NBA exhibition games to have 10-minute quarters

LOS ANGELES: The NBA will ease back into action with upcoming exhibition games which will consist of 10-minute quarters.

As the exhibition-game schedule proceeds, the regular 12-minute quarters will return, but with players spending more than four months out of action, the initial practice games will move much quicker. The NBA reportedly wants to take it easy on teams not just because of time away, but also because some clubs do not yet have full rosters.

The NBA exhibition-game schedule begins on Wednesday with four games. The Orlando Magic will face the Los Angeles Clippers, the Washington Wizards will meet the Denver Nuggets, the New Orleans Pelicans will play the Brooklyn Nets and the Sacramento Kings will be matched up against the Miami Heat.

The return of 12-minute quarters will come with each team’s second exhibition game. All teams are expected to play three games before the regular season resumes July 30.

All NBA games from July 30 to the end of the season will be played in the Orlando, Florida, area as a result of the coronavirus pandemic that shut down the league in March.

NETS SIGN ANDERSON

The Brooklyn Nets signed forward/ guard Justin Anderson on Saturday for the remainder of the 2019-20 season.

The move was expected after forward Michael Beasley left the team earlier this week after reportedly testing positive for the coronavirus.

Anderson was already in the Orlando area during the week and under quarantine, which was required before he could enter the “bubble” environment the NBA has created for its upcoming season restart. Anderson played in three games for the Nets in January under a 10-day contract.