The NBA is again.

Final week, the league’s board of governors and the gamers’ union each authorized plans — a 22-team, eight-game wrap-up to the common season adopted by a doable play-in event for the eighth seed and playoffs — to renew the 2019-20 season on July 31 inside Walt Disney World’s ESPN Vast World of Sports activities complicated.

As we depend the times till tip-off in Orlando, our consultants are breaking down every crew’s street to a restart, massive bubble questions, excessive stakes and stats to know earlier than basketball makes its return.

Observe: NBA title odds are offered by Caesars Sportsbook.

MORE: What we won’t wait to see when the NBA returns

---

Bounce to a crew:
Bucks | Lakers | Raptors | Clippers | Celtics
Nuggets | Jazz | Warmth | Thunder | Rockets | Pacers
76ers | Mavericks | Grizzlies | Nets | Magic | Blazers
Pelicans | Kings | Spurs | Suns | Wizards

---

2019-20 document: 53-12 (.815)
Vegas title odds: +275

Though Milwaukee’s quest for 70 wins had formally ended earlier than the pandemic halted play, the Bucks had been nonetheless main the NBA in victories this season. Merely put, Milwaukee stays in a severe title pursuit.

How they obtained right here
Giannis Antetokounmpo hit the hiatus because the front-runner to repeat because the league’s MVP with Milwaukee at 53-12. The Bucks have been dominant on the defensive finish — their 101.6 defensive score is by far the very best within the league — however they did drop three straight video games for the primary time underneath coach Mike Budenholzer earlier than the shutdown. Though Giannis is the clear-cut No. 1 choice in Milwaukee, fellow All-Star Khris Middleton in addition to Eric Bledsoe and the remainder of the supporting solid bolster this contender.

What’s at stake?
Over Antetokounmpo’s tenure in Milwaukee, the squad has gone from a 15-win crew in his rookie season to an East juggernaut by placing collectively a robust entrance workplace and gamers to enrich his ability set. However what occurs contained in the bubble might have an effect on Antetokounmpo’s choice to stay in Milwaukee down the road. He clearly loves the town, however he needs to win now greater than ever.

Huge query after the layoff: Can the Bucks salvage their momentum?
Though Bucks gamers remained in form with in-home exercises, each Antetokounmpo and Middleton admitted to not enjoying basketball through the early levels as a result of they did not have entry to a hoop earlier than the apply facility reopened. So can guys get again in that profitable mindset? Will they be prepared? Budenholzer stated that every one alongside they had been “working and functioning [with] a mentality that we’ll play.” Now {that a} plan to play is ready, it is time for the East’s finest crew to show their dominant common season was only the start.

Do you know?
The Bucks have overwhelmed opponents by a mean of 11.Three factors per recreation, which might be the fifth-largest common margin of victory in NBA historical past. The 4 groups forward of them — the 1972 Lakers, 1971 Bucks, 1996 Bulls and 2017 Warriors — all received titles.

— Eric Woodyard

2019-20 document: 49-14 (.778)
Vegas title odds: +200

Simply when the Lakers had been rolling — they received 4 of 5, together with statements over the Bucks and Clippers in consecutive video games in early March — the season stopped. Now LeBron James, Anthony Davis and Co. will regroup and attempt to give Los Angeles its first title since 2010.

How they obtained right here
The NBA’s hiatus in response to the coronavirus pandemic was nearing the two-month mark in late April when James took to Twitter to refute a report that some inside league circles had been calling to scrap the season. “As quickly because it’s secure we wish to end our season,” he wrote, partially. “I am prepared and our crew is prepared. No person must be canceling something.” James, a prime contender for MVP, enjoying alongside new teammate Davis, a Defensive Participant of the Yr candidate, appeared as motivated as ever to get again on observe after a rocky first 12 months in L.A.

What’s at stake?
Fairly merely, that is maybe James’ final and finest likelihood to win his fourth NBA championship. At 35 and in Yr 17 within the league, his maintain on the game cannot final eternally. The Lakers’ success so far has made Davis’ future plans a foregone conclusion — he holds a participant choice for subsequent season, however no person believes he will not be again in purple and gold. James and Davis ought to get an opportunity to run it again subsequent season it doesn’t matter what occurs in Orlando, however with youthful groups like Milwaukee, Boston, Philadelphia and the LA Clippers on the rise, now may very well be the Lakers’ second with key position participant Dwight Howard headed to free company and essential contributors Danny Inexperienced and Rajon Rondo getting older.

