NBA In-Season Tournament: Lakers and Pacers punch their tickets to the knockout rounds
We analyze Tuesday's games as the Lakers and Pacers advance to the knockout rounds and preview what's ahead on Friday.
The NBA In-Season Tournament was assembled for a variety of compelling reasons. It's clear that the benefits have already materialized: ratings have skyrocketed, pre-Christmas game chatter is spreading, and players have remarked on the heightened energy in the games.
The first tournament's group stage has seen 37 games played out of 60 as of Tuesday. The games featured on ESPN have seen a 55% increase in viewership compared to comparable time slots last year, as reported by the Associated Press. While the current viewership for the nationally televised tournament games is approximately 1.7 million, it is important to note that these numbers are not yet considered "must-see TV". However, any improvement in viewership is still a positive development, as the ultimate goal is to attract a larger audience.
When you effectively convey the importance of a game to individuals, their level of interest is likely to increase, making them more inclined to tune in. Several of the 10 games scheduled for Friday will unquestionably hold great importance in determining which teams move on to the quarterfinals. In the same vein, the final eight group-stage games on November 28 will hold great importance for the teams advancing in the tournament.
When it comes to televised sports, important games have consistently attracted viewers, regardless of team loyalty. The theater is a source of love for fans. The NBA playoffs attract a large audience because of their entertaining games and clutch moments.
We've completed five group-play nights, with just two left. Tuesday featured the NBA's smallest slate in the In-Season Tournament. Tuesday saw only five games, with three being uncompetitive and the other two making up for it. In a thrilling matchup in Philadelphia, the Cleveland Cavaliers had to go into overtime to beat the 76ers 122-119. Despite missing Donovan Mitchell and Isaac Okoro, Cleveland secured what may be their best win of the season.
However, the most remarkable game of the night took place in Atlanta, with the Hawks and Pacers amassing a staggering 309 points during regulation. Indiana, despite being 20 points behind in the game, staged a remarkable comeback to win 157-152. Without going to overtime, both teams scored 150 points in only the seventh game in NBA history.
Shootouts are a regular occurrence in every Pacers game. They not only hold the top spot in offensive rating but also lead in points, assists, field goals made, and rank third in three-pointers made per game. The Hornets are the sole team with a defense ranking lower than theirs, at No. 30. Whether or not the Pacers are ready to win the tournament, they will have a great time reaching the end. Surprisingly, Tyrese Haliburton has never made an appearance on TNT during his career. The knockout stage will bring about a change. One of the NBA's most exciting new stars is about to be unveiled to the world.
Lakers and Pacers advance
In the NBA's first-ever in-season tournament, pool play is almost over, and only two teams have secured a place in the December knockout rounds.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers are both undefeated in their pool games and have secured their spots in the knockout round. Each player is guaranteed $50,000, with the potential to win $500,000.
The Indiana Pacers have emerged victorious in their first three tournament games, guaranteeing their place as leaders in East Group A.
The Los Angeles Lakers are group winners without tiebreakers. They secured their victory by defeating the Utah Jazz, completing a 4-0 sweep of West Group A. This also increased their tournament point differential to +74. With only one other team able to match them at 4-0, the Lakers will host a quarterfinal game on either Dec. 4 or 5. From there, it’ll be a win-and-advance to Las Vegas.
Just three games are left among the Lakers’ and Pacers’ group play, while 15 remain in the other four groups. There are still multiple teams vying for a spot in the knockout round. The Detroit Pistons, Washington Wizards, Memphis Grizzlies, and San Antonio Spurs are all winless and won't advance to the knockout round.
Friday night will be “Big” for the NBA
The group-play portion of the tournament won't be fully completed by Friday, but by then, we'll have a stronger sign of the teams qualifying for the knockout stage. Let's see what we can look forward to:
The Magic's victory against the Raptors sets up a big match against the Celtics on Friday. Should Boston emerge victorious, the Celtics will secure the East Group C title. The outcome would ultimately be determined by point-differential, a factor that remains unresolved.
The Knicks and Heat are set to clash in East Group B, setting the stage for an intense matchup. In the event of a Knicks victory, what might occur? If the Heat can take care of business against the Bucks, we could have a three-way tie between the Knicks, Bucks, and Heat.
The upcoming game between the Kings and Timberwolves is poised to have a major impact on the standings of West Group C. If Minnesota wins, it wins the group through its tiebreakers over Sacramento and Golden State. In the event of a Sacramento victory, what will occur? Despite having control over the group, there is still a chance of ending up in a three-way tie with Golden State and Minnesota.
Chaos still reigns in West Group B. We’ll get some clarity after Friday’s matchups between the Nuggets and Rockets and the Clippers and Pelicans. All participants in that group have attained between one and two victories and one and two defeats.
NBA in-season tournament prize
Every player on all eight teams advancing to the knockout round will receive a minimum of $50,000. If they are able to secure the NBA Cup, they could earn an amount that is ten times greater. In addition, there will be recognition for the tournament MVP and all-tournament performers.
Keep in mind, the remaining two group champions and the top-performing second-place team from each conference will progress to the final eight. Here are the current standings for the In-Season NBA Tournament:
East Group A
1. Indiana Pacers: 3-0, +16 (advanced to knockout round)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers: 2-1, +6
3. Philadelphia 76ers: 2-2, +9
4. Atlanta Hawks: 1-2, -9
5. Detroit Pistons: 0-3, -22 (eliminated)
East Group B
1. Milwaukee Bucks: 2-0, +36
2. Miami Heat: 2-0, +13
3. New York Knicks: 1-1, +16
4. Charlotte Hornets: 1-2, -30
5. Washington Wizards: 0-3, -35 (eliminated)
East Group C
1. Boston Celtics: 2-0, +17
2. Brooklyn Nets: 2-1, +8
3. Orlando Magic: 2-1, +5
4. Chicago Bulls: 0-2, -8
5. Toronto Raptors: 0-2, -22
West Group A
1. Los Angeles Lakers: 4-0, +74 (advanced to knockout round)
2. Phoenix Suns: 2-1, +13
3. Utah Jazz: 2-2, -13
4. Portland Trail Blazers: 1-3, -39 (eliminated)
5. Memphis Grizzlies: 0-3, -35 (eliminated)
West Group B
1. New Orleans Pelicans: 2-1, +23
2. Denver Nuggets: 2-1, +9
3. Houston Rockets: 1-1, -3
4. Dallas Mavericks: 1-2, -14
5. Los Angeles Clippers: 1-2, -15
West Group C
1. Sacramento Kings: 2-0, +16
2. Minnesota Timberwolves: 2-0, +10
3. Golden State Warriors: 1-1, -1
4. Oklahoma City Thunder: 1-2, +27
5. San Antonio Spurs: 0-3, -52 (eliminated)
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