Part 10/10:
Whether this trend signals a fundamental change or is just a passing phase remains uncertain. However, the consistency in betting odds, strategic load management practices, and the expansion of the play-in tournament suggest that the NBA is heading toward a less regimented, more strategic regular season. It’s a paradigm shift—from a race for wins to a calculated pursuit of health and playoff positioning—an evolution driven by the realities of modern sports performance and economics.