The Emirates NBA Cup is here!
OK, it is just a week and a half into the season. Barely anybody has been able to make up time from the shortened preseason and find their rhythm. The NBA's standings still look a little topsy-turvy -- the Orlando Magic are just 2-4 and the Chicago Bulls and Philadelphia 76ers lead the Eastern Conference at 4-0.
This seems like an odd time to start playing some meaningful games or games that have some extra incentive to them.
But the NBA was determined to create some intrigue and winning pressure at the start of the season.