One big reason why each NBA Cup quarter-finalist needs to win the tournament

This is only the second year the NBA Cup has been around, but the results so far have been fairly interesting.

Teams are playing unusually competitive basketball in mid-November and early December. This attracts attention to the NBA, which might not be there until the Christmas day slate, which is good for the league’s overall health.

Now, the competition has moved into the knockout stages. There are eight teams left in the bracket of the single-elimination tournament now.

Here’s what each and every team left in the competition has left to play for. Well, you know, aside from the hefty payday waiting for the champion in the end.