The annual league event known somewhat generically as the "in-season tournament" has returned for its second-ever iteration, and it has a new name to go with it. Now known as the "NBA Cup," the midseason tourney is starting to pick up some momentum from fans and players alike, yet is still far from being a hands-down hit that is certain to return for many years to come.

What do we like about the NBA Cup? What still needs work? What else could they add to it to make it even better? And with regard to this season's NBA Cup, what do we think of the Celtics being in East Group C with the Atlanta Hawks, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Washington Wizards? Will Boston advance to the knockout round in Las Vegas? Could they win it all this year?

To take the pulse of the NBA Cup ahead of the start of the Group Play phase kicking off this week, the hosts of the CLNS Media "Celtics Lab" podcast linked up with "How Bout Them Celtics!" podcast cohost and Celtics Blog analyst Sam LaFrance. Join us as we get down to brass tacks on the event formerly known as the IST, as well as the recent news surrounding Boston and the rest of the league.

The Celtics Lab podcast is powered by Prize Picks and Gametime.

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