The NBA is considering a group stage with the resumption of the season as Adam Silver will have the opportunity to potentially test one of his more innovative changes during this unique period. This format would replace the traditional first round and determine the final eight remaining teams.

The 16 current playoff teams would quality for the group state along with the four teams with the next-best records, which include the Portland Trial Blazers, New Orleans Pelicans, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs. The remaining 10 teams would be done for the season.

The 20 teams would be allocated into five tiers in descending order by record.

• Tier 1: Bucks, Lakers, Raptors, Clippers
• Tier 2: Celtics, Nuggets, Jazz, Heat
• Tier 3: Thunder, Rockets, Pacers, Sixers
• Tier 4: Mavericks, Grizzlies, Nets, Magic
• Tier 5: Blazers, Pelicans, Kings, Spurs

Groups would then be randomly drawn with one team from each tier. Teams from each group would play opponents within their own group twice, giving each team eight games. The two teams from each group with the best record would move on.

Sources say the NBA has also considered allowing Tier 1 teams to draft their own groups.

Eastern Conference teams have already pushed back at the league for the group stage suggestion, according to sources.