Who Will Struggle the Most Without Any Fans?
With the announcement of the NBA seasonfinally returning later this summer, fans are starting to get excited about being able to support their team again. Unfortunately, that support will have to be confined to their couch, as fans will almost certainly not be permitted at any capacity for the rest of this season. This got us thinking; with home court advantage eliminated, who will struggle the most without the support of their fans?
5. Toronto Raptors
The reigning NBA Champions boast one of the loudest and passionate fan bases in the NBA. The “Jurassic Park” viewing parties outside the stadium have become part of the culture in Toronto. And we all know how much Drake will miss playing hype man for his hometown team. While the Raptors still have one of the best rosters and one of the best coaches in the NBA, the absence of their fan support will hurt them greatly.
4. Indiana Pacers
The fans in Indiana are some of the most dedicated in all of sports. They’ve shown out all year for a team missing a true star, no offense Sabonis, with Victor Oladipo was sidelined with injury. With Oladipo back and the Pacers in contention for home court advantage, not having their fans in the stands will be a huge blow. For a team that relies so much on energy and team spirit, their fans could have taken them over the edge.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder
Following a similar theme, The Oklahoma City Thunder weren’t even supposed to be here. Nobody considered them a threat to make the playoffs, as everyone wrote them off as a young team lead by an overpaid, aging star in Chris Paul. Paul changed that as he led by example all year and turned this team into of the toughest in the league. Their fans used to literally be the loudest in the league (seriously, there were decibel meters on the broadcast) but for now, the Thunder will have to try and manage without.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
Hear me out. Everybody knows the West is was going to come down a battle in Los Angeles between the Lakers and the Clippers. While the Lakers have arguably the two best players in the city in LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the Clippers are universally acknowledged as a much better team top
to bottom. However, a showdown at Staples Center would essentially give the Lakers home court advantage every night. The Clippers have come a long way, but this is still undeniably a Lakers town. But without any fans, the Clippers will be the clear favorite to come out of the West.
1. Philadelphia 76ers
It’s no debate, Philadelphia is the best sports city with the best fans in the country. Few things matter more to the people of this city than their sports. Which is why playing in an empty gym will be especially damaging for the 76ers, a team that has failed to live up to expectations all year. However, they are a completely different team when playing in front of their loyal fans, with a staggering 29-2 record at home vs. 10-24 on the road. The argument for this team was always that it was built for the playoffs, where the game slows down and defenses usually win out. But without the inspiration the comes from playing in front of those crazy Philly fans, it could be painfully short brief run for the 76ers.