NBA DFS 5/6/25: Top Picks & Lineup Optimizer


NBA DFS 5/6/25: Top Picks & Lineup Optimizer

The string identifies a specific date for National Basketball Association Daily Fantasy Sports contests. It combines the sport (NBA), contest type (DFS), and a date expressed in month/day/year format (5/6/25), signifying contests scheduled for May 6, 2025.

This precise temporal designation is critical for participants in the online sports gaming industry. It allows players to correctly identify and enter contests that align with their strategies and player projections. Historically, such date-specific notation has streamlined entry and participation within the growing field of daily fantasy sports.

Understanding this date notation is paramount for users intending to engage in strategic roster construction and entry into relevant games on applicable platforms. The subsequent article will focus on player projections, value assessment, and optimal lineup construction for these contests.

1. Player Availability

Player availability exerts a significant influence on the landscape of NBA DFS contests scheduled for May 6, 2025. Unforeseen absences, due to injury, personal reasons, or strategic rest, directly alter the potential production and subsequent value of remaining players. A star player’s unexpected absence creates opportunities for bench players to assume larger roles, resulting in increased usage and scoring potential. This dynamic shifts projected player values and ownership percentages within the context of the defined DFS slate. For example, if a starting point guard is ruled out due to injury on May 6, 2025, the backup point guard will likely experience a substantial increase in projected minutes and usage, rendering them a potentially valuable DFS asset.

The cascading effect of player unavailability extends beyond individual player projections. It impacts team dynamics, offensive strategies, and defensive matchups, which subsequently affects the projections of opposing players. The unavailability of a key defensive player might elevate the scoring potential of opposing offensive players. DFS participants must closely monitor injury reports, news updates, and team announcements leading up to the lineup lock to adapt their roster construction strategies accordingly. A failure to account for late-breaking player availability information can lead to suboptimal lineup construction and reduced chances of success in the contests specified for May 6, 2025.

In summary, astute awareness of player availability is crucial for informed decision-making in NBA DFS contests on May 6, 2025. This element of information necessitates careful monitoring of player news and the understanding of its rippling impact on the projections of all players involved in that particular slate. Ignoring this factor can result in significantly diminished chances of success in those Daily Fantasy Sports contests.

2. Matchup Analysis

Matchup analysis forms a cornerstone of successful NBA Daily Fantasy Sports strategy, particularly when applied to a specific slate such as that of May 6, 2025. Effective lineup construction necessitates a detailed evaluation of the player-versus-player and team-versus-team dynamics for all games on the specified date.

  • Defensive Efficiency Ratings

    NBA teams exhibit varying levels of defensive proficiency. Analyzing a team’s Defensive Efficiency Rating (points allowed per 100 possessions) provides insight into the potential scoring opportunities for opposing players. A player facing a team with a low Defensive Efficiency Rating generally presents a more favorable DFS prospect than one facing a stout defensive unit. The May 6, 2025, slate demands a thorough assessment of these ratings to identify potentially undervalued players against vulnerable defenses.

  • Pace of Play

    The pace at which a team plays, measured by possessions per game, significantly impacts the number of scoring opportunities available to its players. Games between teams with high paces typically result in more fantasy points. Evaluating the projected pace of each game on the May 6, 2025, slate helps identify contests with a higher potential for DFS production. Players involved in fast-paced matchups often represent attractive DFS targets.

  • Individual Player Matchups

    Assessing individual player matchups reveals potential advantages and disadvantages. Analyzing factors such as size, athleticism, and defensive capabilities helps determine whether a player is likely to excel or struggle against their direct opponent. For example, a smaller guard matched against a taller, more physical defender may face challenges scoring. Careful consideration of these individual matchups is crucial for accurately projecting player performance on May 6, 2025.

  • Revenge Narrative and Motivation

    While less quantifiable, narratives such as a player facing their former team or seeking to prove themselves after a perceived slight can influence performance. Players exhibiting increased motivation often demonstrate heightened levels of effort and production. Identifying these potential motivation factors contributes to a more nuanced understanding of player projections for the May 6, 2025, DFS slate.

Ultimately, the rigorous application of matchup analysis to the May 6, 2025, NBA DFS slate enables participants to identify undervalued players and construct lineups with a higher probability of success. By combining statistical analysis with a qualitative understanding of individual and team dynamics, DFS players can gain a competitive edge in the construction of optimal lineups.

