Catching the Action: NBA In-Season Tournament
With an aim to keep fans on the edge of their seats, the National Basketball Association (NBA) is all set to roll out its In-Season Tournament. For those wondering where to catch the action, it will be broadcast on ESPN or TNT in the U.S., and for international viewers, NBA League Pass is your go-to platform.
The Format of the Tournament
Slated to run from November 3rd to December 7th, this tournament promises to add a new dimension to the regular season. All games, barring the championship match, will count towards the regular season standings.
The tournament format involves all 30 NBA teams, which are divided into groups based on their performance in the previous season. Each team will play against the other four teams in their group once, with two games at home and two on the road.
These group stage games are scheduled to take place on 'Tournament Nights' every Tuesday and Friday from November 3rd to 28th. However, there will be no games on US Election Day, which falls on November 7th this year.
The winners of the six groups along with one wild card from each conference will advance to the knockout rounds. The quarterfinals will be hosted at the home arenas of the teams with the best group stage records. As for the semifinals and final, they will be held at a neutral venue - the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Prizes Up for Grabs
There's more than just pride at stake in this tournament. Teams that reach the knockout stages will share in the prize pool, with the further a team progresses, the larger their share. Additionally, an MVP and an All-Tournament team will also be named, adding another layer of excitement to the proceedings.
NBA's Efforts for Viewer Engagement
The NBA has been proactive in its efforts to enhance viewer engagement. The league introduced a 'Play-In' feature between teams finishing 7th-10th in each conference during the Covid-enforced 'Bubble' in 2020. This feature has remained a staple in every season since.
With the introduction of the In-Season Tournament, the NBA hopes to replicate this success. By incorporating these innovative features, the NBA continues to push the boundaries of fan engagement and entertainment. So, brace yourself for some thrilling basketball action this November!