NBA considering 'World Cup-style' format to resume suspended season: Reports

Ever since NBA suspension in March, league has been looking at multiple ways and formats to resume 2019-20 season. While league is reportedly considering a return at Florida's Walt Disney World, reports hint at a World Cup-style group format for NBA playoffs if league returns this summer. If World Cup-style playoffs are held, 10 teams will t be able to play if season resumes. 

Also read | NBA commissioner Adam Silver to decide on league's return within 2-4 weeks: Report

NBA return: NBA playoffs will have World Cup-style format?

As per Ringer's Kevin O'Conr, a survey was sent to NBA teams' general manrs, which suggested that league would divide teams with 20 best records, into 'tiers' to make evenly matched pools. In each pool, teams would play two games against each team and teams at top of tier will advance to 8-team second round of playoffs. remaining playoffs will be played between advancing teams in standard best-of-seven series. 

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As per ESPN, many playoff teams this season are t 'enthusiastic' about World Cup-style format. teams are apparently concerned that a strong regular-season team can suffer due to a low-tier team. As per O'Conr, teams in Eastern Conference are also t looking forward to World Cup format if it is finalized.

East is reportedly worried about losing 'lever' in discussions regarding playoffs or even eliminating conferences in future. league is reportedly thinking about including seeds . 9 to . 12 from Western Conference rar than choosing two teams from each conference. Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs all have better records this season than Washington Wizards, who are currently ranked ninth in Eastern Conference.

League considering NBA 1-16 playoff seeding?

Two days ago, reports stated league is seriously considering NBA 1-16 playoff seeding. As per ESPN, NBA commissioner Adam Silver also prefers NBA 1-16 playoff seeding idea and might bring it to table. He added that league is more only inclined towards only conducting playoffs. As at least five Eastern Conference owners will have to vote for change, fewer teams might vote if only playoff teams will be returning. 

Some teams are ready for NBA playoffs irrespective of format

New Orleans Pelicans, Charlotte Hornets, Cleveland Cavaliers, Detroit Pistons, Trail Blazers and Wizards are among teams who reportedly want to continue season, irrespective of what format NBA opts for. However, Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard stated that he will t play playoffs if his team has chances of making it. In a recent interview, he added that he will come to work and practice, but will sit out games. As per ESPN, lottery teams (like Golden State Warriors) have reportedly revealed that y want to end season instead of playing unnecessary games. 

Also read | NBA Disney: NBA in talks for July restart at Disney sports complex in Orlando, Florida

World Cup-style playoff format could ensure that league is fulfilling ir TV contracts while also playing with a lesser number of teams. ESPN reported that an Eastern Conference executive stated that league has recently realised that 'less is more'. While league is still considering playing ir usual 16-team playoff format, y are open to various ways to conclude suspended season. 

Also read | NBA playoffs: NBA could introduce voting system to crown 2020 champion without playoffs: Reports

(Im source: AP)