Explaining the NBA format for the remainder of the 2019-20 season

Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Dallas Mavericks on March 11, 2020 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. (Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)

With the NBA set with its plan for the 2019-20 season, it is important to delve into what is the format they agreed upon for the season.

Here are the standings when the NBA suspended play back in March:

Screenshot from the NBA website.

To determine the field, the teams that would be in the playoffs if it started today comprise the initial field.

In the Eastern Conference, that would be the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and the Orlando Magic.

In the Western Conference, that would be the Los Angeles Lakers, the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver Nuggets, Utah Jazz, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, and the Memphis Grizzlies.

In addition, any teams within six games of the team currently pegged as the eighth seed in both conferences will be included in the field.

There are six teams that fall within that criteria:

The Washington Wizards in the Eastern Conference.

The Portland Trailblazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, and the Phoenix Suns in the Western Conference.

The 22 teams will each play eight "seeding games" determined from the remainder of its remaining regular season schedule, with these games counting in the league standings.

The best seven teams from each conference are automatically in the postseason, while the eighth seeds will have to sweat it out to see if it will have to participate in a play-in game. If the ninth seed is within four games of the eighth seed in the standings when the regular season concludes, the play-in game will take place. The eighth seed will have a twice-to-beat advantage over the ninth seed.

Here is the race for the last two playoff spots in the Eastern Conference:

Here is the race for the eighth seed in the Western Conference:

Once the play-in games are completed (if necessary), the postseason can commence accordingly. Format remains unchanged, with best-of-seven matchups in all rounds.

Teams that miss the postseason will qualify for the NBA Draft Lottery, slated to take place on August 25 (26 in the Philippines).

Already locked in with regards to their lottery odds seeding are the teams who are not participating in Orlando:

Screenshot from Tankathon.com

The six remaining lottery teams will be coming from this group below. The odds will be distributed accordingly based on their record when the NBA paused action back in March.

Screenshot from ESPN

If everything augurs well, league will resume play on July 31 (August 1 in Manila).

NBA Board of Governors approve resumption plan for 2019-20 season

NBA is back.

Another key step to getting the ball rolling once again in the sports world took place on Wednesday, with the NBA Board of Governors approving the format for the resumption of the 2019-20 NBA season.

League commissioner Adam Silver shares, "The Board’s approval of the restart format is a necessary step toward resuming the NBA season. While the COVID-19 pandemic presents formidable challenges, we are hopeful of finishing the season in a safe and responsible manner based on strict protocols now being finalized with public health officials and medical experts. We also recognize that as we prepare to resume play, our society is reeling from recent tragedies of racial violence and injustice, and we will continue to work closely with our teams and players to use our collective resources and influence to address these issues in very real and concrete ways."

July 31 is the tentative start date for play to resume, with 22 teams involved. There will be eight "seeding games" that will count in the regular season standings. The format also incorporates the "twice-to-beat" advantage for the eighth seed, but will only be invoked if the gap between the eighth and ninth seed in each conference is four games or fewer.

The playoffs this season remains the traditional format, with best-of-seven matches in the first round, conference semifinals, conference finals, and the NBA Finals. If things go on as scheduled, the last possible date for the NBA Finals is October 12 (13 in Manila).

With regards to specific events, the NBA Draft Lottery will take place on August 25, the NBA Draft on October 15, and the start of the 2020-21 NBA regular season likely on December 1.

Those who miss the playoffs will be participating in the Draft Lottery, and their odds assignment will be based on their records as of March 11.

Securing the affirmative vote is merely the first of many steps that are necessary in order for the league to resume play. Deal necessitates approval with the National Basketball Players Association, with both groups working with infections disease specialists, public health experts, and government officials to establish a rigorous program that will prevent and mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Said program is expected to include regular testing protocol as well as stringent safety practices. In addition, it also includes a separate agreement with The Walt Disney Company to utilize facilities within the Walt Disney World Resort as a single site for the NBA's operations for the remainder of the season, which is not limited to just games, practices, and housing for the players and staff.

BREN eSports, Sunsparks advance in MPL-PH Season 5 Upper Bracket

BREN eSports and Sunsparks took contrasting routes heading into their upcoming matchup in the upper bracket portion of the SMART-Mobile Legends Bang Bang Professional League-Philippines Season 5 postseason on Friday.

BREN eSports escaped a scare from fourth seeds Execration, almost losing Game 1 and losing Game 2, before claiming the Game 3 decider.

