The NBA officially announced it will tip-off on Tuesday, December 22. The league confirmed the start date for the campaign through a press release send out on today (Tuesday, November 10).
According to the press release, the NBA has made adjusts to its collective bargaining agreement with the players’ union. The adjusts center around COVID-19 and how the league will go forward.
The NBA’s Board of Governors must ratify the adjustments (which is expected). The season is likely to look as follows as per the Association’s official press release:
- The 2020-21 season will begin on Tuesday, December 22;
- The 2020-21 season will feature each team playing a 72-game schedule. The full regular season and broadcast schedules will be released at a future date;
- A new system will be used to ensure the parties’ agreed-upon split of basketball-related income (BRI). In the event player compensation were to exceed the players’ designated share in any season, necessary salary reductions beyond the standard 10 percent escrow would be spread across that season and potentially the following two seasons, subject to a maximum salary reduction in any season of 20 percent;
- For the 2020-21 season, the Salary Cap will be $109.140 million and the Tax Level will be $132.627 million. In subsequent seasons of the CBA, the Salary Cap and Tax Level will increase by a minimum of three percent and a maximum of 10 percent over the prior season. Teams’ Tax payments will be reduced in proportion to any BRI decreases; and
- Free-agent negotiations will begin on November 20 at 6 p.m. (ET), with signings starting at 12:01 p.m. (ET) on November 22.
News of the NBA’s return will be met with great joy from basketball fans. With Major League Baseball concluding in October with the World Series and the NHL not confirming a date to drop the puck, North American sports fans and bettors from all over the world have a lack of sports to follow.
NBA Draft
The NBA Draft 2020 will take place on Wednesday, November 18. Two days after the draft occurs, teams will be able to negotiate with this year’s free agents.
The Golden State Warriors have the No. 1 draft pick. The draft class is weak according to NBA draft and college basketball insiders. With a week to go before the draft, 6ft, 8in guard LaMelo Ball is the favorite to go No. 1.
Wing Anthony Edwards and 7ft athletic front current player James Wiseman are also possible No. 1 picks.
Which team will win the NBA 2020-21?
The LA Lakers returned to the pinnacle of the NBA last season thanks to LeBron James. The Lakers are the early favorites to win the NBA title in 2020-21.
Here are the top 10 teams in odds to win the NBA title in 2020-21 ahead of December’s start.
- LA Lakers +325
- LA Clippers +550
- MIL Bucks +600
- GS Warriors +650
- BKN Nets +700
- BOS Celtics +1400
- MIA Heat +1500
- TOR Raptors +1800
- PHI 76ers +2500
- DEN Nuggets +2500
The Giannis Antetokounmpo sweepstakes
A lot of NBA onlookers have their eyes on the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Milwaukee Bucks forward will be a free agent in 2021. After two consecutive seasons of being the best team in the regular season, Milwaukee has failed in the postseason with Giannis playing poorly when not injured. He is likely to leave Cream City in 2021. But where will he go?
In September, leading sportsbooks had Miami as Giannis’ future destination. Miami was +300 to sign the Greek Freak. Toronto came in at +400 while New Orleans were +500. Other than Miami, the other top three teams likely to sign Giannis do not sign likely.
Ready to join and follow the winners? Click here to upgrade
Ready to join and follow the winners? Click here to upgrade
P.S. Upgrade to Zcode VIP Club and Unlock All Winning Picks. Instant Access.
