The excitement is building in the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament. With four undefeated teams and several others eyeing the chance to etch their names in history as the first NBA Cup champions, basketball fans are treated to a heightened level of competitiveness earlier in the season. Stay tuned to discover each team’s current position and their prospects of seizing the trophy in Las Vegas come early December.
NBA In-Season Tournament Odds
Team |
Odds |
Milwaukee Bucks |
+280 |
Los Angeles Lakers |
+500 |
Phoenix Suns |
+600 |
Sacramento Kings |
+650 |
Denver Nuggets |
+850 |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
+950 |
New York Knicks |
+1200 |
Indiana Pacers |
+1300 |
Boston Celtics |
+1400 |
Golden State Warriors |
+1600 |
Odds provided by DraftKings – accurate as of November 28
NBA In-Season Tournament Favorites
Milwaukee Bucks +280
Amid a modest 5-4 start to the 2023-24 season, the Milwaukee Bucks have swiftly turned the tide, securing victories in seven of their last eight games while maintaining an unblemished 3-0 record in the in-season tournament. Among the three East Groups, excluding the formidable Indiana Pacers (to be discussed shortly), they stand as the sole remaining undefeated team. Their offensive prowess has surged, ranking third in offensive rating across the last eight games, while defensively, they’ve notably cracked the top ten. The Bucks are also second in our latest NBA Power Rankings. With both Giannis Antetokounmpo and co-star Damian Lillard in good health, the Bucks appear poised to retain their status as favorites for clinching the NBA Cup.
Indiana Pacers +1300
It’s somewhat baffling that the Indiana Pacers carry such lengthy odds considering their impressive start to the season. At +1300 to win the NBA Cup, these odds seem undervalued given their success. Spearheaded by All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, this offense has surged in a manner reminiscent of some of the NBA’s historic teams. The Pacers currently hold the highest offensive rating and points-per-game average in the league, positioning them at a commendable 5th place in the Eastern Conference standings. Their overall record stands at 9-6, yet their undefeated 4-0 record in group play is particularly striking, especially considering they’ve triumphed in three of these four games as underdogs. If Haliburton sustains his orchestration of this formidable offense, the Pacers’ odds at +1300 might indeed be significantly undervalued.
NBA In-Season Tournament MVP Odds
|
Odds |
Giannis Antetokounmpo |
+450 |
LeBron James |
+550 |
Tyrese Haliburton |
+700 |
Damian Lillard |
+800 |
Kevin Durant |
+900 |
Anthony Davis |
+1000 |
Jayson Tatum |
+1400 |
De’Aaron Fox |
+1400 |
Devin Booker |
+1500 |
Jalen Brunson |
+2000 |
Odds provided by DraftKings – accurate as of November 28
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks +450
Giannis Antetokounmpo emerges as the current frontrunner for the In-Season Tournament MVP award, boasting favorable +500 odds on FanDuel, marking the most advantageous odds available. His exceptional defensive prowess and dominant presence in the paint have significantly contributed to the Milwaukee Bucks’ flawless 3-0 record in tournament games. Following last year’s surprising upset as a No. 1 seed, Giannis has swiftly established chemistry with his new teammate Damian Lillard, harmonizing the team’s offense. Remarkably, Giannis currently leads the NBA in points scored within the paint per game, surpassing 20 points per contest. Regardless of the opponents faced in the in-season tournament, Giannis’s imposing presence promises matchup challenges that undoubtedly position him as a prime contender for the In-Season MVP honors.
We’ve got the latest NBA MVP odds on the Oddspedia Insights page.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers +550
LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers has steered his team to a surprising 4-0 record in the tournament thus far. The Lakers’ impressive in-season tournament performance places James with the second shortest odds (+550 via FanDuel) among all players. Considering the Lakers’ early-season injury setbacks and LeBron’s significant 30.5% usage rate, it’s not unexpected that he continues to exhibit dominance in his remarkable 21st season. Should the Lakers struggle with contributions from non-traditional rotational players while key starters remain sidelined, James will need to sustain his exceptional performance in competitive tournament games, potentially elevating it further. With current averages of 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game in the in-season tournament, James might need to raise his level even more for the Lakers to secure victory in the inaugural NBA Cup.
Dark Horse MVP Candidates
Tyrese Haliburton (+700) from the Indiana Pacers is consistently delivering remarkable performances every time his team hits the court. Across four in-season tournament games, Haliburton has maintained an impressive average of 28.5 points per game with a shooting accuracy of 49%. His prowess in playmaking is equally exceptional, leading the tournament with an average of 13.5 assists per contest while maintaining turnovers to under three per game. Notably, the Pacers are scoring an astonishing 136.5 points per game in tournament play, ranking in the top three for field goal percentage, three-point shooting, and assists per game. Haliburton’s impact is evident as the Pacers boast a stellar 128.5 offensive rating when he’s on the floor, compared to 116 when he’s off.
De’Aaron Fox (+1400) also stands out with favorable odds owing to his team’s impressive standing in the in-season tournament. Fox has spearheaded the Sacramento Kings to an undefeated 3-0 record in group play, emerging as the tournament’s leading scorer. His outstanding average of 39.5 points per game on 50% shooting, including a remarkable 44% from beyond the arc, positions Fox as a strong contender for the MVP title if the Sacramento Kings maintain their impressive form.
For more analysis check out our dedicated page on the NBA In-Season MVP odds.
