NBA Cup/In-Season Tournament: Number of Rounds, Format And Rules Explained

The second NBA In-Season Tournament begins on November 12th, with fans eager to see the stakes raised for the 2024-25 season. Like last year, the tournament introduces a fresh competitive edge to the regular schedule, offering teams an early chance to make a statement. The format of the tournament is a thing of curiosity for NBA followers. So here’s all you need to know.

Format of the NBA Cup/In-Season Tournament

The Emirates NBA Cup features a two-stage format: Group Play and Knockout Rounds. To kick things off, all 30 teams are randomly divided into five-team groups based on their 2023-24 win-loss records. From Nov. 12 to Dec. 3, teams play four “Cup Nights” — one game against each opponent in their group. Each team will play two home games and two road games. This stage is crucial for seeding, as the top teams from each group move on to the Knockout Rounds. The intensity builds quickly, with every game mattering as teams vie for a spot in the next phase.

How does the Knockout round work in the /In-Season Tournament? What’s a ‘Wild Card’ team in the NBA cup?

In the NBA Cup’s Knockout Rounds, eight teams advance: the top team from each of the six groups and two “wild card” teams, which are the best-performing teams from each conference that finished second in their group. These wild cards are crucial, ensuring that even strong second-place teams get a shot. The Knockout Rounds are single-elimination, starting with the Quarterfinals, which will be played in NBA team markets on Dec. 10 and 11. The Semifinals and Championship will take place in Las Vegas on Dec. 14 and 17. The remaining teams will compete for the prestigious NBA Cup trophy and a share of the prize pool.

Does the NBA Cup/In-Season Tournament count toward regular-season standings?

Yes, all 67 games in the Emirates NBA Cup, including those in Group Play and the Knockout Rounds, count toward the regular-season standings, except for the Championship game. Each team will still play 82 regular-season games during the 2024-25 season, with NBA Cup games factored into their overall record.

What happens when two teams are tied within a group in the NBA Cup/In-Season Tournament?

If two or more teams are tied within a group in the NBA Cup, the tie will be broken using the following tiebreaker, in order:

1. Head-to-head record in Group Play
2. Point Differential in Group Play
3. Total points scored in Group Play
4. Record from the 2023-24 NBA regular season
5. A random drawing (if teams are still tied after all previous criteria).

Note that overtime points do not count toward point differential or total points scored in these tiebreakers. If two or more teams are tied for a wild card spot in a conference, the same tiebreakers apply, minus head-to-head record. Ties within groups are settled first, before considering wild card tiebreakers.

What is the venue of the NBA Cup/In-Season Tournament championship game?

The venue for the NBA Cup/In-Season Tournament Championship game, along with the Semifinals, is T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. The Semifinals will take place on Saturday, Dec. 14, and the Championship game will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 17, providing a thrilling conclusion to the tournament in the heart of the entertainment capital.

In summary, the second NBA In-Season Tournament adds excitement with its unique format, featuring Group Play and Knockout Rounds, to culminate in a Championship in Las Vegas. This mid-season competition offers an exciting twist to the regular season, bringing heightened intensity and providing fans with captivating, high-stakes basketball action.