The first semi-final stage of the NBA In-Season Tournament has been determined. The Los Angeles Lakers will face off against the New Orleans Pelicans in the West semifinal game, while the Milwaukee Bucks will take on the Indiana Pacers in the East semifinal on Thursday in Las Vegas. The winner of each semi-final matchup will advance to the final, which will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, in Las Vegas.

According to the Sports Business Journal and CBS Sports' Brad Botkin, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver is pleased with the outcome of the inaugural NBA In-Season Tournament so far, noting fan interest, and player and coach engagement. Silver is said to be particularly proud of the early-season ratings the tournament has garnered and how the NBA is showcasing its best efforts while negotiating a new media rights deal. Forbes recently showed ratings are working in the NBA's favor.

Botkin stated, "The crowds are enthusiastic, and the players are fully committed, given the 500k payout per player that comes with it." The tournament winners will receive the first NBA In-Season Tournament trophy and a prize of $500,000 allocated to each player on the team.

NBA:LeBron James once again addresses gun violence while in Las Vegas for In-Season Tournament

In-Season Tournament MVP odds

Along with a new NBA In-Season Tournament trophy that has been introduced, a Most Valuable Player trophy will also be awarded to a player on the overall winning team who delivered the best performance in both Group Play and the Knockout Rounds. Here are the current odds according to BetMGM of who could win the first In-Season Tournament MVP award.

  • LeBron James, +400
  • Damian Lillard, +400
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo, +425
  • Brandon Ingram, +425
  • Tyrese Haliburton, +425

As for winning team, the Bucks are favorites to take it all (+165) with the Lakers just behind (+225).

Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks lines, betting odds

The Bucks are favorites to defeat the Pacers, according to the BetMGM NBA odds.

Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps.

  • Spread favorite: Bucks (-5.5)
  • Moneyline: Bucks (-200); Pacers (+165)
  • Total: 257.5 points

NBA:Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks odds, picks and predictions

New Orleans Pelicans vs. Los Angeles Lakers lines, betting odds

The Lakers are favorites to defeat the Pelicans, according to the BetMGM NBA odds.

Looking to wager? Check out the best mobile sports betting apps.

  • Spread favorite: Lakers (-2.5)
  • Moneyline: Lakers (-130); Pelicans (+105)
  • Total: 231.5 points

NBA:Twitter reacts to Lakers' wild In-Season Tournament win over Suns: 'You can call a timeout without having the ball?'

How to watch the NBA In-Season Tournament Semifinals 

The East Semifinal game between the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks will start at 5:00 p.m. ET on ESPN. The game will be played at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Similarly, the West Semifinal game between the New Orleans Pelicans and the Los Angeles Lakers will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET on TNT. The game will also be played at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY Network newsrooms operate independently, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.

Gannett may earn revenue from sports betting operators for audience referrals to betting services. Sports betting operators have no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. Terms apply, see operator site for Terms and Conditions. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, help is available. Call the National Council on Problem Gambling 24/7 at 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ, OH), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN). Must be 21 or older to gamble. Sports betting and gambling are not legal in all locations. Be sure to comply with laws applicable where you reside.

Disclaimer: The copyright of this article belongs to the original author. Reposting this article is solely for the purpose of information dissemination and does not constitute any investment advice. If there is any infringement, please contact us immediately. We will make corrections or deletions as necessary. Thank you.