Western Conference:
Group A: Grizzlies, Suns, Lakers, Jazz, Trail Blazers
Group B: Nuggets, Clippers, Pelicans, Mavericks, Rockets
Group C: Kings, Warriors, Wolves, Thunder, Spurs
Eastern Conference
Group A: 76ers, Cavs, Hawks, Pacers, Pistons
Group B: Bucks, Knicks, Heat, Wizards, Hornets
Group C: Celtics, Nets, Raptors, Bulls, Magic
I’m really struggling to understand what the point of the in season tournament is. Why do I want the season to stop, and any momentum to stop, so that our players can… Keep playing in games that don’t actually matter? I really don’t get it.
Same. But I thought the play-in tourney was stupid too until I watched it so who knows
That’s a fair point.
Is it? There was a point to it. I do not care if the players get more money.
Oh on a specific level I agree. I’m so not sold here. But I did think the play in was dumb and it ended up being fun, so maybe I’m missing something with this too.
Everyone seems really cynical about this, but I think the games will end up “mattering” a lot more than people expect, and I think that may be really fun. It may give players lower on the roster time to shine in higher intensity games, which could be great. Plus, from a spectator perspective, ending the tournament in early December in Vegas could make it pretty desirable for people interested in making the trip. I know if my team made it that far, I would consider it.
Thanks for the perspective. I’d like to think I’m less cynical and more… ambivalent? Like I’m not mad, I just sorta don’t get it.
But I appreciate your comment and view.
@theragu40 @Ph0mX I think the tournament is unnecessary, but the games do matter, they count for the regular season record.
So is it like game played in the tournament and won is less games that have to be played for the rest of the season? Confused, since some teams would rather opt for load management.
@NightOwl no, all tournament games count as regular season games (except the final). Teams that don’t advance to the knockouts will continue playing regular season games as the tournament is happening. But this is super confusing and the NBA has done a terrible job of explaining it. I think maybe even some teams haven’t understood the concept yet.
Ah, that is an interesting wrinkle I didn’t realize! Still confused but less so. Thank you!
The answer might just be money
I’m very confused too. Have a hard enough time having teams care about regular season, all star, and even play offs is pretty much championship or bust depending on the expectations of a team. So I don’t understand what the draw of mid season tournament is. Some players don’t even want to hold the ECF or WCF trophy.
Since they also count for regular season games, I think it won’t be that different from a handful of normal games in December, but with a bit of an edge hopefully added.
Idk, we’ll see how it turns out, but I’m hoping the players just decide to try and give it some meaning. It’d be cool to see some near playoff level basketball in December
The point is so players can get injured before the playoffs