NBA displays will look different on reboot at Disney World. The league is reducing the usual quarters from 12 minutes to 10 minutes for the first set of exhibition games for each team, the Associated Press reported.
NBA shortens exhibition games
Each team on the bubble stage will play three exhibits starting this week. The first exhibition game will have shortened quarters, and the last two games will be played under regular rules.
The change, according to the AP, is due to “several reasons” related to the COVID-19 pandemic and the completion of lists around positive cases or exclusion options.
“… including not wanting to tax the players’ bodies too much after more than four months without games, and because some teams still don’t have their full rosters at Walt Disney World due to coronaviruses and other problems.”
Players have yet to reach the bubble due to positive COVID-19 testing, leaving gaps in the team rosters. Others have left the bubble, like New Orleans Pelicans rookie Zion Williamson to attend to family emergency issues.
NBPA’s Chris Paul unaware of changes
Oklahoma City guard and NBA Players Association president Chris Paul were unaware of the shortened quarters for the first game, which will begin Wednesday.
“I still don’t know about that,” Paul said, via AP. “Then I will find out.”
The league is also considering other changes. He is reportedly not sure if he will require teams to wear their regular uniforms or allow them to wear practice clothing. New t-shirts with social justice messages chosen by individual players will not be released until the official restart of the regular season on July 30.
The NBA is also considering using three umpires on a rotating system.
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Some coaches are taking different approaches with the health of their athletes in mind. Erik Spoelstra told the AP that he is speaking with the coaches of the teams his Miami Heat will face on display to see if there is anything specific the groups want to work on.
When does the NBA return to television?
Exhibition games will begin on Wednesday with a list of four games. The 33 exhibition games will be televised on a combination of local TV, national TV, NBA TV, or NBA League Pass.
The regular season, which consists of eight games for each team in the lead-up to the postseason, will begin on July 30.
Opening night will air on TNT starting at 6:30 p.m. ET with the Utah Jazz against the Pelicans. The Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers will follow at 9 pm ET.
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