If you have taken a look at the NBA schedule recently you might have noticed that there are no games on November 5 (or November 6 Australian time) even though the season is in full swing.
The reason for this is the U.S. presidential election. It is voting day in the United States and the NBA has chosen not to schedule any games as a way of taking the decision out of voters' hands as to whether they choose to go and vote, or watch their favourite team play.
The NBA has been very vocal in encouraging fans to exercise their right to vote and participate in the process.
"The league will continue to encourage fans and the broader NBA community to make a plan to vote and participate in the civic process," an NBA communications release said.
"As part of this initiative, the NBA will share important resources from voting organizations and highlight the civic engagement work of teams in their markets."
This scheduling decision also benefits the players themselves as they do not have to endure the stresses of game day along with the added pressure of voting. In previous years voting was complicated for teams who were playing away games as players and staff were unable to vote in their home state. Keeping the slate clean today resolves these issues.
This is the third consecutive season that the NBA has left the schedule empty on election day as the league pushes its focus on encouraging fans to vote.
There was a full slate of games Monday (local time) with all 30 teams playing, and 24 teams will play on Wednesday.
