Catching the In-Season Tournament Action
Attention all basketball fans! The NBA's In-Season Tournament is set to be broadcast on ESPN and TNT in the U.S., and for our international viewers, you can catch all the action on NBA League Pass.
Tournament Format
The tournament is scheduled to run from November 3 to December 7. An interesting twist to note is that all games, with the exception of the championship game, count towards regular season standings. This adds an extra layer of importance to every match played.
All 30 NBA teams are participating, divided into groups based on their performance in the previous season. Each team will play against the other four teams in their group once, with two home games and two road games ensuring a fair balance.
Group stage games are slated to occur on 'Tournament Nights' every Tuesday and Friday from November 3 to 28. However, it's important to note that there will be no games on US Election Day, which falls on November 7 this year.
The winners of the six groups, along with one wild card from each conference, will advance to the knockout rounds. The quarterfinals will be hosted at the home arenas of the teams with the best records from the group stage, adding another incentive to perform well early on.
In a change of scenery, the semifinals and final will be held at a neutral venue - the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. This ensures a level playing field for the ultimate showdowns.
Prizes
There's more than just pride at stake here. Teams that reach the knockout stages will share in the prize pool, with the further a team progresses, the larger their share. Additionally, an MVP and an All-Tournament team will be named, adding to the accolades on offer.
NBA's Efforts for Viewer Engagement
The NBA has been proactive in keeping fans engaged. During the Covid-enforced 'Bubble' in 2020, they introduced a 'Play-In' between teams finishing 7th-10th in each conference. This innovative feature has remained a staple in every season since then.
With the introduction of the In-Season Tournament, the NBA hopes to replicate this success. The combination of competitive games, potential impact on regular season standings, and the allure of prizes should provide ample motivation for teams and entertainment for viewers alike. Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting tournament!