Ch4knu (Grock) proved to be a major thorn for the top seeds, continuously invading BREN's jungle to provide the fourth seeds the upper hand initially.

Execration would then establish a 28,482 to 21,403 edge in gold at the nine-minute mark, as well as a 10-5 kill advantage, while also securing the lord in their favor.

However, the BREN quintet of KarlTzy (Ling), Ribo (Angela), Lastii (Atlas), Coco (Carmilla), and Pheww (Kaja) put up a huge defensive stand in the middle lane, erasing E2MAX (Selena), Z4pnu (Uranus), Hate (Lancelot), Bennyqt (Helcurt), and Ch4knu to neutralize Execration's kill advantage.

BREN would then slowly tilt the matchup in their favor, although Execration did not make that easy with Z4pnu and Ch4knu cutting the lanes. BREN would secure the matchup after Lastii performed a four-man fatal link to counter Execration's initiation.

KarlTzy finished with 24 kills, eleven assists and two deaths, while Ribo tacked on three kills and 28 assists.

Karl "KarlTzy" Nepomuceno shared afterwards, "Siguro [lamang] lang kami sa disiplina, saka sa decision making at experience na lang din po kaya kami naka-lamang sa kanila."

Hate led the way for Execration with nine kills, three assists, and eight deaths.

As for Sunsparks, they continued their mastery of ONIC PH, dispatching them 2-1 in their matchup.

The defending champions dropped the opening game, but they managed to bounce back by taking the next two games to book a seat in the upper bracket finals.

Jaypee (Ling) led the way for Sunsparks with five kills and four assists. Killuash added a couple of kills and assists.

The BREN eSports vs Sunsparks matchup will take place tomorrow at 5pm, while both Execration and ONIC PH await their lower bracket opposition. The former will face the winner of BSB and Blacklist International at 2pm, while the latter will face the winner of SGD-Omega and ULVL at 330pm.

MPL-PH Champions Invitational set for June

Even with the cancellation of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup, ML:BB will still have a special competition in the Philippines this coming June.

Called the MPL-PH Champions Invitational, it is an online exhibition tournament scheduled on June 20-21 and 27-28.

It features the champions of all five MPL-PH seasons, and their original rosters, as they battle amongst themselves for the right and privilege to be the all-time best team in the country. An undisclosed prize pool is also at stake in this competition.

Postseason for MPL-PH Season 5, ready for takeoff

MPL-PH Season 5 participating teams

An exciting weekend awaits for eSports fans this weekend, with the eight participating teams in Season 5 of the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Professional League - Philippines heading into the postseason.

Not even the presence of COVID-19 could completely put the MPL-PH to a grinding halt, with the playoffs set to take place starting May 29.

Defending champions Sunsparks seek to retain the title against the likes of Bren Esports, Execration, and ONIC PH in the upper bracket, while the other four participating teams (ULVL, SGD Omega, BSB, and Blacklist International) are in "win-or-go-home" mode at the lower bracket.

MPL-PH playoff format

The champion gets rewarded with $25,000.

The tournament is powered by SMART Telecommunications, Inc. and supported by realme.

Fans can watch the tournament online through these links:

Facebook Live

Tagalog Stream - https://www.facebook.com/MobileLegendsOnlinePH/
English Stream - https://www.facebook.com/MLESPORTS/

YouTube Gaming

Tagalog Stream - http://bit.ly/MLBBEsportsYTB
English Stream - http://bit.ly/MLBBENYTB

In addition, lucky viewers get a chance to win special prizes in the Mythical Raffle Draw. All they need to do is register via the link provided on the livestream. Nine in-game Legendary Prize packs (each pack includes ten EPIC skins and five Lightborn skins) and one in-game Mythical Prize pack (includes four Legend skins, five Lightborn skins, and 36 Epic skins) await the winners.

Nike release LeBron James-voiced ad inspired by the COVID-19 pandemic

Overcoming the odds: Cleveland won its championship overcoming a 3-1 deficit.

"Even against the toughest odds, hope remains connected to our sporting spirit."

That is the theme that Nike wants to remind us all about, with the very slow grind back to how it almost was before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As professional competition slowly returns around the world, we at Nike are reminded of the feeling of fandom. The thrill of experiencing disbelief, with all its reawakening power. And, more over, the joy of collective celebration."

To highlight it, Nike released a short video, called “Never Too Far Down.” Narrated by LeBron James, it was first aired during The Match II, a charity golf event that featured Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady. It was also posted on Nike's social media platforms.