Huge query after the layoff: Might DeMarcus Cousins return to the Lakers?
Once we final left the Lakers, Cousins — signed final summer season and subsequently misplaced for the season with a blown knee — had been waived to make room for ahead Markieff Morris. There’s hypothesis the league could enable expanded playoff rosters within the bubble — maybe carrying 17-20 gamers — with a purpose to have extra reserves obtainable ought to a rash of COVID-19 instances hit. With the additional day without work to rehab, mixed with potential expanded rosters, will Cousins make his return to L.A.? The previous All-Star heart would give the Lakers the stretch 5 they missed many of the season and, with crowd noise a nonfactor in Orlando’s empty arenas, he might actually have an effect as a vocal bench presence.

Do you know?
James leads the league with a career-high 10.6 assists per recreation. At 35, he’d be the oldest participant to guide the league in assists for the primary time in his profession.

— Dave McMenamin

2019-20 document: 46-18 (.719)
Vegas title odds: +1700

The defending champions will enter the restart firmly in second place within the East, three video games forward of Boston, and will nonetheless be in second when the playoffs begin.

The NBA board of governors voted 29-1 to approve the league’s format to restart the 2019-20 season in Orlando, Florida, sources advised ESPN. Newest updates

• Sources: 22 groups, Eight regular-season video games
• High seeds mull options to dwelling court docket
• Playoff projections: Surprises and upsets
• Subsequent questions: Pay cuts and free company

How they obtained right here
With Kawhi Leonard and Danny Inexperienced departing in free company final summer season, Toronto wasn’t anticipated to stay in championship rivalry. And but, regardless of each member of the rotation apart from OG Anunoby lacking important time with accidents, the Raptors have stayed close to the highest of the East and stay a risk to make one other deep playoff run.

What’s at stake?
Toronto’s curiosity in pursuing Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2021 isn’t any secret. One other deep playoff run would add to the gross sales pitch. Within the shorter time period, the Raptors must resolve what to do with a number of key free brokers this summer season — led by guard Fred VanVleet and massive males Serge Ibaka and Marc Gasol.

Huge query after the layoff: Will the much-needed relaxation repay?
The Raptors play a shortened rotation to start with, and the cavalcade of accidents the crew handled all through the season took a toll on them. With an opportunity to enter the restart totally wholesome and rested, Toronto will consider it will possibly get again to a possible rematch with the Bucks within the Jap Convention finals.

Do you know?
With out Leonard, the Raptors have a greater win share (.719) and common scoring margin (+6.5) than they did throughout final season’s run to the NBA title.

— Tim Bontemps

LA Clippers

2019-20 document: 44-20 (.688)
Vegas title odds: +325

Ever for the reason that NBA got here to a halt in March, the Clippers have been eagerly awaiting and getting ready for the season to return with one single purpose in thoughts: the resumption of their title chase.

How they obtained right here
The Clippers’ season has been outlined by persistence. They needed to wait 11 video games earlier than Paul George made his Clippers debut. They needed to wait till Christmas to have a totally wholesome roster. With little apply time due to the schedule, accidents and Kawhi Leonard’s load administration of a knee challenge, the Clippers’ chemistry did not solidify till after the All-Star break. And simply because the crew started to get on the identical web page with new additions like Marcus Morris and Reggie Jackson, the Clippers had been pressured right into a holding sample as a result of pandemic.

What’s at stake?
The one focus the Clippers have had all season is on profitable the franchise’s first championship. Not lengthy after the NBA suspended the season, Clippers administration secured Peloton bikes and fitness center gear to offer their gamers with dwelling gyms. Lawrence Frank, Doc Rivers and the Clippers have held numerous Zoom conferences and cellphone calls with coaches, gamers and workers members to not solely preserve everybody on the identical web page, however to additionally provide you with any and each concept that would assist the crew win a title.

