This year, the In-Season Tournament was introduced, and, so far, it’s been amazing basketball and a great addition to the NBA season. For those who don’t understand what it is, it’s a tournament within the season (that doesn’t add or subtract games in the season except for the Finals in Las Vegas) that divides the 30 NBA teams into 6 groups. From November until the end of December, a team plays the other teams in their group in a game that counts for the regular season and also the tournament, and whichever team in that group has the best record within that group moves on; also, the team that lost their group but had the best record among none-group-winners in their conference advances as a wildcard. The remaining 8 teams play in a Knock-Out tournament, and the winner is the first NBA In-Season Tournament Champion. If you don’t fully understand the concept, here’s the NBA’s explanation. From buzzer beaters to blowouts, it’s been super exciting. These are my champions of each Eastern group, why, and where I think each team that made it to the bracket will end up.
East Group A:
Indianapolis Pacers, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons
As of today, the Indianapolis Pacers won the group, for they have an incredible star in Tyrese Haliburton, a fantastic offense (statistically #1 in the entire NBA), but a horrible defense (allowing the most points/game in the entire NBA). When it comes to these brackets like March Madness where it’s win or go home, this young team has little experience in pressure moments and has an awful defense, so I expect a loss in the Quarterfinals.
East Group B:
Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Charlotte Hornets, Washington Wizards
Right now, it’s a race between the Heat and the Bucks, two teams that are experienced - a battle we saw last year, which Miami won. The exciting part is the following: they both will most likely be 3-0, and their last game to clinch the group is against each other. I want to take Jimmy Butler because he turns into an alien in elimination games, but so does Damian Lillard, who was recently traded to the Bucks. With one of the most clutch players of all time and the best two-way player in the league, I believe the Bucks win the group.
East Group C:
Boston Celtics, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, Chicago Bulls, Toronto Raptors
As much of a fan as I am for the young Orlando Magic, I am certain that the Boston Celtics will have the best record. With a stacked team that has the best record in the league, I see them making it far in the In-Season Tournament; this opportunity gives them a chance to redeem their recent performances in the playoffs.
East Wildcard:
The Eastern team with the best record that didn’t clinch their group becomes the Wildcard;
They play the winner of Group C in the quarterfinals. I believe it’s between three teams: the Cavaliers, the Heat, and the Nets, who are all second in their group. Looking at all of their schedules, I think Cleveland and Brooklyn will end up being 2-2, while Miami will be 3-1. Even if Cleveland or Brooklyn end up with a 3-1 record, no team’s more fit for the In-Season Tournament than the Miami Heat.
Quarterfinals:
-Indianapolis Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks
-Boston Celtics vs Miami Heat
Both matchups in the East are great. When it comes to Indianapolis vs Milwaukee, as I stated above, Indy is way too inexperienced and young in clutch situations, and Milwaukee has “been-there-done-that”. However, defense wins series, but not single-elimination games, so the Pacers have a shot, yet, because of the addition of Damian Lillard, I have the Bucks winning. Boston vs. Miami will be an awesome matchup, a reunion of the past two Eastern Conference Finals. The Celtics are stacked; with a starting 5 of Holiday, White, Brown, Tatum, and Porzingiz, their spacing and defense are amazing. However, never count out Coach Spoelstra and his Dawgs, especially Jimmy Butler. It’ll be a very close game, but I have Boston giving back the L that Miami gave them last year in the ECF.
Las Vegas:
The final two teams in the East and West combine to make the Final Four, and those teams get to play in Las Vegas. I predict a Milwaukee Vs. Boston Semifinal, where, no matter the winners, it’ll be close. Although both teams are stacked, Milwaukee hasn’t gelled yet and their key players haven’t worked together too well yet. Statistically, the Boston Celtics should win this team by around 10 points, but I think and hope Dame-Time will come to fruition and Giannis will be extra upset about his performance last year in the playoffs. Both Giannis and Dame have a lot to prove, which is why I believe that they will make it to the 1st NBA In-Season Tournament Final Game.
I’m All for it!:
As long as a tournament is a single elimination, just like March Madness, there is no way of really knowing who’s gonna thrive. Also, because it’s so new, the expectations and competitiveness of the players and teams are unknown. But, it’ll be fantastic basketball, and any game that players will put more effort into means a better spectacle, and I’m all for it!
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