=== NBA plans to shuffle divisions in 2004-05 === New York, NY (My Sportsbook) - The National Basketball Association proposed a plan to realign into six five-team divisions beginning prior to the 2004-05 season. The Charlotte Bobcats will become the NBA'a 30th team next season, prompting the league to propose a switch into two conferences consisting of three divisions each. There are currently only two divisions in the East -- the Atlantic and Central -- and two in the West -- the Midwest and Pacific. The regular season schedule should not differ much from this year's slate, and eight teams from each conference will still qualify for the playoffs. The Bobcats will join the Eastern Conference and the New Orleans Hornets are expected to be shifted into the Western Conference under the plan. A vote should come within the next month to approve the proposal. |
