The NBA "Bubble" Return Coming Soon?

We have some big news coming from the NBA. There's been some speculation that the league is looking into finishing the season, whether it be an actual season or just the playoffs, playing in a "bubble" so to speak. I don't necessarily mean an actual bubble, but rather they are looking into all teams playing at the same convention center with four courts under the same roof.

On paper, this idea could work. The G League Showcase has featured 28 teams at MGM's Mandalay Bay before, and one would figure the NBA would look into using the same format, but without fans. Man experts are recommending that the league split into smaller groups as extra protection, although this proposes another trouble with traveling to play games in between the groups.

There have been two main venues that have been rumored to be under consideration to host these "bubble" games. Las Vegas is obviously in the mix with Mandalay Bay having hosted a similar event before. Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando is another venue that has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Regardless of when the NBA will actually return, it's almost certain that the league will a single venue or something very similar much like the G League Showcase to return sooner rather than later.

The NBA is eyeing May 8th as a date for teams to finally be allowed to re-open their practice facilities. This will come with a few stipulations, however. The league is specifying that this must be done safely and the team can't be in an area that is still under a "shelter in-place" order. For the teams who are in areas still under this order, the NBA has said that they will work with teams to identify their alternatives. Although we are all anxious for a return of sports at this point, it's obvious that the league and all other professional sporting leagues will move forward with the upmost caution as they proceed to slowly open facilities back open.