Nikola Jokic and Luka Doncic will open the NBA In-season tournament this year, it was confirmed at the official draw.
The first ever tournament of this format in the strongest league in the world begins on November 3, when, in addition to the Jokic – Doncic clash, there is also a match between New York and Milwaukee on the program. Other group stage matches are scheduled for November 10, 14, 17, 21, 24 and 28.
The NBA Cup consists of two rounds. In the first, there is a division into six groups of five teams. Each plays each other four times – two games at home, two away. Six group winners go directly to the elimination stage, along with two more teams that will receive a special invitation. All depending on the performance in the group. The eliminations are played for one win, from the quarter-finals, all the way to the final (December 9).
As previously announced, all 30 teams have been randomly drawn into groups of five within their conference based on win-loss records from the 2022-23 regular season. The results of the debut NBA tournament will be counted in the league part of the season.
GROUPS
West
A group: Grizzlies, Suns, Lakers, Jazz, Blazers
B group: Nuggets, Clippers, Pelicans, Mavericks, Rockets
C group: Kings, Warriors, Timberwolves, Thunder, Spurs
East
A group: 76ers, Cavaliers, Hawks, Pacers, Pistons
B group: Bucks, Knicks, Heat, Wizards, Hornets
C group: Celtics, Nets, Raptors, Bulls, Magic