NBA In-Season Tournament Explained
Debuting in the 2023-24 season, the NBA In-Season Tournament involves the participation of all 30 teams in a two-phase competition structure. It kicks off with Group Play, where teams are distributed across six groups, each contesting in four designated games. Top-performing teams advance to the Knockout Rounds, culminating in the Championship on December 9. Notably, all 67 games carry weight in the regular-season standings, except for the Championship game. This annual tournament injects an electrifying dimension into the NBA season, fostering competitiveness and granting teams a unique opportunity to pursue additional success alongside their regular schedule.
Still not sure what the fuss is all about? We’ve got all the answers for you on a dedicated page called ‘What is the NBA In-Season Tournament?‘.
Oddspedia’s NBA Cup prediction and analysis
The current stage of the inaugural NBA Cup brings about a sense of unpredictability given teams’ ambitious pursuits and fervor to win games. When assessing a team’s determination to claim victory in the tournament, certain teams stand out prominently. Presently, it’s challenging for me to overlook the Indiana Pacers, particularly due to their rapid style of play. While defense may not be their forte, their scoring abilities, coupled with Haliburton’s adept playmaking, make their prospects increasingly plausible. Every team comprehends that seizing the NBA Cup would etch their names in basketball history—an irresistible allure.
Amid initial skepticism surrounding the NBA In-Season Tournament’s introduction, the tournament has proven to be nothing short of spectacular for the league and basketball at large. It has bolstered league revenue, sparked early-season competitiveness among teams and players, and sparked engaging discussions about tournament dynamics. As a devoted NBA fan for nearly three decades, it’s challenging to recall a time with such exhilarating and fiercely competitive basketball so early in the season.
How do NBA In-Season Tournament odds work?
While some favorites have kicked off the tournament strongly, there’s still ample opportunity for bettors to make selections that could yield winnings. The In-Season MVP award particularly offers intriguing prospects, with star players like De’Aaron Fox and Tyrese Haliburton boasting odds of +900 or better. When betting on the in-season tournament, it’s crucial to assess each team’s drive to succeed. Consider specifics such as the availability of key players and the team’s recent performances, as these are criteria used by oddsmakers to set the odds for tournament play.
One of the most captivating aspects of betting on the in-season tournament lies in the possibility of engaging in a futures market that doesn’t necessitate waiting for the entire season to unfold. Unlike betting on a team to win the NBA Championship in November, which requires months of waiting, the NBA In-Season Tournament offers a shorter duration. With the tournament lasting just over a month and allowing wagers throughout that period, bettors have an advantageous opportunity to claim winnings within a much shorter timeframe if their ticket proves successful.
NBA In-Season Tournament odds FAQs
What are NBA In-Season Tournament odds?
The NBA In-Season Tournament odds portray the likelihood of each NBA team clinching victory in their group and ultimately securing the NBA Cup in Las Vegas. These odds are determined by assessing the recent and season-long performances of each team. Numerous industry-leading sportsbooks, along with other sources, offer odds that gauge the perceived chances of each team triumphing in the in-season tournament.
How are NBA In-Season Tournament odds determined?
NBA In-Season Tournament odds hinge on numerous pivotal factors. The best sportsbooks will look at a team’s overall performance and achievements, along with the availability of key star players for their tournament engagements. Furthermore, factors like home-court advantage, rest periods, and the historical head-to-head matchups between teams all contribute significantly to the formulation of these odds.
Can NBA In-Season Tournament odds change during the tournament?
Indeed, NBA In-season Tournament odds undergo constant changes as the tournament progresses. As teams secure victories or face defeats, their odds dynamically adjust based on these outcomes. Anticipate that teams boasting the best records will tend to possess the shortest odds to win their respective groups as the tournament unfolds.
What Factors Influence the Odds in the NBA In-Season Tournament?
Multiple factors shape the odds of the NBA In-Season Tournament. Foremost among these is a team’s performance. Assessing a team’s recent overall performance along with their season-long record becomes pivotal. Additionally, elements such as injuries, home-court advantage, and the team’s motivations all carry significant weight and should be carefully evaluated when considering these odds.
How can I use NBA In-Season Tournament odds for betting?
Integrating NBA in-season tournament odds into your betting strategy can enhance your approach to basketball wagering. Similar to other odds, the NBA In-Season Tournament odds carry an implied probability of success or loss. Keeping abreast of each team’s performance and position within the tournament becomes crucial for placing successful bets.
Are there MVP odds for the NBA In-Season Tournament?
Certainly! There are odds accessible across major Sportsbooks for the NBA In-Season Tournament MVP. This accolade will honor the player who spearheads their team to victory in securing the NBA Cup. Presently, Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks and LeBron James from the Los Angeles Lakers stand as the top contenders for this esteemed award.
How do group odds differ from overall tournament odds?
The group winner odds encompass the likelihood of each team within their designated 5-team group emerging with the best record. Meanwhile, the overall tournament odds denote each team’s probability of progressing to and ultimately winning the NBA Cup. Notably, group odds tend to be considerably shorter due to the challenge of reaching the final stages of the tournament.
How do upsets affect NBA In-Season Tournament Odds?
Similar to the NCAAB format, the NBA In-Season tournament adopts a single-elimination format after the group stage concludes. This implies that if a lower-seeded team defeats a favorite in the quarterfinals or semifinals, they progress to the subsequent round. Consequently, the higher-seeded team that loses will be eliminated from contention for the NBA Cup.
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