What is the NBA G League Winter Showcase and Showcase Cup?

The NBA G League is continuing its innovative structure from seasons past which includes two parts: the Showcase Cup and a traditional regular season. For the Showcase Cup, a competition featuring all 30 NBA G League teams that will culminate with the Winter Showcase, teams will be separated into four regional pods where they will play against one another in NBA G League markets. The squads with the highest win percentage in each pod, as well as the four teams with the next-highest win percentage across the league, will go on to play in a single-elimination tournament at the Winter Showcase from Dec. 19-22. The remaining teams that do not qualify for the tournament will each play two consolation games at the Winter Showcase.

The South Bay Lakers did not qualify for the Showcase Cup, but will have two games during the Winter Showcase.

Following the Showcase Cup, a traditional 34-game regular season will ensue starting on Wednesday, Dec. 27. Teams’ records will reset for the regular season, and the top six teams in each conference will earn a spot in the NBA G League Playoffs.