The NBA’s first-ever In-Season Challenge (also known as the In-Season Tournament or IST) has arrived, bringing with it a fresh layer of midseason excitement, competition, and drama. Designed to infuse meaning into early-season games and mimic the feel of international cup tournaments, the NBA has seeded its top-performing teams into a single-elimination knockout bracket. Here’s a look at the eight teams that have advanced, seeded in order based on their performance during the group stage.
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🥇 #1 Seed: Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks dominated their group in the East with a perfect record, led by the ever-dominant Giannis Antetokounmpo and the offensive firepower of Damian Lillard. Their chemistry continues to improve as Milwaukee blends veteran talent with fresh energy. With a deep bench and a hunger to prove they are more than just regular-season juggernauts, the Bucks have earned their spot as the top seed.
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🥈 #2 Seed: Indiana Pacers
The biggest surprise of the tournament, Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers stormed through their group stage with pace, energy, and elite-level offense. Indiana has been one of the league’s most electric teams, and their No. 2 seeding reflects just how dangerous their fast-paced playstyle can be. They enter the knockout rounds as dark-horse contenders who’ve already proven they can compete with top-tier opponents.
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🥉 #3 Seed: Los Angeles Lakers
Despite a rocky start to the regular season, LeBron James and the Lakers showed up when it mattered, going unbeaten in their group and securing a high seed. James, at 39, continues to defy age, while Anthony Davis’ presence on both ends of the floor has elevated the team in high-stakes games. The Lakers are eyeing the In-Season title as a statement win in their championship pursuit.
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🏅 #4 Seed: New Orleans Pelicans
With a revitalized Zion Williamson, the Pelicans have found their stride. Their balanced scoring, athleticism, and defensive intensity helped them finish strong in group play. The emergence of Brandon Ingram as a consistent closer has made them a real threat in the West. Don’t sleep on New Orleans—this squad has the talent and toughness to go all the way.
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💪 #5 Seed: Sacramento Kings
The Kings picked up where they left off last season. Behind De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento’s high-octane offense and three-point barrage overwhelmed opponents. Though their defensive inconsistency remains a concern, the Kings’ fearless mentality makes them a dangerous lower seed capable of springing upsets.
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🔥 #6 Seed: Boston Celtics
The Celtics were one of the most complete teams in the group stage, powered by the two-headed monster of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. Boston’s stingy defense and improved late-game execution under new additions like Kristaps Porzingis gave them the edge in close contests. While not the top seed, they enter the knockouts as favorites to take the crown.
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📈 #7 Seed: New York Knicks
Grit, grind, and defense define the Knicks, and that identity carried them into the knockout phase. Led by Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle, the Knicks clawed their way through group play with resilience and smart basketball. They may not be flashy, but they play hard every possession—and that counts in win-or-go-home situations.
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🧨 #8 Seed: Phoenix Suns
Rounding out the field are the Suns, featuring the star trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal. Injuries limited their availability early in the season, but the Suns found their rhythm just in time. Their offensive ceiling is arguably the highest of any team in the field, and as an 8-seed, they could be the most dangerous underdog in the tournament.
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What’s at Stake?
Besides bragging rights, each player on the winning team will receive a $500,000 prize. But beyond the money, the NBA is experimenting with raising the stakes of early-season matchups—and so far, it’s working. The tournament has sparked fan interest, intensified rivalries, and added a new layer of competitive urgency.
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Looking Ahead
The knockout rounds will be played in a single-elimination format, culminating in a championship game held in Las Vegas. With stars across all teams and win-or-go-home drama, the In-Season Challenge is already proving to be one of the NBA’s boldest and most intriguing innovations.
As the league ventures into uncharted territor
y, these eight seeded teams are about to make history—one game at a time.
