The in-season tournament is going to be super fun. It absolutely elevates the interest and coverage of a stretch of games that would largely go unremarked on otherwise.
Whether people think this is fun and exciting or a dumb idea depends on whether they think the tourney championship has any meaning.
Netflix, which has for years demurred on live sports rights, is said to be considering a bid for the NBA In-Season Tournament. Sports Business Journal reported Monday that Netflix has shown “some interest” in acquiring rights to the In-Season Tournament and potentially developing a docuseries — akin to the F1 show “Drive to Survive” — to complement the live games. Netflix would not be able to bid until late April at the earliest, the point at which the NBA’s exclusive negotiating window with ESPN and Turner is set to expire. – via Jon Lewis @ Sports Media Watch
Houston Rockets Still in Driver's Seat for In-Season Tournament The Houston Rockets control their fate in the In-Season Tournament. The Houston Rockets are still in control of their own destiny when it comes to the In-Season Tournament. However, Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets at home could result in elimination with a loss. West Group B is the only group out of the six where every team has a loss. Currently, the New Orleans Pelicans, by virtue of their win against the Nuggets last week, have the tiebreaker and are in first place. However, the Rockets' win against the Pelicans would give them the edge in any two-team tiebreaker, which is where Houston will be if it beats Denver on Friday. https://www.si.com/nba/rockets/news...on-tournament-nba-denver-nuggets-nikola-jokic Winning the tourny would be very sweet!
I think a lot of off days early in the season for a team with so many young rotation guys and new offensive and defensive systems is advantageous. It doesn’t seem like it now, but this crazy hard schedule at the start of the season with a lot of practice time will pay off in the long run. I predicted 10-15 for first 25 and am now thinking 11-14 or 12-13. That would be a phenomenal accomplishment if it happens. Even 10-15 is better than most expected.
Decent thought process, I have not thoroughly thought about it as I do go from game to game now......
A fake trophy that means pretty much nothing ..... and $1m / $500k to the players on the top two teams. The league is trying to make regular season games relevant .... It seems kinda silly to me - particularly the ugly ass courts for tournament games. But I was going to watch anyway ....
Thanks. I agree with your thinking. Only the play in is important for the Rockets. We have a long way to go. Sengun can't carry us throughout the season.
I really don't even care for the play in .... it seems pointless in a league that more than half of the teams make the playoffs. It's just a way to squeeze a few more dollars out of fans .... to watch some ~.475 teams play for the right to get swept by the #1 seed. I'd almost prefer less teams making the playoffs and maybe the top 2 seeds get a bye.
I am on the fence about the play in, but the Rockets players seem extra motivated to go to Las Vegas, so for now, I like it.
Seems like this in season tournament means more to teams that haven't experienced winning than teams who have a history of playoff experience.
I like it. Reminds me of the FA cup in UK soccer which is a big deal. Makes the games exciting in the regular season. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/FA_Cup
Wasnt some player on the Lakers claiming how enthusiastic they were about it? How they wanted the extra $$$ ? Cant remember which player. But for the current Rockets squad, that probably figures into it.
Bcuz most the players can drink legally now. it’s def good for a young team to feel what the hype is like. I still don’t really care for it or follow any of the standings. I don’t know the rules.
Agree! Anything that helps inject some excitement in a long season is good to me. In comparison, I've grown to hate the All-Star Game, it's terrible.