3. Projected Minutes

Projected minutes play a foundational role in NBA Daily Fantasy Sports, directly influencing player valuation and lineup construction for a specific date such as May 6, 2025. Accurate estimations of playing time are critical for determining a player’s potential fantasy output and subsequent DFS value.

  • Base for Statistical Projection

    Projected minutes serve as the primary input variable for nearly all statistical projection models used in NBA DFS. A player cannot accumulate fantasy points without being on the court. Consequently, even a highly skilled player with a favorable matchup holds limited value if their projected playing time is minimal. For the contests scheduled for May 6, 2025, projecting minutes accurately provides a baseline for estimating points, rebounds, assists, and other relevant statistics. Any inaccuracy here will cascade through the rest of the model.

  • Influence of Game Script

    The projected game script, encompassing the expected score differential and competitiveness of a game, directly impacts the distribution of minutes. A blowout scenario may lead to increased playing time for bench players and reduced minutes for starters. Conversely, a close, high-stakes game will likely see starters log more minutes. When constructing lineups for May 6, 2025, taking game script into account is paramount to refining minute projections and identifying potential value plays. A team leading big in the 4th will rest their players

  • Role of Positional Scarcity

    Positional scarcity affects the relative value of projected minutes. A player projected for significant minutes at a position with limited alternatives (e.g., center) holds greater DFS value than a player with similar projections at a position with numerous viable options (e.g., guard). For the contests of May 6, 2025, identifying situations where a player stands to inherit significant playing time due to injuries or absences at a scarce position can create a significant advantage.

  • Impact of Coaching Tendencies

    Individual coaching tendencies influence the allocation of playing time. Some coaches are known for consistently relying on established veterans, while others are more willing to give opportunities to younger players. Understanding a coach’s rotation patterns and propensity for making adjustments is crucial for accurately projecting minutes on May 6, 2025. For instance, some coaches are more likely to stick with a struggling starter. Others are quick to give minutes to the bench.

In conclusion, the accuracy of projected minutes is inextricably linked to success in NBA DFS, particularly for a specific date like May 6, 2025. By meticulously considering the factors outlined above, participants can refine their minute projections, identify undervalued players, and construct lineups with a higher probability of achieving optimal performance within the contests of the identified DFS slate.

4. Salary Efficiency

Salary efficiency, a critical element in NBA Daily Fantasy Sports, directly impacts lineup construction for any specific slate, including that of May 6, 2025. Each DFS contest imposes a salary cap, requiring participants to assemble a team of players whose combined salaries do not exceed this limit. The concept of salary efficiency revolves around maximizing the projected fantasy point output per dollar of salary spent. Players with high projected point totals relative to their salary are considered efficient, representing potentially valuable additions to a lineup. Conversely, players with low projected point totals relative to their salary are deemed inefficient and should generally be avoided. The identification of salary-efficient players is paramount to optimizing roster composition for NBA DFS contests on May 6, 2025.

The importance of salary efficiency becomes evident when considering real-world scenarios. For example, if a player priced at $5,000 is projected to score 30 fantasy points, their efficiency rating is 6 fantasy points per $1,000 (30/5). In contrast, a player priced at $8,000 projected to score 40 fantasy points has an efficiency rating of 5 fantasy points per $1,000 (40/8). Despite the higher overall point projection, the former player is deemed more salary-efficient and represents a more desirable roster addition, all other factors being equal. Lineup construction often necessitates prioritizing multiple salary-efficient players over relying solely on a small number of expensive, high-scoring stars. Finding the balance, with the few top stars and some cheap gems, is usually the recipe for success.

Successfully navigating the complexities of salary efficiency requires a multi-faceted approach. Accurate player projections, encompassing expected minutes, usage rate, and matchup considerations, are essential. Thorough analysis of pricing trends and value discrepancies across different DFS platforms can reveal opportunities to exploit inefficiencies in the market. Recognizing players whose salaries have not yet adjusted to reflect recent performance or changes in their roles is crucial for identifying undervalued assets on the May 6, 2025, slate. Prioritizing salary efficiency is the key for those that want to get to the top of the leaderboards for the DFS slate.