The video is an extension of their "You Can’t Stop Us" campaign.

To mark the occasion, James, Woods and Serena Williams offer their thoughts on the power of sport:

"Even if basketball looks different for a while, I’m excited about the possibility of getting back in the game, because I know how inspiring and powerful sports can be. I think the lessons we learn from sport can inspire us all.” — LeBron James

“Sport can still be a positive force for so many people. I am looking forward to [the charity match] this weekend and creating a platform to raise money for Covid relief and hopefully remind folks of the levity and joy that golf and other sports can bring to the world.” — Tiger Woods

“Sport is the one thing that’s true, it doesn’t matter what you look like, where you’re from. Everything is left out in the arena. For me, I put it all out there on the court as a player, but it also feels that way as a fan. You feel that joy when someone you’re rooting for wins. That’s because of the unity that sports bring us.” — Serena Williams

The short video can be seen below.

LaLiga releases Phase Three training protocols

Spanish football creeps closer and closer to its return, as the 42 teams comprising LaLiga Santander (top-flight) and LaLiga SmartBank (formerly known as Segunda Division) have stepped up their efforts with regards to training, in compliance to the Phase Three protocols the league devised alongside club health experts, as well as in consultation with the Spanish government and its health authorities.

The league still has eleven matchdays left on its 2019/20 calendar, and is targeting resumption of action by mid-June. In the process, they are slated to take every possible precaution necessary in order to reduce the potential spread of the pandemic within its parameters.

The first two protocol Phases centered on guidelines with regards to preparation and individualized training within club facilities. Phase Three, centers on the introduction of training by groups of up to ten players, in order to get the sides ready when the time comes that it is already safe to restart the season. Aside from that, there are nine other points of emphasis LaLiga wants to highlight in Phase Three:

1. Training in groups of ten

At this third stage of the protocol, players can now take part in group training. Squads are divided into three groups of ten players, which enter the club facilities at minimum 15-minute intervals.  If only two training fields are available, one is split into two, with one group on either side. All players in the group can use the gym at the same time, provided they respect social distancing of at least two metres. During this third stage, a physiotherapist is assigned to each group of ten players.

2. Stay at home as much as possible

At this stage players live in their own residences and are advised to seriously limit the number of times they go anywhere other than the training ground. The biggest chance of contagion lies in trips to shops or any other public places where the environment is less controlled.

3. Personal behaviour

The health habits and social distancing rules learned during confinement remain vital. These include handwashing, taking care never to cough or sneeze without covering the mouth and nose, aiming to touch eyes, nose and mouth as little as possible, and maintaining a distance of at least two metres from team-mates and club staff.

4. Mask and gloves

Players are told to always wear a mask and gloves whenever they leave their homes, including when moving around club facilities or the team hotel. They may remove the mask and gloves during physical exercise.

4. Eating at the training ground

Players who have breakfast, lunch or an evening meal in the club canteen will always do so only in the company of their assigned training group. They each get their own container and personal bag of food and must remain at least two metres from their teammates at all times.

6. Changing rooms
Players are not permitted to use communal changing rooms. They must instead change into their training gear before arriving at club facilities, and shower at home afterwards. Only coaches and technical staff are allowed use of the changing rooms, after training and in case of inclement weather.

7. Precautions on returning home

When entering their home, players must remove their shoes and take off all outdoor clothes for washing, then carefully remove their gloves and throw them away safely. They should try not to touch anything and shower immediately. Anything brought in from outside, including keys, mobile phone and glasses, should be cleaned with soap and water or alcohol solution.

8. Precautions when leaving the house

When leaving home for any reason other than training, players are advised to wear long sleeves, avoid using public transport and never pay in cash. They are reminded that when visiting a shop, hairdresser, café/terrace or supermarket they could come into close contact with people who may be carriers of COVID-19.

9. Contact club immediately if any potential symptoms appear

Any player who believes they may be experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, such as a high temperature, dry cough, sore throat, headache, difficulty in breathing, or even tiredness, must call their coach immediately. They must stay away from the training facility and instead self-isolate until they receive further instructions.

10. Quarantine/self-isolating protocol

Players who are self-isolating at home are in constant contact with medical staff. They are advised to sleep in separate bedrooms and use separate bathrooms where possible, to not share cutlery or kitchenware, clean all surfaces regularly, and wash clothes, towels and bedding as often as possible.