On his recent podcast for ESPN, NBA insider Brian Windhorst explained to listeners why the league wants to play at least 70 games this season.

While the NBA is not sure what will happen moving forward because of the coronavirus pandemic, Windhorst pointed out that the league ideally would like to play at least 70 regular season games. This is in order to retain 100 percent of the revenue they receive from their regional sports network partners which air games in local markets.

As transcribed by Real GM:

“What they would love to do is to get to 70 games,” Brian Windhorst said. “And the reason 70 is a key number is because that is what the deliverable is to the regional sports networks. They are promised 70 games.

“Now, just because a team like the Lakers, for example, to get to 70 games… they wouldn't necessarily be able to deliver on that because they've had a lot of national games, but getting to 70 would be helpful in retaining revenue because they wouldn't have to refund some to the local TV.”

Per reports, the NBA has begun collecting data on available dates for NBA arenas and practice facilities beginning possibly in June or July.

On Sunday, the CDC recommended no crowds of 50 or more people for a minimum of two months.

The NBA almost certainly won't play an abbreviated playoffs such as a single elimination tournament. If the season starts up again, the NBA needs all four rounds to happen.

As it stands, the Milwaukee Bucks have the best record in the NBA, while the Los Angeles Lakers are atop the West standings.