The NBA Cup is returning for its second season, kicking off tonight and continuing until December 17. Originally known as the In-Season Tournament, this event was introduced last year after Commissioner Adam Silver’s effort to enhance the regular season with something unique. All 30 teams will participate and each will play four games in the group stage.
Following the group stage, eight teams will advance to the quarterfinals, and the winners of these matches will then compete in the semifinals in Las Vegas on December 14. Notably, all tournament games, except for the championship, will count in the overall regular-season standings and statistics. The championship game is viewed as an additional contest, meaning it is not part of the standard 82-game season for the finalists.
What’s up for grabs? The victorious team will receive a trophy, pride, and monetary rewards. Each player on the winning team will earn $514,971, while those on the runner-up team will receive $205,988. Players who are eliminated in the semifinals will get $102,994, and those falling in the quarterfinals will take home $51,497.
The group breakdowns showcase the teams in various matchups, with key games happening tonight, including matchups like New York at Philadelphia in East Group A and Miami at Detroit in East Group B. Each group has exciting matchups leading up to the elimination rounds, with potential for drama and rivalry as teams vie for supremacy.
It’s important to note that if teams are eliminated in the group stage, they will still have two additional games added to their schedule. Those that exit in the quarterfinals will also play one more game, maintaining competitive spirit throughout the tournament.
With the NBA Cup underway, all teams have 80 games currently slated for the regular season but will ultimately reach the 82-game threshold. The unique court designs for Cup games will distinguish tournament matchups from the standard regular season contests.
Betting favorites suggest a thrilling competition, with the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics leading the pack as favorites to win at +400, followed by Cleveland, New York, and several other teams grouped closely behind.
For those eager to watch, TNT is airing national doubleheaders starting tonight, with additional coverage on ESPN and NBA TV throughout the tournament.
In summary, the NBA Cup promises an exciting season filled with competitive spirit and significant rewards, offering both players and fans an engaging way to enjoy basketball. This event reflects the league’s commitment to innovation and enhancing the overall fan experience, paving the way for more dramatic matchups and player showcases as the season progresses. The tournament provides an excellent opportunity for teams to showcase their skills and for fans to engage with the game in new ways.