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There are few things that basketball fans love more than the N** playoffs. This meeting of the very best sides in the N** sees the crowning of the undisputed N** champion for that season, and millions of fans across the world will be tuning in to see who this is.
Read on to learn the six things you need to know about the N** Playoffs in the 2020-21 season.
The playoffs are going ahead
The question on everyone’s lips: will the N** have playoffs this year? It’s a fair question, and a legitimate concern. After all, the COVID-19 pandemic has put the brakes on sports across the globe, leading to the delay of the Olympics as well as a whole host of other disruptions.
However, the fact is, the N** playoffs can and will go ahead for the 2020-21 season. The N** play-in tournament will be held in May to give lower-ranked teams the chance to book a place among the 16 teams in the finals tournament, while the playoffs proper will begin on 22 May. This means basketball fans the world over can breathe a collective sigh of relief and look forward to some great contests later in the season.
The LA Lakers could leapfrog the Boston Celtics this year
The LA Lakers are a global brand and have fans across all seven continents (we’re presuming that there are some scientists on Antarctica with a Lakers affiliation). This has not happened by accident, and the top team in Los Angeles is also one of the top teams in the history of the competition.
Last season, the Lakers claimed their 17th playoff title, pulling level with the Boston Celtics in the all-time standings. They have been looking strong and will be highly tipped to leapfrog the Celtics in this year’s playoffs, setting a record-breaking tally of 18 titles.
Boston may not even have a say
So, what about Boston? Currently, the Celtics lie in seventh position in the Eastern Conference. If standings remain as they are, Boston will need to rely on the N** play-in tournament to have a chance of reaching the playoffs. This means there is every chance that the Celtics may not even be there to defend their status as all-time joint record holders.
But the Lakers are struggling with injuries
LA might be looking strong, but this year’s playoffs are by no means a done deal. There is still a long way to go, and then there is the lottery element of tournament basketball. Compounding this, the Lakers are also struggling with injuries, which is going to make the remainder of the season tough.
Megastar Lebron James suffered a high ankle sprain against the Atlanta Hawks, an injury that is expected to see him sidelined for several weeks at least. He joins Anthony Davis — with a calf strain and Achilles tendinosis — on the treatment table, and Los Angeles will be wishing both players a speedy recovery as they target that 18th playoff victory.
James’ injury coincided with LA’s first loss in five games — adding another dent to their previously bulletproof confidence.
Charlotte Hornets need strength and resolve
The Lakers aren’t the only ones with injury worries. The Charlotte Hornets have been proving themselves to be plucky outsiders in the Western Conference and are serious contenders for a playoff space. In LaMelo Ball, the Hornets have found themselves a rookie who is one of the brightest talents in the division this year, and Ball has been helping Charlotte hustle their way towards glory.
But it seems the Hornets will have to brave the rest of the season without Ball after the young player broke his wrist. As it stands, the Hornets are in line to join the top teams in the country in the playoffs at the end of May, but it will take strength and resolve for the North Carolina side to stay in that position.
76ers are looking good in the eastern conference
Four places ahead of Charlotte, in first place in the Eastern Conference, we find the Philadelphia 76ers. While other teams struggle with injury and uncertainty, the Philadelphia side is looking relatively serene.
However, they are only a single win in front of rivals, the Brooklyn Nets. There is still much to play for on both coasts.
Disruption for the N**, but the playoffs are still on
Delays and concerns have beset the N** this season, but the playoffs are well and truly on. Who is your pick for this year’s title?
