The first semi-final stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament has been determined. The Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the New Orleans Pelicans in the West semifinal game, while the Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Indiana Pacers in the East semifinal on Thursday in Las Vegas. The winner of each semi-final matchup will advance to the final, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Las Vegas.
According to the Sports Business Journal and CBS Sports’ Brad Botkin, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is pleased with the outcome of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament so far, noting fan interest, and player and coach engagement. Silver is said to be particularly proud of the early-season ratings the tournament has garnered and how the NBA is showcasing its best efforts while negotiating a new media rights deal. Forbes recently showed ratings are working in the NBA’s favor.
Botkin stated, ‘The crowds are enthusiastic, and the players are fully committed, given the 500k payout per player that comes with it.’ The tournament winners will receive the first NBA In-Season Tournament trophy and a prize of $500,000 allocated to each player on the team.
In-Season Tournament MVP odds
Along with a new NBA In-Season Tournament trophy that has been introduced, a Most Valuable Player trophy will also be awarded to a player on the overall winning team who delivered the best performance in both Group Play and the Knockout Rounds. Here are the current odds according to BetMGM of who could win the first In-Season Tournament MVP award.
LeBron James, +400Damian Lillard, +400Giannis Antetokounmpo, +425Brandon Ingram, +425Tyrese Haliburton, +425
As for winning team, the Bucks are favorites to take it all (+165) with the Lakers just behind (+225).
Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks lines, betting odds
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Spread favorite: Bucks (-5.5)Moneyline: Bucks (-200); Pacers (+165)Total: 257.5 points
New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers lines, betting odds
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Spread favorite: Lakers (-2.5)Moneyline: Lakers (-130); Pelicans (+105)Total: 231.5 points
How to watch the NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals
The East Semifinal game between the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks will start at 5:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. The game will be played at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Similarly, the West Semifinal game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET on TNT. The game will also be played at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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