Updated April 3rd, 2020 at 11:53 IST
NBA playoffs likely be held in makeshift courts in Las Vegas behind closed doors: Report
NBA playoffs: As the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA continue to increase, the NBA is reportedly considering holding their playoffs in a single location.
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As the number of COVID-19 cases in the USA continue to increase, the NBA is reportedly considering holding their playoffs in a single location, without any audience. A week ago, there have been various reports regarding the NBA shortening the playoffs while moving to a neutral location like Las Vegas. By shortening the playoffs and playing at one place, the NBA will be able to crown a champion as soon as possible.
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NBA playoffs: The league could hold the NBA playoffs in Las Vegas?
“Las Vegas has been a destination that has been discussed, built around the idea of literally perhaps using a casino, playing games in potentially a ballroom with courts. There’s lots of different scenarios …”
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 31, 2020
—@wojespn on how the NBA may try to make its initial return pic.twitter.com/KfFg6Nb8CU
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NBA playoffs: NBA to shift the league to NBA Las Vegas for the NBA playoffs?
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the NBA Las Vegas playoffs is the most viable option right now. The NBA is considering using a casino and conducting games in a ballroom converted into courts. Though the NBA is talking about different scenarios, the basic idea is to return as soon as possible without fans in the stands. Another report stated that the league will quarantine all the players in Las Vegas and conduct a tournament in order to crown an NBA 2019-20 champion. Though difficult, the league believes the idea is doable. Not only will the players be quarantined in one place, but will also cut back on travelling time. Besides Las Vegas, Hawaii and the Bahamas are also being reportedly considered as venues.
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NBA playoffs: Autin Rivers explains how NBA playoffs would work if NBA Las Vegas scenario occurs
On his IG live just now, Austin Rivers said teams would get two practices before starting up the season again and all the games would be in Las Vegas, apparently. That's one of the propositions.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) April 1, 2020
"They're talking about the Thomas & Mack Center since they got two gyms there." Also mentioned they've looked at other gyms around the Vegas area.
— Justin Russo (@FlyByKnite) April 1, 2020
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NBA Las Vegas: When will NBA resume?
The NBA had been suspended for a month on April 11. While reports have been suggesting a mid-June or July return for the league, the NBA is yet to make an official statement. While the NBA suspension continues to extend, the league is also trying to deal with the long-term losses it might cause. NBA reports hint at a $1 billion loss for the organization if the season does not resume soon. As of now, there are ten NBA players with coronavirus.
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Published April 3rd, 2020 at 11:53 IST
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