Huge query after the layoff: Can the Clippers keep wholesome with an unprecedented break within the season?
When the season got here to a halt, the Clippers had been getting stronger, profitable seven of eight video games, with their solely loss coming to the Lakers. Rivers made the well being of his crew getting into the playoffs paramount, and nothing modifications now. The hiatus ought to solely assist Leonard and George health-wise. However with gamers having not performed in a recreation in months, the Clippers will ramp up Leonard, George and veterans like Lou Williams as safely as doable.

Do you know?
The Clippers bench averages an NBA-best 51.5 factors per recreation this season. The one different crew to common at the least 50 PPG off the bench since begins had been first tracked in 1970-71? Final 12 months’s Clippers, who averaged 53.2 PPG.

— Ohm Youngmisuk

2019-20 document: 43-21 (.672)
Vegas title odds: +1500

The Celtics head into the restarted season in a little bit of a bubble themselves within the East standings — three losses behind the second-place Raptors and three losses forward of the fourth-place Warmth.

How they obtained right here
After the entire tumult that adopted Boston all through final season, this season could not have been extra totally different. The Celtics had hardly a second of problem at any level, cruising on a 55-win tempo whereas seeing each Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown take important leaps. Daniel Theis greater than capably stepped into the beginning heart spot vacated by Al Horford, and Kemba Walker offered the secure management the franchise wanted, whilst he handled a knee challenge for the ultimate few weeks earlier than the shutdown.

What’s at stake?
Oddly, not rather a lot. Boston is nice sufficient to make a deep playoff run and will even attain the NBA Finals for the primary time in a decade. However for a crew with a younger core underneath contract by means of subsequent season and past, this must be removed from Boston’s last shot at making noise within the postseason.

Huge query after the layoff: Is Kemba wholesome?
Walker first missed video games due to a knee challenge, after which struggled upon his return. If he is totally wholesome, Boston might be a risk to beat anybody. There’s one different query surrounding the Celtics: The place will the 76ers wind up? Boston can be thrilled if Philadelphia can slide forward of the Pacers and get into fifth place within the East. Whereas NBA followers would love a Celtics-Sixers showdown within the first spherical, Boston wouldn’t — Philly received three of 4 conferences this season by a mean of 10.Three factors earlier than a 116-95 Celtics win within the rivals’ last assembly.

Do you know?
Who says solely Houston can play small ball? In response to the Elias Sports activities Bureau, 93.4% of Boston’s factors have come from gamers 6-foot-Eight or shorter, the best share by any crew in a season for the reason that 1989-90 Warriors (94.8%).

— Bontemps

2019-20 document: 43-22 (.662)
Vegas title odds: +2200

There was a brand new really feel for the Nuggets this season, with that uncomfortable “E” phrase hovering over them: expectations. They have been considered all season as a top-tier contender, and for probably the most half, performed prefer it.

How they obtained right here
The beginning of 2020 was stuffed with attrition for the Nuggets, however they weathered the storm to keep up their place among the many West’s elite. They usually did it largely behind the brilliance of Nikola Jokic. He carried them by means of an injury-filled January to arrange the stretch run for Denver as they pushed for the postseason. Jokic is what props the Nuggets up, however within the weeks earlier than the shutdown, Jamal Murray was getting wholesome and progressing. Their two-man chemistry, mixed with some well-rounded, versatile depth, has the Nuggets within the dialog.

What’s at stake?
Final season was a convincing success for Denver regardless of a seven-game second-round defeat to the Blazers. This season, that form of exit can be considered as a disappointment. The playoffs ask questions you’ll be able to’t anticipate, and so they take storylines and narratives and amplify them. If the Nuggets battle, it’s going to be concerning the pairing of Jokic and Murray. It’s going to be about the way forward for Paul Millsap and Jerami Grant’s contracts. It’s going to be about what they’re lacking, not about what they’ve. If you get good, it is what comes with the territory.

Huge query after the layoff: What is going to Jokic appear like?
There isn’t any well mannered option to say it, however with Jokic’s self-admitted points with health in previous seasons, taking virtually three months off may very well be a recipe for thickness. However in line with Murray, it is the other. “Joker obtained slightly 4 pack,” Murray stated of Jokic instantly trying slimmer after figuring out closely through the coronavirus shutdown.