5. Ownership Percentage

Ownership percentage, in the context of NBA Daily Fantasy Sports contests scheduled for May 6, 2025, represents the proportion of lineups in a given contest that include a specific player. This metric is not merely a statistic; it serves as a gauge of public perception and a strategic tool for differentiating lineups in pursuit of higher contest finishes. High ownership percentages typically indicate players perceived as strong values, based on factors such as favorable matchups, injuries to teammates, or recent performance. Conversely, low ownership percentages suggest players viewed as riskier or less appealing options. The distribution of ownership across players directly influences the potential for a lineup to stand out from the field. A lineup composed entirely of highly owned players may achieve a solid score but faces a diminished chance of winning large-field tournaments due to its lack of uniqueness. Consider a scenario where a player priced at the minimum is projected for significant minutes due to injury. High ownership is almost guaranteed and should be factored in.

The strategic application of ownership percentage data involves identifying “contrarian” plays players with low ownership who possess the potential for high performance. These players offer a means of differentiating lineups and capitalizing on the potential for popular players to underperform. The challenge lies in accurately identifying these contrarian plays, as selecting a player with low ownership solely for the sake of being different is a risky strategy. A successful contrarian play requires a combination of factors, including a favorable matchup overlooked by the public, a high ceiling for performance, and a reasonable expectation of playing time. Effective use of ownership requires carefully weighing the potential upside against the risk of lower-than-expected production. Ownership can be used to leverage the expected performance, or fade it completely for a highly contrarian lineup.

Ultimately, understanding and strategically applying ownership percentage data is crucial for success in NBA DFS contests, particularly large-field tournaments, for May 6, 2025. It involves a delicate balance between identifying reliable values and differentiating lineups to maximize the potential for a top finish. Neglecting ownership data can lead to lineups that are overly reliant on popular players and lack the uniqueness necessary to achieve significant returns. Furthermore, factoring in these expected ownership percentages should be considered during the roster construction process.

6. Vegas Odds

Vegas Odds serve as a crucial indicator of expected game outcomes and scoring potential within the context of NBA Daily Fantasy Sports contests scheduled for May 6, 2025. These odds, disseminated by sportsbooks, encapsulate expert assessments of each game’s probability and provide DFS players with valuable insights for roster construction. The primary relevance lies in predicting point totals and identifying potentially high-scoring matchups. Games with higher implied totals, derived from the over/under, often represent more attractive targets for DFS roster composition due to the increased likelihood of individual player production. For instance, if a game on May 6, 2025, has an over/under of 230 points, DFS players can reasonably anticipate higher scoring outputs from players in that game compared to a game with an over/under of 200 points. An additional element, point spread, can show the team to target as the losing team may have to increase offense and scoring potential for their players.

The practical application of Vegas Odds extends beyond simply identifying high-scoring games. The point spread, which indicates the expected margin of victory, offers insight into potential game script scenarios. A large point spread suggests a higher probability of a blowout, which could lead to reduced playing time for star players in the winning team and increased opportunities for bench players in the losing team. DFS players can leverage this information to identify potentially undervalued players who may see increased minutes and usage in the event of a lopsided score. Further, Vegas Odds provide a comparative framework for evaluating individual player projections. If a player’s projected point total significantly deviates from expectations based on the implied game total, it warrants further investigation. This discrepancy may indicate an overestimation or underestimation of a player’s potential contribution, providing a valuable opportunity to gain an edge in roster construction.

In summary, Vegas Odds are an integral component of NBA DFS strategy for May 6, 2025, and beyond. They offer crucial information regarding expected game outcomes, scoring potential, and potential game script scenarios. While Vegas Odds should not be the sole determinant of roster decisions, integrating this information with other analytical factors such as player matchups, injury reports, and projected minutes can significantly enhance the probability of success. A core challenge lies in accurately interpreting and weighting Vegas Odds within the broader context of NBA DFS analysis. Failing to consider them represents a critical oversight, neglecting a readily available source of valuable predictive data.

7. Pace of Game

The “Pace of Game” metric holds significant relevance within the strategic landscape of NBA Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests scheduled for May 6, 2025. It provides crucial context for projecting player performance and constructing optimal lineups for that specific date. Pace, defined as the number of possessions a team averages per game, directly influences the scoring opportunities available to players, thereby impacting their fantasy point potential.

