NBA Set to Approve 22-Team Return-to-Play Plan With Full Details on Thursday and We Can't Wait
The NBA has reportedly long been close on finalizing its plan to return to play the remainder of the season at Disney World in Orlando.
This week, it should become a reality.
A vote is scheduled for Thursday, and ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski revealed the league is set to approve a plan to have 22 teams finish the season. Eight regular season games will be played before the playoffs begin.
The NBA's Board of Governors has a 12:30 PM ET call on Thursday with the intention of approving the league's plan for a 22-team return-to-play in Orlando, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/Sh7k6ylCdz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 3, 2020
There are still details to be worked out, such as how to assess the lottery positioning of the left-out eight teams, as well as the losers of the play-in tournament, but this is amazing news.
A target date of July 31, has been set and now we know that the return is actually a reality. As for the playoffs, Woj had more information on that format as well.
The play-in format requires a double-elimination format for the 8th seed, a single-elimination for the 9th seed, per sources.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 3, 2020
After the top eight seeds in each conference, there will be five extra Western Conference teams and one Eastern Conference team in the Washington Wizards. A play-in tournament will also be in place if the ninth seed finishes within four games of the eighth seed.
Once again, some extra details will have to be figured out. But barring a total breakdown in communication, Thursday afternoon will make it official that basketball is back.