Conventional wisdom regarding the NBA often states the regular season doesn’t really begin until Christmas Day games every year.
Others go further in stating that the regular season doesn’t really kick in until after the trade deadline. Sometimes change is good and fans will see how goosing the first half of the NBA calendar with the in-season tournament will turn out for all 30 teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Won-loss records from the 2022-23 regular season determine which collection of five teams the Cavs will begin four-game group play (one against each opponent, two games away and two games at home).
More: NBA reveals details of In-Season Tournament: How 2023-24 midseason competition works
The Cavs are in the Eastern Conference East Group A along with the Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. All games will count toward regular season records.
The Cavs will face those four opponents in group play that will run from Nov. 3 through Nov. Nov. 28.
The schedule:
Friday, Nov. 3: At Indiana, 7 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 17: Detroit, 7:30 p.m.
Tiesday, Nov. 21: At Philadelphia, 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, Nov. 28, Atlanta, 7:30 p.m.
Eight teams will eventually advance to knockout rounds that will comprise six group play winners and two wild-card teams. The quarterfinals will be played Dec. 4-5 on in-market courts.
The semi-finals (Dec. 7) and championship (Dec. 9) will be held in Las Vegas at T-Mobile Arena with the winner taking home the NBA Cup.