  • Impact on Scoring Opportunities

    A faster pace of game translates to more possessions for both teams, leading to increased opportunities for players to score points, grab rebounds, dish out assists, and accumulate other fantasy-relevant statistics. Conversely, a slower pace restricts the number of possessions, limiting scoring opportunities and suppressing player production. When evaluating DFS options for the May 6, 2025 slate, identifying games with high projected paces is paramount, as these contests typically offer greater upside for DFS players. A team that averages 100 possessions per game, compared to a team averaging 90, could open the door for more fantasy point potential.

  • Influence on Player Projections

    Accurate player projections must account for the expected pace of each game. A player facing a team that plays at a fast pace may receive a higher projection due to the increased volume of opportunities. However, it is crucial to consider individual player usage rates and efficiency metrics, as a high-pace game does not guarantee elevated production for every player. For instance, a team may increase the pace of game, but funnel the usage rate to only one or two stars. Minute projections must still be considered with overall pace to paint a clearer picture of a potential DFS target for May 6, 2025.

  • Considerations for Team Matchups

    The interplay between two teams’ paces further refines the assessment. A game between two fast-paced teams often results in an exceptionally high-scoring affair, presenting numerous DFS opportunities. However, a game between a fast-paced team and a slow-paced team may see the pace of the game converge toward the average, requiring a more nuanced evaluation of player projections. Understanding these dynamics is critical when analyzing the May 6, 2025 slate and identifying games with the highest fantasy point potential. Further, defense versus pace should be considered, some teams match-up better against high-paced offenses.

  • Strategic Implications for Lineup Construction

    A teams “Pace of Game” affects roster composition as the goal is to pinpoint underpriced players in games with elevated pace projections. Value can be found in lower-salaried individuals that will see increased possessions and usage. Furthermore, the more possessions, the better chance that the players on both sides will see increased fantasy numbers that will boost the success of the lineup. The understanding and integration of “Pace of Game” into DFS strategies for May 6, 2025 NBA slate contests offer a considerable advantage.

In conclusion, the “Pace of Game” metric represents a fundamental consideration for participants in NBA DFS contests on May 6, 2025. Integrating pace projections into player evaluations and lineup construction strategies enhances the ability to identify undervalued players and maximize the potential for success. Ignoring these factors can result in suboptimal lineup choices and reduced chances of achieving favorable results.

8. Injury Reports

Injury reports represent a critical information source for participants engaging in NBA Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests scheduled for May 6, 2025. These reports detail the health status of players, identifying those who are injured, potentially injured, or otherwise unavailable to play. Their impact on player availability and subsequent DFS value necessitates careful consideration.

  • Impact on Player Availability

    Injury reports directly dictate player availability. A player listed as “out” on an injury report will not participate in the game, impacting the player pool from which DFS participants can select. Those listed as “questionable” or “doubtful” present uncertainty, requiring careful monitoring of updates leading up to the lineup lock. For the May 6, 2025, slate, accurate assessment of injury reports is critical for avoiding roster selections of unavailable players. A late scratch of a key player can also open up value to others, and can drastically change the landscape of that specific DFS slate. This is where staying current with all news and media can pay off.

  • Cascading Effect on Player Projections

    The unavailability of a player due to injury has a cascading effect on the projections of other players. The absence of a starter often leads to increased playing time and usage for bench players, rendering them potentially valuable DFS assets. In the context of the May 6, 2025, slate, monitoring injury reports helps identify players who may see an expanded role due to teammate absences. However, the usage rate, and success of these potential fill-ins must be considered as well. Just because the minutes are there, the statistical output must follow to be considered a viable DFS target.

  • Influence on Ownership Percentage

    Injury reports significantly influence ownership percentages in DFS contests. Players who are expected to see increased playing time due to teammate injuries often become popular selections, resulting in higher ownership percentages. For the May 6, 2025, slate, recognizing these highly owned players is crucial for making strategic decisions about lineup construction. Consideration of the player pool for that particular DFS slate will dictate strategy to fade or target players due to injury report news.

