NBA return on July 31 targeted; 22 teams in playoffs?

A recent survey of NBA General Managers reveal that a higher percentage of GMs prefer an expansive playoff format should the league decide to continue its 2020 season.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania first reported that 83% of GMs preferred a “Playoff Plus” format upon return, or at least 20 teams having a shot at making the postseason.

Shams added that 53% of GMs (most probably from current top 16 teams) preferred 16 teams directly advancing to the playoffs. Meanwhile, 60% are in favor of playing more regular season games, with a 72-game limit.

Later, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski tweeted that GMs indeed favor a more expansive playoff format, stating that there is “growing support among ownership” for 22 teams to be playing in Orlando.

ESPN story with @ramonashelburne on the NBA's Board of Governors planning to approve Adam Silver's eventual recommendation on a return-to-play plan in a vote on Thursday — and growing support among ownership for 22 teams resuming season in Orlando. https://t.co/fsi5LArjJx

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 29, 2020

In case of a 22-team format, there would possibly be a group stage play and a play-in round before finally arriving with the final 16 teams.

The current top 16 teams in the NBA standings are the Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Clippers, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Miami Heat, Utah Jazz, Dallas Mavericks, Houston Rockets, OKC Thunder, Indiana Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Memphis Grizzlies, Brooklyn Nets, and Orlando Magic.

The next 6 teams trying to make it into the post-season are the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, and Washington Wizards.

Shams also added that the season might resume tentatively on July 31 as targeted by the league.