Do you know?
Jokic leads the Nuggets in whole factors, rebounds and assists, which he has performed in every of the earlier two seasons. In response to Elias, Jokic might be a part of LeBron James (2011-13 Warmth) and Wilt Chamberlain (1965-67 76ers) as the one gamers in NBA historical past to guide their groups in all three classes for 3 straight seasons.

— Royce Younger

2019-20 document: 41-23 (.641)
Vegas title odds: +6000

The Jazz will end the season with out second-leading scorer Bojan Bogdanovic (wrist surgical procedure) and with a highlight on the dynamic between the cornerstone duo of Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.

How they obtained right here
It had been a wierd season for the Jazz even earlier than their two finest gamers grew to become the game’s poster boys for a pandemic after changing into the primary NBA gamers to check optimistic for the coronavirus. Utah had a 19-2 stretch sandwiched by a variety of so-so basketball. Mike Conley Jr. had a more durable time than anticipated adjusting to his new environment and system after spending the earlier 12 seasons in Memphis. The Jazz needed to remake the bench in midseason, buying and selling for Jordan Clarkson, slicing Jeff Inexperienced and selling Georges Niang and Tony Bradley to key rotation roles. Utah had received 5 of six video games earlier than Gobert’s optimistic check halted the season, and coach Quin Snyder felt like he had discovered some rotation options. Nevertheless it’s again to the drafting board after Bogdanovic’s surgical procedure.

What’s at stake?
Any expectations have been diminished drastically by the lack of Bogdanovic, a 20-point-per-game scorer whose 41.4% 3-point capturing was a crucial factor of the Jazz’s spacing. Might Gobert’s playoff efficiency impression potential offseason extension discussions? He is eligible for the supermax, however it’s arduous to see the small-market Jazz providing that a lot to a middle who is not a major scorer, regardless of how dominant Gobert is defensively and on the glass.

Huge query after the layoff: Can Gobert and Mitchell mend fences?
Jazz sources are adamant that they’ll and can, even when they will not be singing kumbaya by the campfire, noting that they’ve had quite a few, optimistic conversations with one another and in numerous digital group settings during the last a number of weeks. However the query nonetheless lingers, significantly since Mitchell has declined to handle his points with Gobert publicly.

Do you know?
Donovan Mitchell is averaging a career-best 24.2 factors per recreation. That is the best scoring common by a Jazz participant since Karl Malone in 1999-2000. Malone, Adrian Dantley and Pete Maravich are the one gamers in Jazz historical past with the next single-season scoring common than Mitchell.

— Tim MacMahon

2019-20 document: 41-24 (.631)
Vegas title odds: +4000

Miami is primed to make a push within the bubble behind a totally rested and wholesome Jimmy Butler. If Bam Adebayo can proceed his star trajectory and veteran Andre Iguodala can present veteran steerage, coach Erik Spoelstra has to love the probabilities of his crew with the ability to make a run.

2 Associated

How they obtained right here
The largest revelation for the Warmth wasn’t simply how shortly they jelled behind Butler and Adebayo — it was the fast impression of the youthful gamers on their roster. Kendrick Nunn, Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson and Derrick Jones Jr. all performed essential roles within the Warmth’s success and depth. It will likely be fascinating to see how a lot of a playoff impression former Finals MVP Iguodala — acquired from Memphis on the commerce deadline — has together with his new crew.

What’s at stake?
The problem for the Warmth is discovering out simply how far their present core can take them. Have they got sufficient with this group to push to the highest of the East, or will they arrive up brief and have so as to add one other star-caliber piece when free company opens?

Huge query after the layoff: How will the impartial web site impression Miami?
The Warmth went 27-5 at dwelling however 14-19 on the street this season. For a crew that had an inside observe at home-court benefit within the first spherical earlier than the season was suspended, how the Warmth reply to neutral-site video games is essential.

Do you know?
Adebayo is on tempo to turn out to be the primary participant in Warmth historical past to common 10 rebounds and 5 assists per recreation.

— Nick Friedell

2019-20 document: 40-24 (.625)
Vegas title odds: +6000

Earlier than the league shut down, the Thunder and Jazz had been set for a recreation that may’ve tilted the present 4 and 5 seeds within the Western Convention. On the floor, the Thunder do not seem to be a doable top-four West contender, however strictly by the numbers, that is what they’ve turn out to be.