  • Strategic Lineup Adjustments

    Injury reports frequently necessitate late-breaking lineup adjustments. Players deemed “questionable” may be ruled out shortly before the game begins, requiring DFS participants to replace them with alternative selections. For the contests scheduled for May 6, 2025, remaining vigilant and prepared to make last-minute changes is essential for optimizing lineup composition. This requires access to real-time news and the flexibility to react decisively in the hours leading up to lineup lock. Furthermore, it requires having backup options, so you do not have to start your research process again.

In conclusion, diligent monitoring and accurate interpretation of injury reports are indispensable for success in NBA DFS contests on May 6, 2025. Injury reports can change the dynamic of the contests, especially when it comes to the later DFS slates. The injury reports can set the tone, or impact your strategy. The ability to adapt is a crucial step to improve overall results.

9. Lineup Lock

Lineup lock represents a crucial deadline for NBA Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests, including those scheduled for May 6, 2025. It dictates the final time players can modify their submitted rosters, rendering all subsequent changes invalid. This deadline introduces a strategic element, demanding careful management of information and decision-making under time constraints.

  • Definition and Enforcement

    Lineup lock is the designated time at which roster submissions become final and unchangeable. Enforcement mechanisms vary across DFS platforms but typically involve preventing users from editing their lineups after the scheduled tip-off time of the first game included in the contest slate. For May 6, 2025, contests, this means participants must finalize their roster choices before the start of the earliest game listed on the contest page. Failure to do so results in the submission of a potentially suboptimal lineup, lacking crucial information such as late injury news.

  • Strategic Implications of Timing

    The proximity of lineup lock to game start times creates a strategic tension. Participants must balance the need for the latest information (injury reports, starting lineups) with the necessity of submitting their rosters before the deadline. Waiting too long risks missing the deadline, while acting too early risks overlooking critical news that could significantly alter player value. For May 6, 2025, participants will need to actively monitor news sources, potentially facing stressful decisions as the lock time approaches. A common strategy is to designate players with favorable situations as “locks”, ensuring they remain in your lineup, while other players’ status’ are monitored closely.

  • Impact of Late-Breaking News

    Late-breaking news, such as unexpected player scratches or changes to starting lineups, can dramatically impact the optimal roster construction. The closer this news breaks to the lineup lock, the more challenging it becomes for participants to react effectively. For May 6, 2025, contests, the ability to quickly process and incorporate late-breaking information into roster decisions can provide a significant competitive advantage. It is imperative to have back-up plans for all lineup slots, and to be aware of what other players should be targeted, should news break close to lineup lock.

  • Variations Across Platforms

    Lineup lock rules and enforcement can vary across different DFS platforms. Some platforms may offer “late swap” options, allowing participants to substitute players whose games have not yet started. Others may have stricter rules, locking all players at the initial slate start time. Participants in May 6, 2025, contests must familiarize themselves with the specific lineup lock rules of the platform they are using to avoid unintended consequences. These differences between platforms can also impact strategy, for example, the late-swap tool allows DFS players to react and pivot a lineup based on injury news.

The dynamic interaction between lineup lock and the May 6, 2025, NBA DFS slate underscores the importance of information management and timely decision-making. The deadline compels participants to synthesize diverse information streams and strategically allocate resources within a compressed timeframe, creating both opportunities and challenges in the pursuit of optimal roster construction.

Frequently Asked Questions

The following addresses common inquiries concerning Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) contests focusing on National Basketball Association (NBA) games scheduled for May 6, 2025.

Question 1: What does the identifier “nba dfs 5/6/25” signify?

The string indicates a specific grouping of NBA Daily Fantasy Sports contests taking place on May 6, 2025. It functions as a concise means of referring to a particular contest slate within the broader DFS landscape.

Question 2: Why is the specific date, May 6, 2025, important in this context?

The date pinpoints the games included in the DFS contest. Player performance on this specific date directly determines contest outcomes. Participants must construct rosters based on expected player performance occurring on May 6, 2025.

Question 3: Where can individuals find contests identified as “nba dfs 5/6/25?”

Such contests are typically hosted on various Daily Fantasy Sports platforms, including DraftKings and FanDuel. Individuals should consult these platforms directly to locate and participate in the specified contests. Contest availability and details may vary across platforms.

Question 4: What factors should be considered when constructing a roster for “nba dfs 5/6/25” contests?

Roster construction necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of several factors, including player matchups, injury reports, projected playing time, salary constraints, and projected game outcomes. A failure to account for these factors can lead to suboptimal roster selections.

