As we approach the midpoint of the first round in the NBA In-Season Tournament, fans are likely reminiscing about the highs and lows of their favorite teams' performances this season. While ratings for the NBA Finals earlier this year saw a 6% drop from 2022 to 2023, averaging 11.65 million viewers per game, it's clear that the tournament has generated excitement among enthusiasts.

The NBA Play-by-Play Rankings have remained flat in recent years, with a slight dip in ratings for the 2022-2023 season. However, Ed Desser, a sports media consultant who negotiated the NBA's 2014 media deal, expects the NBA rights to more than double 'and potentially quite a bit more' in the upcoming media rights deal.

The In-Season Tournament, launched in July, aims to boost TV viewership and increase fan engagement during an otherwise slow period of the regular season. Most games count towards the NBA's regular season standings, making each matchup crucial for teams vying for playoff positions.

This week, fans can catch intense matchups in both conferences, with the Boston Celtics facing off against the Indiana Pacers on Monday night, followed by Eastern Conference quarterfinals games between the Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks. In the Western Conference, the Los Angeles Lakers will take on the Phoenix Suns, while the Sacramento Kings and New Orleans Pelicans clash.

The tournament's championship game is scheduled for Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, with tickets available starting at $247, a 29% increase from the initial get-in price. Fans are eager to witness history as teams battle it out for the first-ever In-Season Tournament title.

As we continue through this thrilling tournament, fans can relive and create new memories while eagerly anticipating their favorite team's performance. The NBA Play-by-Play Rankings may not be at an all-time high, but the excitement generated by the In-Season Tournament has undoubtedly reignited passion among enthusiasts.

Nba play by play rankings