The fans will be heard when NBA teams play their exhibition games this week in preparation for the resumption of the regular season — in a technological, social distancing kind of way.
Although spectators will not be allowed into the arenas during games, the league plans to surround the court with monitors and enable fans of the designated home team to cheer and interact with the players and coaches via what amounts to video conference calls.
"When we wave at them, they'll be able to wave at us," Pacers coach Nate McMillan said.
That will be one of the major differences teams experience when the games begin, but only one of many.