Question 5: How do injury reports impact participation in “nba dfs 5/6/25” contests?

Injury reports identify players who are unavailable to play. This information is crucial for avoiding the selection of ineligible players and for identifying potentially undervalued players who may see increased playing time due to teammate absences. Participants should monitor injury reports closely leading up to the lineup lock.

Question 6: What is the “lineup lock” and how does it affect “nba dfs 5/6/25” contests?

The “lineup lock” represents the deadline for submitting or modifying rosters. Once the lineup lock occurs, no further changes are permitted. Participants must ensure their rosters are finalized before the specified lock time to avoid penalties or disqualification.

These answers provide fundamental clarity regarding the term “nba dfs 5/6/25” and its significance within the broader context of Daily Fantasy Sports. Understanding these concepts is essential for informed participation in NBA DFS contests.

This concludes the FAQ section. The following will explore strategies for advanced players.

Advanced Strategies for NBA DFS Contests (May 6, 2025)

The subsequent tips target seasoned participants seeking to refine their approach to National Basketball Association Daily Fantasy Sports, specifically concerning contests occurring on May 6, 2025. These recommendations presuppose a strong understanding of core DFS principles.

Tip 1: Correlate Lineups Strategically

Lineup correlation involves strategically pairing players from the same game or team to capitalize on positive dependencies. For example, rostering a point guard and center from the same team can prove advantageous if that team is projected to score heavily. If one player is assisting to the other, it results in points for both on only one play. This increases overall lineup efficiency.

Tip 2: Leverage Advanced Statistical Models

Beyond basic box score statistics, utilize advanced metrics such as usage rate, true shooting percentage, and player efficiency rating to identify undervalued players. These metrics provide a more nuanced understanding of a player’s contribution and potential for exceeding salary-based expectations on May 6, 2025.

Tip 3: Exploit Positional Arbitrage

Positional arbitrage entails strategically utilizing players at positions where they are undervalued relative to their projected output. For instance, a point guard listed as eligible at the shooting guard position may offer greater value due to increased positional scarcity at shooting guard, on May 6, 2025.

Tip 4: Analyze Opponent-Specific Defensive Schemes

Some NBA teams employ defensive schemes that are particularly vulnerable to specific types of players. Identifying these weaknesses and targeting players who excel in exploiting them can provide a competitive edge. Understanding these defensive schemes will require extensive research to pinpoint target points on May 6, 2025.

Tip 5: Construct Multiple Lineups for Large-Field Tournaments

In large-field tournaments, constructing multiple lineups with varying degrees of risk and correlation increases the probability of capturing a top prize. Employing a portfolio approach allows for greater diversification and exposure to a wider range of potential outcomes.

Tip 6: Monitor Player Prop Bets

Player prop bets offered by sportsbooks can provide valuable insights into player performance expectations. Comparing player prop projections to DFS salary-based projections can reveal discrepancies and identify potentially undervalued players on May 6, 2025. Prop bets provide very specific value-based projections.

Tip 7: Optimize Roster Construction for Specific Contest Types

Roster construction strategies should be tailored to the specific contest type being entered. Cash games (e.g., head-to-head, 50/50) typically reward consistent, high-floor players, while tournaments require a greater emphasis on upside and differentiation.

Implementing these advanced strategies requires a considerable investment of time and effort. However, mastering these techniques can significantly enhance the likelihood of success in NBA Daily Fantasy Sports contests on May 6, 2025.

The subsequent section will address concluding remarks and summarize the article.

Concluding Remarks on nba dfs 5/6/25

This exposition has explored the various facets of NBA Daily Fantasy Sports contests designated for May 6, 2025. Key considerations include player availability, matchup analysis, projected minutes, salary efficiency, ownership percentage, Vegas Odds, pace of game, injury reports, and the critical influence of lineup lock. Emphasis has been placed on the strategic integration of these elements for optimal roster construction.

Success within the nba dfs 5/6/25 landscape necessitates a commitment to ongoing research, analytical rigor, and adaptive decision-making. The information presented herein serves as a foundation for informed engagement with the contests in question. Continued refinement of these strategies will be paramount for achieving sustained success within this dynamic environment. Participants are encouraged to apply these principles with discernment and adapt them to the evolving circumstances of the NBA season.