Unlike MLB (which was paused before the regular season got underway) and the NFL (which is still months away), the NBA and NHL seasons were paused due to the coronavirus pandemic when those seasons were nearing completion.
SNY's Ian Begley reports that several NBA teams continue to prepare for every possible scenario/outcome amid the uncertainty, including the possibility of shortened initial playoff series, per sources.
But despite there not yet being any set plan for either sport to return and complete the 2019-20 season, there is growing optimism in advance of the NBA Board of Governors meeting that is set for Friday, reports Sam Amick of The Athletic.
"When it comes to the prospect of saving this season in some form, sources say that optimism abounds in the ownership, player, agent and league office ranks," Amick reported Thursday.
The resumption of the season, as would be the case if/when MLB returns, would almost certainly be without fans in attendance, with The Athletic reporting that there's a "shared goal" to resume and finish the season, with a "widespread sense that it's still feasible."
A report from Sports Illustrated on April 2 said that Las Vegas could be the base of operations for the NBA if/when the season resumes. And the NBA being based in one area would be similar to what MLB is currently exploring with their Arizona plan.
And according to The Athletic, the idea of the season being finished while players are quarantined in one area is appealing to the players.
"Basketball guys are for it -- they want to play," one NBA player told The Athletic. "MLB (is) different (because) they have a whole season. We just have 1-2 months to finish up."
As MLB has discussed the Arizona plan, many players have come out in support, but some are concerned about the prospect of leaving their families behind -- something MLB and the MLBPA will have to figure out.
When it comes to the NBA resuming, the report notes that there are still major potential roadblocks, including the need for rapid coronavirus testing.
The Knicks were 21-45 at the time of the suspension, firmly in lottery position. The Nets, without Kyrie Irving for the remainder of the season, were 30-34 and in seventh place in the Eastern Conference -- 6.0 games clear of the ninth place Wizards.