the number of workers involved, it could be a successful experiment if operated appropriately.
The NBA continues to remain patient in this bizarre pandemic situation. As we all eagerly await a decision on the remainder of the season, Adam Silver and the league still have plenty of options on the table to consider.
A play-in tournament leading to the playoffs is certainly a possibility with the idea of “bubble sites” involved as well.
My understanding is that play-in games could be the best available option to resume the 2019-20 NBA season due to the shortage of time and overall fairness among all NBA organizations in this difficult state of affairs.