How they obtained right here
It was a rocky begin for OKC, going 6-11 out of the gate with a wide range of shut losses and massive questions. Nevertheless it all turned proper round Thanksgiving, with Chris Paul asserting himself because the league’s most dominant crunchtime scorer and the Thunder’s chemistry blossoming round a dynamic three-guard lineup. Since Thanksgiving, the Thunder are 34-13, piling up the second-most wins within the league in that span behind solely the Bucks.

What’s at stake?
The Thunder have been driving a wave of optimistic momentum all through the season. They’ve massive offseason questions looming, like presumably buying and selling Paul to kickstart an inevitable rebuild that would embody shifting items like Dennis Schroder or Steven Adams. However together with it, coach Billy Donovan’s deal is up after this season. He has validated his teaching chops all season lengthy, ascending into the Coach of the Yr dialog, however the place does he match if the roster dominoes begin to fall?

Huge query after the layoff: Is the chemistry intact?
The Thunder at the moment maintain the longest profitable streak within the Western Convention. So, it is solely three video games, however they walked onto the ground in opposition to the Jazz on March 11 with as a lot momentum as they’d had all season. Their final full recreation was a stirring, emotional win in Boston on a last-second steal that pushed them to 16 video games over .500. What has made the Thunder so harmful this season has been their connection and chemistry. Paul units the tone however has given loads of house for Schroder to raise as a scorer and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to develop as a ground chief. Paul has gone to prolonged lengths to attempt to keep a few of that chemistry through the shutdown, however it’s one factor to get collectively on a weekly Zoom name; it is one other to make well timed choices within the final minute of a one-possession recreation.

Do you know?
The Thunder have 16 wins when trailing getting into the fourth quarter this season, twice as many as some other crew within the NBA and two shy of tying the 1962-63 Lakers for probably the most such wins in a season within the shot-clock period (since 1954-55).

— Younger

2019-20 document: 40-24 (.625)
Vegas title odds: +1500

The Rockets, who seemed to be working on fumes earlier than the season was suspended, must be refreshed and able to resume the NBA’s nice micro-ball experiment.

How they obtained right here
It has been a curler coaster of a season for the Rockets, who underwent a major roster transforming over the previous 12 months. It began with the summer season commerce for Russell Westbrook. The midseason, all-in dedication to small ball (signified by buying and selling Clint Capela and a first-round choose in a multi-team deal that introduced Robert Covington to Houston) was influenced by the need to unleash Westbrook within the open ground. The 6-foot-7-or-less Rockets began quick, however they pale, shedding 4 of their final 5 video games earlier than the shutdown.

What’s at stake?
It is no secret that there’s a sturdy chance that the Rockets can have a brand new head coach subsequent season. That is been broadly recognized since contract extension talks with Mike D’Antoni broke down (twice) in unusually public trend. There are rumblings across the league that basic supervisor Daryl Morey’s job standing may very well be in jeopardy as properly, however proprietor Tilman Fertitta was adamant he would not think about firing Morey (who has a number of years remaining on his contract) after the tweet that precipitated the Rockets and league’s relationship with China to deteriorate, and Fertitta hasn’t wavered on that stance. You’ll be able to by no means be certain, particularly if Morey is on the wheel, however the Rockets’ core probably returns intact subsequent season whatever the leads to Orlando.

Huge query after the layoff: Can James Harden get his groove again?
Harden had a historic two-month run, averaging 39.Zero factors per recreation on a scorching 66% true capturing share from early November to early January. His heavy workload — each in minutes and the hassle it takes to generate photographs as an iso participant going through frequent double groups — appeared to take a toll on him. These numbers dipped considerably (29.Zero factors, 57.2% true capturing share) in his previous 22 video games as he struggled from 3-point vary. Harden dedicated to conditioning through the hiatus, and if he regains MVP-level type and Westbrook continues his success in small-ball lineups, the Rockets might be harmful.

Do you know?
Since switching to the small-ball lineup on Jan. 31, the Rockets have been out rebounded by 9.Four rebounds per recreation, the worst rebounding differential within the NBA throughout that span. Over a full season, that may rank because the third-worst differential since rebounds had been first formally tracked in 1950-51, in line with analysis by the Elias Sports activities Bureau.

