Nothing about the 2019-20 NBA season has been normal. The playoffs – in a bubble with no in-person fans and no homecourt edge – will be no different.
Author: Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY
Analysis: Trail Blazers beat Grizzlies in thrilling play-in game, earn first-round matchup with Lakers
Trail Blazers had too much offense for the Grizzlies in the NBA’s play-in game and now advance to a first-round playoff matchup against the Lakers.
Blazers star Jusuf Nurkic loses grandmother to COVID-19
Jusuf Nurkic announced on social media his grandmother had died, hours before Blazers and Grizzlies were set to tip off the NBA’s first play-in game.
Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo ejected for headbutting Wizards’ Moe Wagner
Giannis Antetokounmpo was called for a charge, then lost his cool and headbutted Moe Wagner in the face after the two exchanged words.
Opinion: NBA’s ‘Delete Eight’ on outside of bubble looking in, losing ground for next season
Their season wasn’t resumed, and training camp will likely be condensed. The NBA teams outside the bubble are losing ground for the 2020-21 season.
Lakers’ LeBron James will miss game against Rockets with sore groin
The Lakers, who have the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference secured, are 2-2 in the NBA bubble and among the worst offensive teams in the restart.
Opinion: Heat sizzling in NBA restart, will make playoff path for teams in East difficult
They were always going to be a dangerous but unpredictable playoff team, even before COVID-19 forced the suspension of the season.
Opinion: Celtics have talent to beat Bucks, Antetokounmpo in possible playoff matchup, but will they put it all together?
The Celtics have skilled two-way players, some of whom are on the verge of stardom and will be the NBA’s top players for the next decade.
Opinion: NBA TV viewer experience needs tweaking but it beats no games at all
The view from the couch for fanless games could use some improvements, from camera angles to coach interviews to soundbites. Expect the NBA to pivot.
Cardiac screening crucial for NBA players who tested positive for COVID-19
Even players who have not tested positive but have had symptoms associated with COVID-19 within the past three months also must undergo an evaluation.