As I sit here analyzing the latest NBA championship odds for the 2020 season, I can't help but reflect on how dramatically the landscape has shifted since the pandemic began. Having followed basketball for over fifteen years, I've seen contenders rise and fall, but this season feels particularly unpredictable. The Lakers currently lead the pack with +250 odds, followed closely by the Bucks at +280 and the Clippers at +350. These numbers tell a story, but they don't capture the full picture of what's happening behind the scenes. When I look at teams like the Lakers, who made significant roster changes, I'm reminded of that poignant quote from an anonymous NBA executive: "And if we're going to just go ahead and change personnel, then we're all back to zero again." This statement resonates deeply with me because it highlights the delicate balance between talent acquisition and team chemistry.

The Lakers' acquisition of Anthony Davis was undoubtedly a game-changer, but it came at the cost of their entire young core. While Davis and LeBron James form a formidable duo, I've noticed they're still working out their on-court synchronization. In their first 25 games together, they've posted a net rating of +8.5 when sharing the floor, which is impressive but not quite the dominant force many expected. From my perspective, the Clippers might actually have the edge here. With Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, they've maintained more continuity in their supporting cast. Their defense has been suffocating, holding opponents to just 106.3 points per 100 possessions. I've always valued defensive consistency in playoff basketball, and the Clippers' ability to switch seamlessly between schemes gives them a distinct advantage.

Meanwhile, the Milwaukee Bucks are quietly putting together one of the most efficient regular seasons I've ever witnessed. Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing at an MVP level again, averaging 31.2 points and 13.1 rebounds per game. Their system hasn't changed dramatically, which I believe works in their favor. That executive's quote about being "back to zero" when changing personnel perfectly explains why Milwaukee's continuity makes them so dangerous. They've kept their core together, and it shows in their league-best 38-6 record before the All-Star break. Still, I have my doubts about their half-court offense in crunch time - we saw it falter against Toronto last postseason, and I'm not entirely convinced they've solved that puzzle.

What fascinates me most this season is how the second tier of contenders stacks up. The Celtics at +1200 and the Rockets at +1400 present intriguing value bets. Boston's Jayson Tatum has developed into a legitimate star before our eyes, and their team defense ranks in the top five. The Rockets' extreme small-ball approach either looks brilliant or disastrous - there's no in-between. I watched them surrender 65 rebounds to the Lakers while still winning the game, which perfectly encapsulates their high-risk, high-reward strategy. Personally, I think their lack of size will ultimately doom them in a seven-game series, but they'll be fascinating to watch.

The Nuggets at +1600 and the 76ers at +1800 round out the serious contenders, though both have significant questions to answer. Denver's Jamal Murray needs to prove he can perform consistently in pressure situations, while Philadelphia's fit issues have been well-documented. I've never been a fan of the Horford-Embiid pairing, and their offensive rating of 109.7 places them in the bottom half of the league. When teams make dramatic personnel changes without considering fit, they truly do go "back to zero," and the Sixers are living proof of this principle.

Looking at the broader picture, home-court advantage might be less significant this year given the potential bubble environment. This could benefit teams like the Mavericks (+2500), who have been mediocre on the road but spectacular at home. Luka Dončić is putting up historic numbers for a 21-year-old, and I genuinely believe he's capable of carrying Dallas through a playoff series or two. Their offensive rating of 116.7 leads the league, though their defense remains a concern.

As we approach what promises to be a most unusual postseason, I keep returning to that idea of continuity versus change. The teams that maintained their core - Milwaukee, both LA teams to varying degrees - seem better positioned than those who overhauled their rosters. In my experience watching this league, chemistry often trumps raw talent in the playoffs. The Raptors last year proved that a cohesive unit can overcome individual brilliance, and I suspect we might see similar dynamics play out this year.

The betting markets have generally gotten it right, but I'd argue the value lies with Denver at +1600. They've flown under the radar despite returning virtually their entire Western Conference semifinals team from last year. Nikola Jokić is playing the best basketball of his career, and Michael Porter Jr. provides a new dimension off the bench. In a strange season where familiarity might be more valuable than ever, the Nuggets' continuity could be their secret weapon. Whatever happens, this postseason will test every team's adaptability in unprecedented ways, and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

LIGHTING, LIGHTING, AND MORE LIGHTING
People are typically drawn to bars solely based on their atmosphere. The best way to knock your next commercial bar design out of the park is using the perfect amount and type of lighting. Use standout light fixtures as their very own statement piece, track lighting for adjustable ambiance, hanging pendant lights over tables, and ambient backlighting to display the alcohol. Bartenders need to serve and customers need to order, so make sure it’s just functional as it is attractive. 

CHOOSING YOUR BARTOP
What may seem so obvious, is often so overlooked in commercial bar design- the material of your actual bartop itself. While we realize stone and marble are as classy and elegant-looking as can be, the reality is that they just aren’t your best option for a durable and long lasting bartop. They crack, have no grip, and break way too many glasses. Opt for a high-quality wood bar instead. Oaks, maples, mahoganies, and ashes are sturdy and provide your customers with a firm grip for their glasses. 

THEME 
In a sea of millions upon millions of bars, how can you make your commercial bar design stand apart from the rest? The answer is to pick a unique, centralized theme and run with it. Whether it’s your next sit-down restaurant bar design, or remodeling the small, locally-favorite gem, you have to find out what your clientele wants. Survey the neighborhood of your establishment and find out what the demographics are there. Maybe a gritty, western bar would be a hit. Or maybe a more modern, sleek design is what’s missing in the area. Whatever theme you decide upon, hit it out of the park with the perfect lighting, wall art, music, and furniture. It’s all in the details. 

THE GUIDE TO YOUR NEXT RESTOBAR 
You’ve got the food, you’ve got the restaurant, you’ve got the customers, now all you need is a beautifully designed bar to top it all off.  Small bar designs for restaurants have a tendency to be a little thrown together and incohesive with the rest of the establishment. Stay on brand- create consistency with tying in the same color scheme, furniture, art, and overall ambiance of the pre-existing restaurant. Make sure the placement of your bar makes sense as well, have it in a place where it’s visible and easy to navigate but not in the way of servers and other guests. If the bar is going to serve food, be sure to consider the location of the kitchen to not obstruct traffic flow. Consider all of these small tips as you work through your next restaurant bar design. 

SPACE CONSTRAINT 
It’s no secret that bars have the reputation of being a little cramped, and in some cases- way too cramped. Consider all of the space constraints while designing your next commercial bar design and we can change that bad rap that bars have been holding for far too long. First and foremost, be sure to measure your bar, barstool, cabinet, and equipment height. Generally, a bar is 42” in height while a stool is 30” in height. Also be sure to allow at least 3’ of space between the bar and the alcohol for the bartender’s functionality and efficiency. Consider multiple register and drink-making stations for bartenders as well. Allowing 2’ between patrons is going to give them enough space to eat and drink, and most importantly, simply be comfortable. All of these considerations are especially helpful if it is a restaurant bar design, where the space is even more valuable.