— MacMahon

2019-20 document: 39-26 (.600)
Vegas title odds: +12500

The Pacers have flown underneath the radar all season lengthy. However regardless of coping with accidents and going by means of a large roster overhaul within the offseason, Indiana nonetheless discovered itself within the combine for a top-four seed within the East when the season was delivered to a halt.

How they obtained right here
Victor Oladipo, the crew’s talisman, didn’t play his first recreation till Jan. 29. Malcolm Brogdon, the crew’s marquee free-agent signing, missed 17 video games as a consequence of accidents. And but Indiana nonetheless managed to seek out itself in fifth place within the East when the season was suspended behind a frontcourt of T.J. Warren, first-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis and Myles Turner.

What’s at stake?
Whether or not Indiana can turn out to be an actual contender within the East, or only a good middle-of-the-pack playoff crew, will probably focus on whether or not Oladipo can return to the shape he displayed through the 2017-18 season, when he was an All-NBA choice. What his future appears like, in addition to whether or not Indiana tries to proceed ahead with the tandem of Sabonis and Turner long run, may very well be impacted by what occurs in Orlando. Oladipo can turn out to be a free agent in 2021.

Huge query after the layoff: What model of Oladipo will arrive?
His last recreation earlier than the season was suspended was his finest recreation of the season — a 27-point outburst in opposition to the Celtics. If Oladipo can play at an All-Star stage subsequent to Brogdon, Indiana goes to be a way more troublesome crew to face within the East playoffs than some would possibly suppose.

Do you know?
Indiana has been eradicated within the first spherical in every of the previous 4 postseasons. The Pacers are one among eight groups to make the playoffs in every of the previous 4 seasons, however they’re the one one to not win a spherical.

— Bontemps

2019-20 document: 39-26 (.600)
Vegas title odds: +2500

Philadelphia was one of many NBA’s most complicated groups this season. However after the lengthy layoff, the 76ers will enter the bubble wholesome and with an actual likelihood to capitalize on their immense potential.

How they obtained right here
The Sixers entered the season anticipated to battle with the Bucks for the highest spot within the East. As a substitute, Philadelphia swung wildly forwards and backwards from recreation to recreation, posting the NBA’s finest dwelling document (29-2) in addition to the worst street document (10-24) of any playoff crew within the league. In addition they handled ongoing turmoil about free-agent addition Al Horford’s match, Ben Simmons’ persevering with lack of a 3-point shot and Joel Embiid coping with extra accidents.

What’s at stake?
There is probably not a crew with extra at stake than the Sixers. If this crew flames out, will coach Brett Brown be dismissed? Will Horford be traded? Would the Sixers think about shifting on from both Simmons and Embiid? So many issues have modified the previous few years in Philadelphia that it is arduous to consider much more may very well be in retailer.

Huge query after the layoff: Is Simmons wholesome?
After hurting his again in Milwaukee on Feb. 22, it wasn’t clear Simmons would have the ability to play if Philadelphia made the playoffs and the season had gone on as scheduled. Now, he’s anticipated to be able to go each time the season restarts. That, mixed with Embiid probably getting into the playoffs wholesome for the primary time in his profession, will give the Sixers confidence.

Do you know?
Earlier than the season was suspended, the 76ers’ .641 distinction between dwelling and street win percentages was on tempo to be the most important by any crew for the reason that NBA went to an 82-game schedule in 1967-68.

— Bontemps

2019-20 document: 40-27 (.597)
Vegas title odds: +3500

The Mavs are gearing up for what they anticipate would be the first of many playoff appearances for the star duo of Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis.

How they obtained right here
Doncic emerged as a professional famous person in his second season, working the league’s best offense. Porzingis obtained off to a gradual begin as he chipped off rust and adjusted to a brand new position and system, averaging 22.Three factors and 9.6 rebounds per recreation since New Yr’s Day. Seth Curry and Tim Hardaway Jr. have been phenomenal complementary suits as spot-up threats (1.36 and 1.29 factors per spot-up possession, respectively, rating first and second amongst gamers with at the least 150 alternatives). Prolonged harm absences for Doncic and Porzingis, and struggles closing out shut video games, prevented the Mavs from competing for the West’s second-best document.

