EA didn't release an NBA Live in 2019, but we are fully expecting to see NBA Live 21 this year.
Not only are we expecting a new game from EA, but with the release of the next-gen consoles, Sony’s PS5 and Microsoft’s Xbox Series X, it could be their best release yet.
After taking a year off, the basketball war is set to rekindle and the first battle will be over the cover star.
Who is the NBA Live 21 cover athlete?
As is the case with many competing franchises (Like FIFA and Madden), there is always a battle to have the biggest and best players on the cover of the game.
POST UP: Joel Embiid was the last cover athlete for NBA Live
The most recent cover star for NBA Live was the Philadelphia 76ers dominant center, Joel Embiid, but this choice marked a distinct change in direction from the pattern set in previous years.
READ MORE:
In fact, the last 5 editions of NBA Live all featured point guards as their cover stars.
Right now we don't know who will be on the cover of NBA Live 21, but there are few clear choices.
NBA Live 21 cover athlete predictions
A LOT HAS CHANGED: KD has swapped coasts since NBA Live 19
There are a lot of stars around the NBA that could make the cover. However, there are some front-runners EA should consider.
Kevin Durant
The Brooklyn Nets star was due to miss this season with an Achilles injury, but it looks like the whole season will be off now thanks to coronavirus.
READ MORE: Absolutely Everything we know about the PlayStation 5
When it returns, KD will too. That makes him the perfect man to be on the front of EA's NBA Live revival.
Zion Williamson
Few rookies have had the impact that Zion Williamson had in his first season.
The New Orleans Pelicans star is one of the most exciting players to come into the NBA in years and certainly has a buzz about him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Greek Freak is the best player in basketball right now and will soon hit free agency.
Where his future lies is one of the biggest stories in the sport, so why not put him on the cover.
Release Date
Whilst an official confirmation for the game has not yet been made by EA, looking at past releases we expect that any potential release would hit the shelves in September time.
READ MORE: Everything there is to know about F1 2020
However, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see EA miss out the current consoles (PS4 and Xbox One) and develop NBA Live 21 exclusively for the PS5 and new Xbox upon their release.
To read more about NBA Live 21, including its cover star, graphics, rosters and next-gen, head here.