All 16 possible NBA Cup championship games, ranked

Looking ahead to the hopefully thrilling conclusion of the In-Season Tournament.

Good morning. Let’s basketball.

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Rosebushes Under the Trees; Gustav Klimt; 1905

The quarterfinals of the inaugural NBA Cup will take place on Monday and Tuesday. Our four teams alive in the East: the Celtics, Pacers, Knicks and Bucks. Our four West teams: the Pelicans, Kings, Suns and Lakers.

Today’s exercise: ranking the most exciting championship game match-ups for neutral observers from 16 to 1. Let’s go.

16. Pelicans vs. Celtics

Not a whole lot of narrative juice here outside of Jrue Holiday, but it’s an interesting basketball match-up with a top-tier contender and a team that would like to grow into that conversation.

15. Kings vs. Celtics

Also known as the “how to get Tommy Zillz to feel sick to his stomach all of Saturday and for 2.5 hours worth of a basketball game” game.

14. Kings vs. Bucks

This is your regular reminder that the Sacramento Kings had the opportunity to draft Damian Lillard as it became clear Tyreke Evans was not a permanent solution at point guard next to DeMarcus Cousins but instead selected Thomas Robinson.

13. Pelicans vs. Bucks

Dame Lillard vs. C.J. McCollum non-grudge match!

12. Suns vs. Pacers
11. Lakers vs. Pacers

What would the share of Pacers fans be in either of these games in Las Vegas on Saturday night? 10%? In any case, the Pacers are entertaining every night and the Suns and Lakers bring a good bit of firepower themselves. If it’s Phoenix-Indiana, we can call it the Jalen Smith Bowl.

10. Pelicans vs. Pacers

The main thing about this potential match-up is that both teams can be really good on offense … and really bad on defense. We love it. Plus, I would be thrilled for either team if they won it all. Great stepping stone to a higher plan.

9. Suns vs. Knicks

Kevin Durant always shows out in the biggest moments, and I think getting a title shot against the Knicks would be sufficient spotlight. Devin Booker vs. Jalen Brunson is fun.

8. Pelicans vs. Knicks

Let’s see how much Zion Williamson gushes about the Knicks and/or New York after playing against them … in Las Vegas.

7. Lakers vs. Bucks

Giannis vs. LeBron is always a treat.

6. Lakers vs. Knicks

Julius Randle revenge game. Cam Reddish revenge game. It’s not quite LeBron in Madison Square Garden, but it’s close enough. I would be quite glad to watch these teams play a game with high stakes. It’s D’Angelo Russell time!

5. Kings vs. Knicks

It’s not an NBA Finals series, but at least it’s a glimpse of what is possible in the How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days cinematic universe.