Here is the latest information we have to date regarding sports and COVID-19
NBA
Sources: League Will Use Win Percentages To Determine Standings
According to sources, the NBA has decided that the standings for the league will be determined by winning percentage when play resumes next month. Sources also said that typical tie-breaking procedures will be used if necessary. These decisions are expected to play an important role in the final seeding of the Western Conference playoffs which has 13 teams competing for eight spots.
The league will be resuming the 2019-20 season next month in Orlando, Florida. 22 teams have been invited to the facilities to participate in eight regular-season games to determine who qualifies for the playoffs. Nine teams from the East and 13 teams from the West will be traveling to Orlando to participate in the events.
MLB
New Proposal From League Reportedly Features 76-Game Season
Sources are saying Major League Baseball has a new offer for a return-to-play plan. A source close to the negotiations told ESPN’s Karl Ravech the league made a proposal to the MLBPA earlier today for a new return-to-play plan. The proposal reportedly features a 76-game regular-season with players receiving 75% of their prorated salaries.
The plan also reportedly has a $200 million postseason pool for the players. Also, the proposal would have the MLB season end no later than October 31st. The playoff schedule, which would feature ten teams, has not yet been finalized.
NFL
Teams Receive Memo About Total Reopening Of Facilities
The league now has a plan in place for clubs to completely reopen team facilities. The NFL reportedly sent out a memo to all teams that states proper guidelines and protocols for the total reopening of training facilities.
The four-part memo breaks down the protocols players must follow to be allowed back into facilities. Some of the factors players must take into consideration include physical distancing, proper cleaning and hygiene, and even taking steps to educate yourself about the spread of COVID-19.
The NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero is reporting that no timetables have been set for when minicamps or training camps are expected to begin. However, Pelissero is reporting that the NFL and the NFLPA are discussing the possibility of certain players, like rookies or veterans on new teams, being allowed to return to facilities before June 26th.
NHL
League Transitioning To Next Phase Of Return-To-Play Plan
The National Hockey League continues to move closer to normalcy. The NHL announced that it is transitioning into phase two of its return-to-play plan. This means that teams will be allowed to reopen training facilities starting today if local regulations allow it.
During this next phase of the plan, NHL players and coaches will have much more freedom to work out and train. Players will be permitted to work out in small groups of no more than six. Players will also be required to wear face coverings at all times in the facility except when exercising or on the ice.
Continue checking oddsusa.com for more updates on the Coronavirus Pandemic.
