In-Season Tournament explainer and everything you need to know.
Periodically, NBA.com’s writers will provide insights on significant storylines or current trends in the league.
The Group Play stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament begins Friday, November 3. Make your prediction on the eight teams that will advance to the Knockout Round.
> In-Season Tournament 101: Rules, format, and how it works
Steve Aschburner
In the East:
- Pacers (East A)
- Heat (East B)
- Celtics (East C)
- Cavaliers (Wild card from East A)
The teams in contention for In-Season Tournament supremacy include a mix of talent-loaded squads (Celtics) that excel in any circumstance, determined teams (Heat) on the rise (Cavaliers), and inexperienced teams (Pacers) eager for recognition. Each team views the tournament as an opportunity for success.
In the West:
- Lakers (West A)
- Pelicans (West B)
- Thunder (West C)
- Kings (Wild card from West C)
LeBron James’ presence in Las Vegas is hard to imagine. The Pelicans and Thunder seek a playoff-like experience, while the Kings aim to build momentum for the future.
Brian Martin
In the East:
- 76ers (East A)
- Bucks (East B)
- Celtics (East C)
- Cavaliers (Wild Card from East A)
The Joel Embiid-Tyrese Maxey duo seems ready to lead the 76ers, even after the James Harden trade drama. The Bucks’ talent stands out in Group B, and the Celtics continue to dominate the conference. The Cavaliers secure the wild card spot amidst competition from the Hawks and Knicks.
In the West:
- Lakers (West A)
- Nuggets (West B)
- Warriors (West C)
- Mavericks (Wild card from West B)
The Lakers have an advantage in Group A due to their good health. The Warriors are boosted by the quick assimilation of Chris Paul. The Nuggets continue to show their championship potential in Group B. The wild card spot could go to the Mavericks, Clippers, or Pelicans.
Shaun Powell
In the East:
- 76ers (East A)
- Bucks (East B)
- Celtics (East C)
- Cavaliers (Wild Card from East A)
The 76ers thrive despite the James Harden trade, with Tyrese Maxey impressing at an All-Star level. The Celtics and Bucks are the top teams in the East, while the Cavaliers face stiff competition from the Knicks and Hawks for the wild card spot.
In the West:
- Suns (West A)
- Nuggets (West B)
- Warriors (West C)
- Clippers (Wild card from West B)
When Devin Booker and Bradley Beal recover, the Suns will join the Nuggets as top contenders in Group A. The Warriors gain an advantage with Chris Paul’s seamless integration. The Clippers hope for a successful start to their partnership with James Harden in Las Vegas for the Knockout Round.
John Schuhmann
In the East:
- 76ers (East A)
- Knicks (East B)
- Celtics (East C)
- Bucks (Wild card from East B)
The Celtics and Sixers are strong teams in the East. The Bucks are favored in Group B, but the Knicks have an opportunity to surprise with Khris Middleton’s limited availability. The weak competition in Group B makes the Bucks the top pick in that group.
In the West:
- Lakers (West A)
- Nuggets (West B)
- Warriors (West C)
- Suns (Wild card from West A)
The Lakers could capitalize on the Suns’ injury concerns in Group A. The Nuggets appear to be the strongest team in the West, and the Warriors show signs of being title contenders once again.
Michael C. Wright
In the East:
- 76ers (East A)
- Bucks (East B)
- Celtics (East C)
- Hawks (Wild Card from East A)
With the James Harden trade behind them, the 76ers, led by reigning Kia MVP Joel Embiid, appear ready to excel. The Bucks are working on their chemistry and will soon be a formidable force. The Celtics strengthen their offensive prowess with the addition of Kristaps Porzingis.
In the West:
- Suns (West A)
- Nuggets (West B)
- Warriors (West C)
- Mavericks (Wild card from West B)
The Mavericks’ strong start could surprise skeptics if Luka Doncic remains healthy and Dereck Lively II continues to develop. The defending champion Nuggets carry their playoff momentum into the tournament. The Suns await the return of their healthy roster.
> Full In-Season Tournament coverage
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