Part 5/10:
In the NBA, where playoff runs extend over two months, preserving star players' health by reducing regular season games becomes even more valuable. This has led to widespread load management—players sitting out games for rest—to maximize their effectiveness come playoff time. Legislation and collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) notwithstanding, teams adapt their strategies secretly, aligning with what the Dodgers exemplify in baseball: the focus is on peaking at the right moment, not necessarily in racking up wins during the regular season.