Pro No. 2: Dormant teams and players
Eight teams have not played in nearly a year. Those teams are in dire need of some TV and ticket revenue, and now they’ll finally get it. At the same time, many of these teams host talented players that have not had the chance to play in forever, they must be chomping at the bit. These teams and competitive teams that were eliminated early (Suns and Grizzlies are a couple) will have a leg up when the season starts.
While the playoff teams load manage and try to get fully rested before going full force, these dormant teams will have an opportunity to solidify early playoff position. The Suns will be trotting out their roster that went 8-0 in the bubble before exiting WITH the addition of Chris Paul. I’d expect them to be uber aggressive to gain a leg up.
This pro goes the same for players that were either injured or opted out of the bubble. Kyrie Irving and Kevin Durant are as healthy as they will get for the Nets when the season opens. They will be ready to feast on East (especially if they land Harden).