NBA InSeason Tournament Preview

The NBA InSeason Tournament is a new addition to the NBA that has been a topic of conversation among basketball fans since it was announced.

The tournament spans the regular season and offers teams the opportunity to compete for prize money and a playoff berth. There has been much speculation about the potential success of this contest and how it will affect the overall campaign.

After an excellent regular season, the top 8 teams qualified for the Quarterfinals, which will begin this Monday, December 4, 2023. By adding this tournament, the NBA wants to attract more attention to the regular season by external fans, as this new event follows a format closer to European Sports with single elimination matches. 

In a league where teams often rest their star players in the regular season, the In-Season Tournament could be a way to keep fans engaged and give teams and players something to play for.

NBA In-Season Tournament Quarterfinals – Game Schedule

• Indiana Pacers vs. Boston Celtics – Monday, December 4, 2023 at 07:30 PM ET
•  Sacramento Kings vs. New Orleans Pelicans – Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET
•  Milwaukee Bucks vs. NY Knicks – Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 07:30 PM ET
•  Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns – Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at 10:00 PM ET

Where can I watch it?

NBA League pass

Surprises in the first edition of the NBA InSeason Tournament

One team that has surprised many with their strong performance in the regular season of this tournament is the Indiana Pacers. They won all four regular-season games against the likes of the Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Atlanta Hawks. That indicates they are a team that cannot be taken lightly in this new NBA campaign. Given their strong start to the tournament, they have a chance to make a deep run and win it all. The most notable absentees are the current champions, the Denver Nuggets, third in the Western Conference at the moment.

On the other hand, the public and player reception to the event has been phenomenal. Fans are excited to see their teams compete for a trophy in the middle of the season, and players have shown their support for the new addition to the schedule.

Many players have often talked about mental fatigue and the need for rest during the regular season. However, this tournament could be a way for them to stay focused on something different. It’s a win-win situation for fans and pros alike.

Disappointments so far in the NBA In-Season Tournament

There have been some disappointments with the In-Season Tournament, mainly with the new courts. The Dallas Mavericks were the only team unable to use the new court, due to manufacturing defects. It was unfortunate, but it can be resolved in the future. Other than that, the event was well organized, and the feedback from the teams that played on the track was positive.

Another disappointment has been the absence of the Golden State Warriors from the tournament’s defining phase. Despite their struggles in recent seasons, the Warriors have been one of the most dominant teams in the NBA in recent years. Seeing how they fared in these In-Season Tournament Quarterfinals would have been interesting.

After Minnesota’s win, the Warriors were one of the teams that had to depend only on themselves in the final round. They led by 24 points in the first half and needed to win by 12, but faded in the second half. In their first outing of the tournament, they had a 2-2 record, identical to other favorites such as the Nuggets, Mavericks, Heat, or 76ers.

Conclusions of the regular season of the NBA InSeason Tournament

Overall, the initial phase of the tournament has been a success. Although minor compared to the benefits, several aspects should be improved, especially those visible, such as the courts and the risk they pose to the players or the fact that specific teams had the advantage of playing the last night knowing exactly what score they needed.

The NBA has ensured that in November, a month marked by change and hasty conclusions, more people watch games than usual. The NBA deserves half the credit, and the other half belongs to the players and teams who knew how to adapt. Likewise, let’s remember that the distinction of being the first club to win the In-Season Tournament is also at stake, in addition to the $500,000 awarded to each winner.