The 2023-24 NBA season has been one for the ages, and as it enters its final week, several teams are still jockeying for positioning in the standings.
While some races for the NBA Playoffs and Play-In Tournament may not be decided until the final day of the season, the final week of the season opens with an off day. On Monday, April 8, all 30 teams will be idle.
Why are there no NBA games on the schedule today? The Sporting News explains why there is a pause in action as the season closes.
MORE: Updated NBA Playoffs bracket and today's clinching scenarios
Why are there no NBA games today?
There are no NBA games today because the NCAA men's basketball national championship game will be played on Monday, April 8.
The NBA keeps its schedule clear to direct the spotlight to the two NCAA finalists — in this case, No. 1 seeds UConn and Purdue. In some cases, active NBA players who are alumni of participating schools can use the clear schedule to attend the championship game.
This has become an annual tradition. Since 2018, the NBA has only scheduled games during the 2021 men's national championship. That was a special case, as the 2020-21 NBA season was truncated due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 NCAA Tournament was held in a bubble in Indianapolis.
What time does the 2024 NCAA Tournament championship game start?
- Date: Monday, April 8
- Time: 9:20 p.m. ET
The 2024 NCAA men's basketball championship will tip off around 9:20 p.m. ET Monday, April 8. No. 1 seeds Purdue and UConn will face off at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., home of the NFL's Arizona Cardinals.
MORE: Best NBA players from UConn | Best NBA players from Purdue
Who is playing in the NCAA Tournament championship?
- Matchup: No. 1 Purdue vs. No. 1 Connecticut
It's fitting that the last teams standing are both No. 1 seeds. Purdue, which enters with a 34-4 record, pulled away for a 13-point win over NC State in the national semifinal. UConn is 36-3 and enters the national championship after earning a 14-point win over Alabama in the semifinals.
UConn is looking to become the first program to win back-to-back titles since Florida in 2006 and 2007. A win would give the Huskies their sixth title in program history. Purdue is looking to win the first NCAA Tournament championship in school history.
Here is a list of active NBA players who could use the day off to make their way to Arizona for the championship game.
UConn alumni in the NBA
- Andre Drummond, Bulls
- Jordan Hawkins, Pelicans
- Andre Jackson, Bucks
- Adama Sanogo, Bulls
Purdue alumni in the NBA
- Jaden Ivey, Pistons
