The NBA playoffs have a familiar format – four rounds, best-of-seven series, games in front of fans at home arenas.
But the coronavirus, which has forced the NBA into an indefinite stoppage and disrupted life around the world, makes that untenable. Don’t expect the league to wait until that’s workable, either.
Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated:
A shortened playoffs in Las Vegas is gaining momentum. It’d allow the NBA, hemorrhaging money, to draw revenue sooner. A reduced postseason would also minimize disruption to future seasons.
But even that comes with major complications, especially containing coronavirus from undermining the entire operation. It could be a long time until its safe to hold games, even in a centralized location without fans.
It could be so long… a traditional playoffs could be back on the table. Though I find that unlikely, I’m still not convince people have a proper understanding of how lengthy this hiatus could be.
Everyone wants to finish the season. The playoffs are the NBA’s most lucrative time, and it feels right to crown a champion.
So, it’s good the focus is on alternative formats. It’d be naïve to expect business as usual when the NBA resumes.