What’s at stake?
Dallas’ purpose getting into the season was to make the playoffs, so the Mavs are form of enjoying with home cash. They’ve their basis items in place for the foreseeable future, and competing within the playoffs might be invaluable expertise for Doncic and Porzingis in addition to key long-term position gamers corresponding to Dorian Finney-Smith and Maxi Kleber. The largest offseason choice is perhaps Tim Hardaway Jr.’s participant choice for $19 million. It would not be gorgeous if he is rewarded with a long-term deal.

Huge query after the layoff: Can Doncic return to the MVP-caliber type he displayed earlier than struggling two proper ankle sprains?
The day without work allowed Doncic, who was additionally coping with thumb and wrist accidents, to heal. There have been rumblings he gained weight through the hiatus, however Mavs sources stated he has been figuring out diligently and enjoying pickup ball since returning to Slovenia in March.

Do you know?
Doncic is on tempo to turn out to be the third participant in NBA historical past to common at the least 20 factors, 5 assists and 5 rebounds per recreation in every of his first two seasons within the NBA, becoming a member of Oscar Robertson and LeBron James.

— MacMahon

2019-20 document: 32-33 (.492)
Vegas title odds: +50000

The Grizzlies, one of many NBA’s most fun surprises this season, hope to maintain their grip on a playoff spot whereas persevering with to develop a younger core that must be aggressive for years to come back.

How they obtained right here
The Grizzlies’ younger expertise has been ok for Memphis to be aggressive throughout what was anticipated to be a rebuilding season. Seemingly Rookie of the Yr Ja Morant is a pure level guard whose athleticism and creativity routinely creates spotlight reels. Jaren Jackson Jr. can rating from the perimeter or within the paint and shield the rim. Draft steal Brandon Clarke is a dynamic finisher with a feathery contact on his floater. Dillon Brooks has been productive sufficient to earn an extension with an eight-figure wage. Jonas Valanciunas is a double-double machine. And rookie coach Taylor Jenkins has performed a terrific job of guiding a growing crew that is additionally attempting to win now.

What’s at stake?
Actually, it is all gravy for the Grizzlies. They principally punted on this summer season once they took again wage within the commerce for Justise Winslow and locked up Brooks for the subsequent few years. Winslow (again) was on the verge of constructing his Memphis debut earlier than the season was suspended, so the Grizzlies ought to get a superb have a look at him within the lineup. Morant, Jackson and the remainder of the Grizzlies’ younger core will get invaluable expertise in significant, aggressive video games, it doesn’t matter what occurs in a possible play-in collection.

Huge query after the layoff: What sort of fast impression can Winslow make?
The Grizzlies made the commerce for Winslow with each expectation that the 24-year-old ahead may very well be a core piece for the contender they plan to construct in Memphis. A again harm restricted him to solely 11 video games this season in Miami, and Memphis took a affected person method together with his rehabilitation. Can Winslow give the Grizzlies a right away increase as an athletic playmaker and versatile defender? He had been working towards with the crew and displaying explosiveness. He’ll now have a quick coaching camp to prepare for his Grizzlies debut.

Do you know?
Morant leads the Grizzlies with 17.9 factors and 6.9 assists per recreation. In response to analysis by Elias Sports activities Bureau, Morant can be a part of Elgin Baylor (1958-59) and Michael Jordan (1984-85) as the one rookies since 1947 to guide a playoff crew in PPG and APG.

— MacMahon

2019-20 document: 30-34 (.469)
Vegas title odds: +20000

The Nets appeared to lastly be discovering a rhythm earlier than the league was placed on maintain, getting into the break on a three-game profitable streak. 4 Nets gamers — together with Kevin Durant — examined optimistic for the coronavirus. They’re all now symptom free. Now, their agenda consists of securing the No. 7 seed, rehabbing gamers and finally appointing a everlasting head coach.

How they obtained right here
The Nets’ success this season has are available in bursts. After a flashy offseason during which they acquired Durant, Kyrie Irving and DeAndre Jordan, Brooklyn struggled to discover a rhythm as key gamers suffered accidents. Irving had surgical procedure in February after lacking 26 consecutive video games with a shoulder harm. Caris LeVert missed greater than six weeks with a thumb harm. Simply earlier than the break, the Nets dismissed Kenny Atkinson and elevated Jacque Vaughn to interim coach. The day earlier than the league paused, Spencer Dinwiddie hit a profitable shot to present the Nets a splashy win over the Lakers.

