Taking a leaf from the world of European Soccer’s book, the NBA has added an all-new tournament to its roster. Named the ‘In-Season’ tournament, this new league is set to be an annual competition that all 30 teams will partake in to compete against one another. Like soccer, the National Basketball Association (NBA) wants to tap into the market of fans and the sportsman’s fame and create more of a buzz around this vibrant sport.
The inaugural season is set to start on Friday, November the 3rd, and later end with the full championship finale on Saturday the 9th of December. Creating a more frequent and additional tournament has been set to drum up some extra fan base and create more money and buzz into the sport, just like soccer.
With the official tournament set to include all 30 teams placed into a random grouping of five teams in their stages, it’s a battle for your NBA stars to take the lead. Each team will play just 4 times in their group stages, and the winner will go on to advance into the knockout stage – making them just one step closer to the $500,000 winning fee at the final in Las Vegas. In an anomaly occurrence, the team in its grouping that doesn’t win, but still has a good record will still advance into the knockout as a newly named “wild card”.
As of the 15th of August 2023, the schedule for the groupings has now been released, meaning that the NBA stars can now take a look at their competition. With half a million on the line for each player in the team that wins, and a smaller prize for knockouts in the quarterfinals and semis let’s take a look at the NBA future picks for each group, and who is looking to take the win for this inaugural In-Season tournament. The winning team won’t just be the best in their game, but they’ll be wholeheartedly motivated, too. With some already having signed hefty contracts they may miss out on that much-needed motivation – but let’s dive in.
The Denver Nuggets
After their recent win in the 2023 NBA Finals, Denver Nuggets could be on the way to a brand new championship win. Scheduled for December the 9th, the Denver Nuggets are already fan favorites to win the inaugural tournament. Placed in West Group A, they could be on the quickest path to the championships, as opposed to the other groups. They’re set to play against three playoff teams like LA Lakers and Phoenix Suns, but seeing as they are the best NBA team in the usual seasons, there is no reason that they’ll be looking for a loss.
Having Nikola Jokic in their team, who is undeniably one of the best players in basketball for his time, they’ll be taking themselves to the top. With 11 votes in the unanimous MVP NBA finals as of late, Jokic is ready to push the Nuggets to success.
The Boston Celtics
Though the odds will surely change when the season begins, Vegas has already got the bids going after the Boston Celtics for a win. They may be playing against some strong NBA star teams like Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors, or Brooklyn Nets, but the Celtics have got some real MVPs under their belt. Known as the ’formidable trio’ with the recently signed Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, and Jaylen Brown, The Celtics are looking to take a dominant win.
Now that Porzingis has come off rest from his plantar fasciitis issues, the team is looking to make a healthy start to their commencing season; and change from the off-season that they were having prior. With the whole team getting back to their training camp and all making amends for their health issues, if they can keep up to par, then they’re sure to take the lead in the group.
The Cleveland Cavaliers
Placed into Eastern Group A, the Cleveland Cavaliers have the utmost chance to win in their section. Placed alongside the Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers, and the Philly 76ers, The Cavaliers off-season is looking at never making a return. Set with the best players in their group on paper, they do not have an excuse to not get their win. They will emerge victorious solely down to the uncertainty that circles the dramatic Philly 76ers. More dramatic than what’s going on in the Hollywood press, the NBA player from the 76ers, James Harden has had a mighty downfall. From his postseason disappointment, Harden is now requesting raises and transfers, which are shaking up the team tenfold.
Currently going through its very own standoff, the team could be facing a loss due to its rocky chemistry. All boding perfectly well for the Cavaliers as if there were no issues in their home, then they would be definitely on the hunt for a win. Usually the top of the group, the Cavs are sure to take the win from the Sixers when it comes to talent.
Though these teams aren’t sure winners, they’re the three we think will take the lead in their individual groupings. Stay up to date with the live season briefings in November and get ready for an inaugural season like no other.
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