Trends from the NBA Bubble

As it turns out, there are sports again! The MLS, WNBA, NHL and NBA have all utilized the bubble atmosphere and have experienced encouraging results thus far. The NBA has provided many interesting developments and unexpected outcomes during its early stages in Orlando.

Here are the most interesting bubble trends:

• Lack of travel translates to increased energy levels as teams are scoring (6.0 PPG) more and playing stronger defense

• Surprising Teams: Phoenix Suns (Undefeated in Bubble)

Indiana Pacers (5-1)

• Lack of sideline floor seating & baseline photographers changes sense of space and place on court

  • Lack of crowd noise causes closely called games

  • Virtual fans cannot drown out trash talk

  • Calls for commentary between coaches, players, refs to be heard (XFL esque)

• Power 5

  • 5) Denver Nuggets

  • 4) Toronto Raptors

  • 3) Dallas Mavericks

  • 2) Milwaukee Bucks

  • 1) Los Angeles Clippers

These five teams are playing with the greatest rhythm and synchrony as of this moment. The Los Angeles Lakers have yet to tap into their momentum from before the restart. Their interior defense has proven weak and their offense has looked out of sync at times. With the playoffs starting in eight days, the Lakers need young players like Kyle Kuzma and Talen Horton-Tucker to step up in the absence of desperately missed Rajon Rondo and Avery Bradley.

The Los Angeles Clippers however appear to be the team with the most depth. They just received Landry Shamet, Ivica Zubac, Montrezl Harrell and Lou Williams back for their first game after quarantine as well.

It appears that perennial sixth man, ‘Lou Will’ left the bubble to get some chicken wings. The issue here is that he put his playing time in jeopardy for a trivial excursion. On the other hand, he did happen to visit Magic City Monday for that entree. We’ll let you be the judge on that one. ~~~

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Ian Romaker Wordsmith Newark, OH @erose2theoccasion