What’s at stake?
The Nets can have eight video games to ascertain their seeding heading into the playoffs. Brooklyn has only a half-game lead on the Magic for the No. 7 seed (the Nets’ playoff choice is top-14 protected, so in the event that they end as a non-playoff crew, they might preserve the choose.) The Wizards are 5.5 video games behind Orlando and will make a push for the eighth seed. Durant, who dominated out a return this season, will earn a $1 million bonus if the Nets attain the playoffs, no matter whether or not he performs.

Huge query after the layoff: Can the remainder of the Nets rally behind Vaughn?
The Nets’ largest query was answered when Durant confirmed that he is not going to be energetic for Brooklyn in Orlando, and it’s unlikely Irving, who underwent surgical procedure in February, will play. Now, the Nets’ scrappy younger core has the chance to show whether or not or not they’ll show oddsmakers improper and make a deeper playoff push, even because the seventh or eighth seed. In addition they have teaching choices to make: GM Sean Marks put the crew’s search on maintain through the hiatus, saying it would not be honest to the group. The video games contained in the Orlando bubble might assist Vaughn elevate himself amongst candidates for the everlasting head-coaching job, or it might display that Brooklyn might want to ramp up its search within the offseason.

Do you know?
Although he has performed solely 20 video games and is unlikely to return this season, Irving can be the one participant in Nets historical past to common 25 factors, 5 rebounds and 5 assists per recreation in a season. Brooklyn went 8-12 in these video games.

— Malika Andrews

2019-20 document: 30-35 (.462)
Vegas title odds: +75000

Orlando is “internet hosting” the NBA restart, however the dwelling crew is simply hoping to remain within the playoffs and discover a option to achieve extra big-game expertise for his or her youthful gamers.

How they obtained right here
Orlando had a tough stretch forward of the All-Star break, throughout which it misplaced eight of 9 video games. The problem for the Magic is similar because it has been since they traded Dwight Howard — they do not have a star participant to lean on when instances get robust. The season’s brightest spot got here in an sudden street win over the Lakers on Jan. 15: Markelle Fultz racked up a triple-double and hit some clutch photographs down the stretch.

What’s at stake?
Evan Fournier is getting back from an elbow harm and is anticipated to be able to play when the season resumes. The broader query is what he decides to do after the season; Fournier has a $17 million participant choice for subsequent season. With all of the uncertainty surrounding the league’s future funds, the assured cash could look much more interesting.

Huge query after the layoff: Can the younger core step up?
Aaron Gordon has loads of expertise, however can he assist the Magic push an opponent within the first spherical? Similar goes for Fultz and Jonathan Isaac; they should present improvement of their recreation for the Magic to lastly transfer in a optimistic path. Whereas the Magic had some good momentum at instances, it nonetheless seems like they’re at the least a 12 months, and one other veteran piece away, from taking one other step.

Do you know?
The Magic are prone to face the Bucks, Raptors or Celtics in a first-round collection. They seem to be a mixed 0-9 in opposition to these groups this season, which is the worst document within the NBA amongst groups at the moment in playoff place and tied for the second-worst amongst all groups in opposition to the highest three groups within the East. Solely the Cavaliers are worse at 0-10.

— Friedell

2019-20 document: 29-37 (.439)
Vegas title odds: +7500

Accidents derailed the Blazers’ try and construct off final 12 months’s run to the Western Convention finals, and a possible spot in a play-in event provides them the flexibility to salvage this season.

How they obtained right here
Already enjoying with out beginning heart Jusuf Nurkic as a consequence of harm, Portland noticed beginning forwards Zach Collins (shoulder surgical procedure) and Rodney Hood (Achilles’ tendon rupture) be a part of him on the sidelines. All-Star level guard Damian Lillard put the Blazers on his again, however regardless of Dame’s heroics — and partially due to a sprained ankle that saved him out of the All-Star Recreation — the Blazers had been nonetheless 3.5 video games again of eighth within the West when play stopped.

What’s at stake?
Hope for 2020-21. With Collins and Nurkic anticipated again and Lillard’s capacity to warmth up, Portland may very well be a formidable risk within the play-in event and even a scary first-round opponent for the Lakers — whom they defeate