NBA In-Season Tournament: East Group C Teams & Game Previews

Nov. 3, Nets @ Bulls, 8:00 p.m.

The Nets will travel to the Windy City to kick things off for Group C. This matchup should be interesting considering how well each team matches up with the other. Brooklyn will have the ability to throw multiple good defenders at LaVine and DeRozan to slow down the Bulls duo. Meanwhile, Chicago will have to find a way to limit Mikal Bridges offensive game without letting the Net’s sharpshooters, Cam Thomas or Cam Johnson, get going. This matchup could come down to which team’s defense steps up to the challenge.

Boston Celtics (-150 to win Group C)

The Celtics entered the season as heavy title favorites following their big offseason additions of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday. Boston has arguably the most talented starting lineup of the year, and their new lineup will be a nightmare for opposing defenses. And following the early hype, the C’s have looked the part so far this season, starting the year out as one of the last teams to remain undefeated. Entering group play, Boston will look to continue building on the early chemistry the team has developed with the hopes of winning the in-season tournament on their way to a championship. Although the Celtics enter as the favorites to win Group C, there will be plenty of talented teams looking to quiet the noise surrounding the Celtics.

Chicago Bulls (+550 to win Group C)

The Bulls have two of the most underrated scorers in the league on their roster, Zach LaVine and Demar DeRozan. Not to mention one of the better big men in the league, Nikola Vucevic, holding it down for them in the front court. And when LaVine and DeRozan are going on the same night, Chicago is hard to stop. However, the problem is the lack of contribution aside from the Bulls trio. Following their first loss of the season, the Bulls had a players-only meeting to get their frustrations out. The meeting for now has seemed to do some good, as their issues from Game 1 appear to have subsided. Ultimately, if Chicago can get more contributions from their core, the Bulls could be a force to be reckoned with. But even with LaVine and DeRozan’s ability to score with the best, the Bulls could be in the mix to represent Group C in the tournament.

Toronto Raptors (+550 to win Group C)

The Raptors have made it clear that they are not entering a rebuild after losing All-Star guard Fred VanVleet in free agency. Toronto replaced VanVleet with Dennis Schroder and allowed their young star, Scottie Barnes, to become more of a playmaker for them. And with an elite frontcourt between Barnes and Pascal Siakam, the Raptors could be a threat to steal a game or two in this group play. However, after their slow start, new head coach Darko Rajakovic will have his hands full trying to lead his team into group play and turn their season around. While Toronto has a competitive roster, they still need to develop chemistry with each other to get back to their winning ways.

Brooklyn Nets (+650 to win Group C)

The Nets are entering their second season of their retooling era after the breakup of the team's big three last year. With Mikal Bridges now leading the ship, Brooklyn has already shown plenty of promise this season, despite their record. Although the Nets are young, the team has the right mix of young rising stars and seasoned veterans to make them a dangerous team on any given night. And Brooklyn will carry that mindset into the group play. The Nets could quietly be a dark horse to watch in Group C.

Orlando Magic (+850 to win Group C)

The Magic have slowly stacked up young talent and are finally on the verge of having a breakout season. With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner looking to take another jump, Orlando may be a play-in team or even a playoff team this season. Aside from those two, Orlando has a talented supporting cast. A recipe for success, especially for rebuilding teams. In addition, Jamahl Mosley has managed to get his team to buy into his philosophy. With Orlando’s talent and ability to consistently play hard, it could be a legit dark horse team worth putting money on.

Nov. 3, Nets @ Bulls, 8:00 p.m.

The Nets will travel to the Windy City to kick things off for Group C. This matchup should be interesting considering how well each team matches up with the other. Brooklyn will have the ability to throw multiple good defenders at LaVine and DeRozan to slow down the Bulls duo. Meanwhile, Chicago will have to find a way to limit Mikal Bridges offensive game without letting the Net’s sharpshooters, Cam Thomas or Cam Johnson, get going. This matchup could come down to which team’s defense steps up to the challenge.