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It appears that the nation will only have to wait a few weeks for the return of the NBA. According to Shams Charania of the Athletic, the league is targeting the span of December 11th through the 19th for preseason games, less than a month away.
Sources: The NBA is targeting Dec. 11-19 for 2020-21 preseason and teams have the option of requesting three or four games. Each team must host at least one home game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 14, 2020
While the logistics of practice, training camp, and so on have yet to be spelled out, it seems that the league is going all in on trying to make up viewership and revenue over the holiday season with a slate of basketball games.
Given the spike in coronavirus cases around the country, it also remains to be seen as to whether the league will be able to keep facilities and arenas virus-free. In Oregon, Governor Kate Brown’s two-week freeze to stay home and save lives has an exemption for professional sports, as do many other such orders, so the impact to the Portland Trail Blazers should be minimal. With the success of the bubble, the NBA is better equipped than other leagues to handle the virus.
Check back for updates regarding the preseason schedule.