The NBA will begin its first In-Season Tournament on Friday, with some teams having an easier time in their assigned groups than others. Each conference has been divided into three groups of five teams based on last season’s standings. However, it’s important to note that the performance of teams in the previous season may not reflect their current ability. The only way to advance in the tournament is by winning your group, with only one wildcard team from each conference advancing.
After observing all 30 teams for over a week of basketball, we can now assess the strength of each group and its implications for the participating teams. Below, we rank the six groups from 1-6 based on the competitiveness of the teams within them.
1. Western Conference, Group B
Denver Nuggets
Los Angeles Clippers
New Orleans Pelicans
Dallas Mavericks
Houston Rockets
This group consists of four top teams that currently hold a combined record of 12-2. The main concern here is whether these teams will fully invest in the tournament. For instance, do the Nuggets care about winning the in-season tournament after winning the championship? While the Clippers are taking the regular season more seriously than usual, there might still be a gap between that and going all-in on the tournament. Additionally, there are uncertainties surrounding the health of the Pelicans and Irving. If all teams perform at their best, this group will be highly competitive.
2. Western Conference, Group C
Sacramento Kings
Golden State Warriors
Minnesota Timberwolves
Oklahoma City Thunder
San Antonio Spurs
In this group, one team sits at the bottom (San Antonio), but unlike the Trail Blazers who occupy a similar position in Group A, the Spurs have the ability to challenge the top teams. They have already defeated the Suns twice. The other four teams in this group have talented guards who can put on impressive individual performances. It will be exciting to see players like DeAaron Fox, Stephen Curry, Anthony Edwards, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander compete against each other. The presence of skilled big men further adds to the intrigue of this group. Overall, while Group C might not have the same level of talent as Group B, it promises to be highly entertaining.
3. Eastern Conference, Group B
Milwaukee Bucks
New York Knicks
Miami Heat
Washington Wizards
Charlotte Hornets
In this group, there are two teams that are not expected to win, but they have the potential to surprise. Washington and Charlotte are not contenders to win the group, but they can play spoiler and disrupt the performance of stronger teams. The presence of exciting players like Jordan Poole and LaMelo Ball further adds to the group’s entertainment value. The top three teams in this group have interesting shared histories, with past playoff matchups and rivalries. This group is expected to deliver physical games with a significant focus on rebounding.
4. Western Conference, Group A
Memphis Grizzlies
Phoenix Suns
Los Angeles Lakers
Utah Jazz
Portland Trail Blazers
On paper, this group seemed to be the strongest, featuring three top contenders, last year’s surprise team, and an exciting rookie. However, the teams in this group have faced various challenges so far this season. The Suns have been without key players Booker and Beal for a significant number of games. The Grizzlies have been unable to play Ja Morant due to injury. The Lakers have struggled with the absence of multiple role players and lackluster performance. The Jazz lack a strong backcourt, and the Spurs have prioritized the development of Jeremy Sochan over the point guard position. While one team from this group is likely to emerge as a threat in the knockout stage, the overall quality of the games might be underwhelming.
5. Eastern Conference, Group A
Philadelphia 76ers
Cleveland Cavaliers
Atlanta Hawks
Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons
This group is known for its overall depth. The Pistons have performed surprisingly well, but their lack of shooting will limit their success against teams that have thoroughly analyzed their strategy. The Hawks and Pacers are considered play-in caliber teams, while the 76ers are the only team in this group with genuine championship aspirations. Though lacking in star power, the games within this group should be more competitive than anticipated.
6. Eastern Conference, Group C
Boston Celtics
Brooklyn Nets
Toronto Raptors
Chicago Bulls
Orlando Magic
Boston is the clear favorite in this group, and if they fail to win, it would be a shock. The Raptors struggle to score, while the Magic struggle with three-point shooting. The Bulls have a preference for avoiding three-point shots. As for the Nets, they have discovered an interesting lineup with Cam Thomas and their defensively-minded wing players, but it will take time for their new identity to fully develop. Overall, Boston is the only true contender in this group and is favored to win both the group and the entire In-Season Tournament.
