This revamped in-season tournament, now in its second year, responds to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s long-held vision of making midseason more compelling. Featuring all 30 teams in a structured format, the NBA Cup includes four group-stage games per team, leading up to a Las Vegas-based semifinals and a championship game.
Players on the winning team earn $514,971 each, while runner-ups receive $205,988. Players eliminated in the semifinals and quarterfinals get $102,994 and $51,497, respectively.
Groups and Schedules
Teams are divided into East and West Groups A, B, and C. Key matchups include:
East Group A: New York, Philadelphia, Orlando, Brooklyn, Charlotte
Schedule: New York at Philadelphia, Tuesday; Charlotte at Orlando, Tuesday; Brooklyn at New York, Friday; Philadelphia at Orlando, Friday; Charlotte at Brooklyn, Nov. 19; Brooklyn at Philadelphia, Nov. 22; New York at Charlotte, Nov. 29; Orlando at Brooklyn, Nov. 29; Philadelphia at Charlotte, Dec. 3; Orlando at New York, Dec. 3.
East Group B: Milwaukee, Indiana, Miami, Toronto, Detroit.
Schedule: Miami at Detroit, Tuesday; Toronto at Milwaukee, Tuesday; Miami at Indiana, Friday; Detroit at Toronto, Friday; Indiana at Milwaukee, Nov. 22; Milwaukee at Miami, Nov. 26; Toronto at Miami, Nov. 29; Detroit at Indiana, Nov. 29; Milwaukee at Detroit, Dec. 3; Indiana at Toronto, Dec. 3.East Group C: Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington.
Schedule: Atlanta at Boston, Tuesday; Chicago at Cleveland, Friday; Washington at Atlanta, Friday; Cleveland at Boston, Nov. 19; Atlanta at Chicago, Nov. 22; Boston at Washington, Nov. 22; Chicago at Washington, Nov. 26; Boston at Chicago, Nov. 29; Cleveland at Atlanta, Nov. 29; Washington at Cleveland, Dec. 3.
West Group A: Minnesota, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento, Houston, Portland.
Schedule: Minnesota at Portland, Tuesday; Minnesota at Sacramento, Nov. 15; LA Clippers at Houston, Nov. 15; Sacramento at LA Clippers, Nov. 22; Portland at Houston, Nov. 22; Houston at Minnesota, Nov. 26; LA Clippers at Minnesota, Nov. 29; Sacramento at Portland, Nov. 29; Houston at Sacramento, Dec. 3; Portland at LA Clippers, Dec. 3.
West Group B: Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah, San Antonio.
Schedule: Phoenix at Utah, Tuesday; LA Lakers at San Antonio on Friday; Phoenix at Oklahoma City, Friday; Oklahoma City at San Antonio, Nov. 19; Utah at LA Lakers, Nov. 19; LA Lakers at Phoenix, Nov. 26; San Antonio at Utah, Nov. 26; Oklahoma City at LA Lakers 29; Utah at Oklahoma City, Dec. 3; St. Anthony at Phoenix, Dec. 3.
West Group C: Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Golden State, Memphis.
Schedule: Dallas at Golden State, Tuesday; Denver at New Orleans, Friday; Memphis at Golden State, Friday; Denver at Memphis, Nov. 19; New Orleans at Dallas, Nov. 19; Dallas at Denver, Nov. 22; Golden State at New Orleans, Nov. 22; New Orleans at Memphis, Nov. 29; Memphis at Dallas, Dec. 3; Golden State at Denver, Dec. 3.
Additional Games for Eliminated Teams
Teams eliminated in the group stage will play two extra games, while teams exiting in the quarterfinals face one additional game.
The regular season consists of 80 games for all teams. However, the tournament adds games to the schedule, bringing the total to 82 games for teams reaching the final. The championship game does not count towards the 82-game total.
To distinguish tournament games from regular season games, a new court design has been introduced.
Where and when to watch
Fans can watch numerous NBA games each week on various channels. As per AP, TNT has national doubleheaders Tuesday, then again on November 19, November 26 and December 3. ESPN will broadcast national doubleheaders on Fridays, specifically on November 22.
For fans seeking an extended basketball experience, ESPN and NBA TV will offer five games on November 29, starting at noon and ending at 10 p.m.
Alongside national broadcasts, local channels will also air games as usual.
Betting Favorites
As per BetMGM Sportsbook, as quoted by AP, Boston is the favorite (+400), followed by Cleveland (+700) and New York (+800). Reigning tournament champions, the LA Lakers, are at +1400.
(With inputs from AP)
