Western Conference:

Group A: Grizzlies, Suns, Lakers, Jazz, Trail Blazers

Group B: Nuggets, Clippers, Pelicans, Mavericks, Rockets

Group C: Kings, Warriors, Wolves, Thunder, Spurs

Eastern Conference

Group A: 76ers, Cavs, Hawks, Pacers, Pistons

Group B: Bucks, Knicks, Heat, Wizards, Hornets

Group C: Celtics, Nets, Raptors, Bulls, Magic

  • theragu40@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    I’m really struggling to understand what the point of the in season tournament is. Why do I want the season to stop, and any momentum to stop, so that our players can… Keep playing in games that don’t actually matter? I really don’t get it.

    • jaybirrd@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Everyone seems really cynical about this, but I think the games will end up “mattering” a lot more than people expect, and I think that may be really fun. It may give players lower on the roster time to shine in higher intensity games, which could be great. Plus, from a spectator perspective, ending the tournament in early December in Vegas could make it pretty desirable for people interested in making the trip. I know if my team made it that far, I would consider it.

      • theragu40@lemmy.world
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        1 year ago

        Thanks for the perspective. I’d like to think I’m less cynical and more… ambivalent? Like I’m not mad, I just sorta don’t get it.

        But I appreciate your comment and view.

      • NightOwl@lemmy.one
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        1 year ago

        So is it like game played in the tournament and won is less games that have to be played for the rest of the season? Confused, since some teams would rather opt for load management.

        • Pablo M.U. :vericol:@col.social
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          1 year ago

          @NightOwl no, all tournament games count as regular season games (except the final). Teams that don’t advance to the knockouts will continue playing regular season games as the tournament is happening. But this is super confusing and the NBA has done a terrible job of explaining it. I think maybe even some teams haven’t understood the concept yet.

    • NightOwl@lemmy.one
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      1 year ago

      I’m very confused too. Have a hard enough time having teams care about regular season, all star, and even play offs is pretty much championship or bust depending on the expectations of a team. So I don’t understand what the draw of mid season tournament is. Some players don’t even want to hold the ECF or WCF trophy.

    • Sigmatank@midwest.social
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      1 year ago

      Since they also count for regular season games, I think it won’t be that different from a handful of normal games in December, but with a bit of an edge hopefully added.

      Idk, we’ll see how it turns out, but I’m hoping the players just decide to try and give it some meaning. It’d be cool to see some near playoff level basketball in December

  • linvoylegend@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    “Each player on the winning team will take home $500,000; players on the second-place team will get $200,000 each; players on losing semi-finals teams will get $100,000 each; and the quarterfinalists will earn $50,000 per player.”

    Doesn’t count against the cap - especially for some end of the bench players, this is very decent bank

  • alee33
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    1 year ago

    I am excited to see this play out. I honestly wish the winner would get some sort of draft capital for the 1,2,3 place teams. 1st-early second round pick 2nd-mid second round pick 3rd-late second round pick

    Or something similar. Also get those numbers for winners up to $1M per player, with MVP getting another $1M going to charity of their choice.