The NBA Cup returns for its second season, kicking off on Tuesday night and continuing until December 17. Last year, it was introduced as the In-Season Tournament, a concept that NBA Commissioner Adam Silver had long envisioned to provide added excitement during the regular season. All 30 teams will participate, playing four games in the group stage.
After the group rounds, eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals, with the victors progressing to the semifinals in Las Vegas on December 14. While all tournament games—except for the championship showdown—are included in the regular season’s standings, the championship game stands apart from the usual 82 games played by each team.
What’s on the line? Winners will earn pride, a trophy, and considerable financial incentives. Players on the winning team will receive $514,971 each, while those on the runner-up team will take home $205,988. Additionally, players from teams eliminated in the semifinals and quarterfinals will earn $102,994 and $51,497, respectively.
The tournament features three groups in the Eastern Conference and three in the Western Conference, with teams facing off in a series of exciting matchups. Notable Eastern Conference teams include New York, Milwaukee, and Boston, while strong contenders from the West include the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets.
Teams eliminated in group play will have two more games added to their schedules, while those that exit in the quarterfinals will add one game. Currently, each team has 80 games scheduled for the regular season, which will total 82 once the tournament concludes. It’s important to recognize tournament games, as each will be played on distinctive courts.
Betting favorites for the tournament, according to BetMGM Sportsbook, include reigning NBA champion Boston at +400, followed by Cleveland at +700, and New York at +800. The defending tournament champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, have odds set at +1400.
Fans can catch all the action via national broadcasts on TNT and ESPN throughout the tournament. Local broadcasts will also be available as usual, ensuring that basketball enthusiasts across the nation can tune into the excitement.
Overall, the return of the NBA Cup signifies an evolving league that embraces innovation, providing players and fans with additional thrilling basketball experiences. This tournament has the potential not only to heighten competition but also to foster a deeper connection between teams and their supporters.
In summary, the NBA Cup adds an exciting layer to the season’s proceedings, enriching the overall experience for players and fans alike. It embodies the league’s commitment to engaging its audience and energizing the spirit of competition among teams.