The NBA Cup makes its return for a second season, kicking off on Tuesday night and continuing until December 17. Initially introduced last year as the In-Season Tournament, the concept comes after several years of NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s efforts to incorporate an additional element into the regular season. All 30 teams will participate, engaging in four games during the group stage.

Following the group play, the top eight teams will progress to the quarterfinals, with the victors advancing to Las Vegas for the semifinals on December 14. Notably, all matches in this tournament, except for the championship final, will be included in the regular-season standings and player statistics. The championship game, however, is viewed as a bonus game and does not count towards the typical 82-game season for the two finalists.

In terms of rewards, the champions will gain not only pride and a trophy but also a monetary prize. Each member of the winning team will receive approximately $514,971, while players on the runner-up team will earn $205,988. Those teams eliminated in the semifinals will receive $102,994 each, and players from teams knocked out in the quarterfinals will take home $51,497.

Here is a breakdown of the groups competing:

**East Group A** includes New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Brooklyn, and Charlotte. The matchups will feature New York visiting Philadelphia on Tuesday and Charlotte facing Orlando the same night. Other matchups include Brooklyn at New York on Friday, and subsequent games through early December.

**East Group B** consists of Milwaukee, Indiana, Miami, Toronto, and Detroit. Miami will face Detroit on Tuesday, while Toronto will play against Milwaukee. Additional games are scheduled throughout November and early December.

**East Group C** features Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Atlanta, and Washington. The opening game will see Atlanta at Boston on Tuesday, followed by a series of contests leading up to the first few weeks of December.

In the **West Group A**, teams such as Minnesota, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento, Houston, and Portland will be vying for positions, with matches commencing on Tuesday, including Minnesota at Portland.

West Group B comprises Oklahoma City, Phoenix, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah, and San Antonio. Phoenix will face Utah on opening night, with other key matchups throughout the tournament.

Lastly, **West Group C** includes Denver, Dallas, New Orleans, Golden State, and Memphis, with Dallas set to take on Golden State in a Tuesday matchup.

For teams that get eliminated during the group stage, an additional two games will be added to their schedule. Those exiting in the quarterfinals will get one extra game. While teams are initially scheduled for 80 games, the tournament will ultimately allow for a complete 82-game season. The title game does not count as a traditional regular-season game since it represents an additional match for the finalists.

It’s important to note that not every game within the upcoming month is classified as a tournament game. A notable indication of a tournament matchup will be the specially designed, distinctive courts each team will use for these competitions.

In terms of betting odds, reigning champions Boston lead as favorites to win the NBA Cup, with odds at +400. Following are Cleveland at +700, New York at +800, and a bid from Oklahoma City, Minnesota, Denver, and Golden State at +1200. The defending tournament champions, the Los Angeles Lakers, enter with odds of +1400.

Fans can tune in to the games via TNT for national broadcasts on multiple dates, including doubleheaders on Tuesdays and Fridays. ESPN will also cover the tournament on designated nights, with an extended slate of games scheduled for November 29. Local broadcasts will remain available as well.