2019-2020 NBA Season Restart Predictions

With the NBA ready to resume in less than 4 weeks, there are still lots of uncertainty and questions that have yet to be answered. One of the biggest questions is what an isolated restart without fans will look like? On top of that, how will players perform without the comfort of their fans rooting them on. On the one hand, this may make games more competitive since no team has home court advantage and everyone is on an even playing field. However, on the other hand, some players may play more poorly without a crowd to perform to.

Another question yet to be answered is who has been working out and staying in shape over the last 4 months. We see disciplined players like LeBron working out and staying ready, but can the same really be said for the rest of the league? It will be interesting to see who is ready to go, and who has not been keeping in game shape.

Thirdly, 25 out of 351 players have already tested positive for Covid-19. What will happen if players are not following the leagues guidelines, and decide not to quarantine? This will surely lead to an increase in the number of positive tests, and if it starts to get out of hand Adam Silver will likely make a decision on cancelling the NBA Season for good.

Our prediction is that the season will start on July 30 and finish sometime in late September or early October. The Milwaukee Bucks are the clear favorites in the East and the Lakers are the front-runners in the West. What will be interesting to see is how the Bucks can perform in this new format, and whether they can hold off the Celtics, 76ers, and Raptors.

The Lakers recently added JR Smith and look poised to make a deep run in the playoffs. We believe the Lakers will very likely make it to the Western Conference Finals and then into the Finals. Lebron looks more focused than ever and is ready with Anthony Davis to put them over the top.

Whatever happens, we will be watching with the return on July 30th. The league has lots of fresh, exciting talent, especially in the western conference with guys like Ja Morant, Zion Williamson, and Luka Doncic. What will be most fun to watch is if any of them can break through this year and make a real statement. Stay tuned….