This wacky pandemic-influenced 2020-21 regular season is mercifully nearing its endpoint, paving the way to what makes all those COVID tests and fan-less arenas worth the physical and mental anguish: The playoffs.
But before the NBA can widdle down its field of competitors and begin to seriously consider which team will be crowned champions, it first must wrap up some of the more compelling storylines from the season that was.
The NBA’s regular season is nearing its finishing point, which means several noticeable storylines will finally offer a conclusion.
Seeding needs to be established with the recently implemented play-in tournament adding a new layer of intrigue with more teams having a shot at the postseason. Awards need to be locked down. Struggling teams need to find their way and those playing some of their basketball just need to maintain their hot streak to finish the season off right.
Every NBA season has storylines worth following. In a season unlike any other, here are four that deserve the most attention down the stretch.