The NBA Cup returns for its second season, kicking off on Tuesday night and continuing until December 17. Initially launched as the In-Season Tournament last year, the Cup has been a part of Commissioner Adam Silver’s vision to enrich the regular season. All 30 NBA teams will compete in four group-stage games, leading to eight teams advancing to the quarterfinals. The winners of these quarterfinal games will head to Las Vegas for the semifinals on December 14.
It’s important to note that all tournament games, with the exception of the championship match, will also count towards the regular season standings and statistics. The championship, however, is considered an additional game and does not factor into the standard 82-game season.
What’s at stake for teams? The winners will earn a trophy and cash prizes, with each player on the victorious team receiving $514,971. Players on the runner-up team will earn $205,988, while semifinalists will take home $102,994 and quarterfinalists will receive $51,497 each.
Group breakdown includes:
East Group A: New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, Charlotte
East Group B: Milwaukee, Indiana, Miami, Toronto, Detroit
East Group C: Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington
West Group A: Minnesota, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento, Houston, Portland
West Group B: Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah, San Antonio
West Group C: Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Golden State, Memphis
The wallet-friendly rewards and the competitive spirit surrounding this tournament have gathered significant interest among fans. Every team, whether they win or lose, has the chance to elevate their standings and set the stage for future matchups in a thrilling format that keeps the season engaging.
Additionally, if teams are eliminated in group play, they’ll be scheduled for two more games, while those eliminated in the quarterfinals will get one additional match. This structure ensures that all teams will eventually reach 82 games in their schedules—despite having only 80 already lined up.
In terms of betting favorites, the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics are currently at +400 to win the tournament, with Cleveland at +700, New York at +800, and a clump of teams including Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Denver, and Golden State all sitting at +1200. Defending tournament champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, follow closely with +1400 odds.
Fans can catch the action on TNT and ESPN, with multiple matches scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays, along with additional broadcasting on NBA TV.
Overall, the NBA Cup promises to deliver excitement and competitiveness, providing players with more than just routine games but also the opportunity to win significant rewards while fostering team spirit in a condensed timeline. This initiative not only amplifies the fan experience but also enriches the basketball narrative throughout the season.
In summary, the introduction of the NBA Cup brings a fresh, competitive angle to the season, emphasizing the league’s commitment to maintaining excitement and engagement among players and fans alike.