The NBA Cup returns for its second season, kicking off on Tuesday night and running until December 17. Initially known as the In-Season Tournament during its debut last year, the competition was the brainchild of Commissioner Adam Silver, who aimed to introduce an added element to the regular season dynamics.
All 30 teams will take part, engaging in four group-stage games. Following these matches, the top eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals, with the four winners heading to Las Vegas for the semifinals scheduled on December 14. It’s important to note that all games, except for the championship, will count towards the regular-season standings and player statistics; the championship match will be regarded as an additional contest beyond the typical 82-game season.
The tournament offers significant incentives for the participating players. The winning team members will earn $514,971 each, while players from the runner-up team will receive $205,988. Those losing in the semifinals will take home $102,994, and players eliminated in the quarterfinals will receive $51,497.
Here’s a quick look at the group breakdown:
**Eastern Conference Groups:**
– **Group A:** New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Charlotte
– Key matches include Brooklyn at New York and New York at Philadelphia.
– **Group B:** Milwaukee, Indiana, Miami, Toronto, Detroit
– Miami will face Detroit, and Toronto will play Milwaukee this week.
– **Group C:** Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington
– Atlanta visits Boston, and Chicago takes on Cleveland in this round.
**Western Conference Groups:**
– **Group A:** Minnesota, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento, Houston, Portland
– Minnesota goes against Portland in the opening match.
– **Group B:** Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah, San Antonio
– Phoenix travels to Utah, while the Lakers meet San Antonio in their opening matches.
– **Group C:** Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Golden State, Memphis
– Dallas faces Golden State, and Denver visits New Orleans.
Teams eliminated early in the group stages will add two additional games to their schedules, while quarterfinal losers will add one. All teams are initially scheduled for 80 games in the regular season, ultimately culminating in 82.
To differentiate between tournament and regular season games, players will compete on specially designed courts during NBA Cup matches, making it easier for spectators to identify these exciting fixtures.
As for betting favorites, the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics are the top pick at +400, followed by the Cleveland Cavaliers at +700, the New York Knicks at +800, with other contenders, including Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Denver, and Golden State, each at +1200. The Lakers, last season’s tournament champions, are currently at +1400.
Fans can catch the action on TNT with national doubleheaders this Tuesday and on subsequent dates, while ESPN will cover several games as well. Local broadcasts will also ensure that fans don’t miss any of the thrilling gameplay.
Overall, the returning NBA Cup presents a fresh and electrifying opportunity for teams and players to showcase their skills while competing for pride and substantial financial rewards. It adds a competitive edge to the regular season and could foster an even deeper fan engagement with the league.