A number of unknowns loom that officials say could impact preparations for the season. Will there be fans at games? What will the health protocols be? How will individual arenas prepare? Many of these logistics, among others, are in talks and are expected to be finalized by or before Thanksgiving, multiple officials said.

Team and league officials admit that whatever logistical obstacles exist in creating the schedule, the coronavirus pandemic remains the biggest issue facing the league, and their comments come as America continues to set daily records for new cases.

Source: Baxter Holmes of ESPN

ANALYSIS: The NBA still has much work to do after deciding on a start date for the 2020-21 season. This season once again will be like no other as the league continues to adapt to the on-going COVID-19 pandemic. With a 72-game season and no plans on playing in a bubble again, the risk factors for contracting the COVID-19 virus will increase drastically. The NBA will partner with health officials and hope to have protocols set up by or before Thanksgiving day, in order to give players and arenas time to prepare for a Dec. 22 opening day.