nba new schedule

Introduction:

The NBA, like all professional sports, has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The NBA bubble was a successful endeavor, with zero positive coronavirus tests reported after a 3-month stint in Orlando, Florida. Now, the NBA has released its schedule for the upcoming 2020-2021 season, with a few changes to accommodate the pandemic. The schedule includes various protocols and safety measures, including a shortened season, a reduced number of games played, and new guidelines for traveling. In this article, we will take a closer look at the changes in the NBA schedule for the upcoming season.

1. Shortened Season

The NBA season typically starts in October and ends in June, with each team playing 82 games. However, due to the pandemic, the schedule for the upcoming season has been shortened. The NBA will begin on December 22, 2020, with each team playing 72 games over the course of 5 months. This schedule modification was made to lessen the time period for players to be exposed to COVID-19, and to accommodate the shortened offseason due to the NBA bubble.

1.1 Implications of a Shortened Season

The shortened season means that each team will not play against each other at least once, reducing the number of games played and the opportunities for players to create records. However, this will also benefit older players, as it can give them more breaks between games to rest and recover.

2. Reduced Homecourt Advantage

Ordinarily, teams have a distinct advantage when playing in front of their home crowd. However, due to the pandemic, the NBA has limited the number of fans allowed in each arena. This potentially reduces the homecourt advantage that teams typically have.

2.1 Impact on Teams

With reduced fan attendance, crowd noise that usually affects the opposing team's performance will be lessened. This reduces the level of noise that dictates the opposing team's rhythm and can affect their communication on the court. With lessism background noise, traveling teams might perform better and will have an easier time communicating with each other. Home teams must then create new methods of communication and motivation without relying on the crowd's energy.

3. New Guidelines for Travel

The NBA has created a set of strict guidelines for traveling, including restrictions on who players may spend time with, where they may go, and what they may do. This is to minimize the risk of contracting COVID-19 and reduce the chances of teams becoming infected while on the road.

3.1 Impact on Players

With these new guidelines, players will have fewer opportunities to explore new cities they visit during the season. Team personnel will be required to wear masks alongside players and follow the guidelines to minimize the risk of spreading the virus. In addition, visits will be limited to designated areas and, under certain circumstances, players may not be allowed to go outside of their hotel room.

The editor says: The schedule modifications in the upcoming NBA season were made to keep the COVID-19 virus at bay and ensure the safety of players, coaches, and personnel. The changes in the number of games played and protocols regarding traveling may have an effect on team performances. However, the NBA has put forth mechanisms to limit these effects, and as always, the players will adapt and find ways to adjust to these changes.