The Celtics are the team favorite, but Jayson Tatum is the clear favorite to win the MVP award for the in-season tournament.AP Commercial Content via Reuters Con; USA TODAY Sports. 21+. The New York Post, which edits this content, officially partners with Action Network for wagering.Eight teams advance from group play to the knockout round of the NBA In-Season Tournament, which takes place on Monday and Tuesday.The Pelicans visit the Kings on Monday night, while the Pacers host the Celtics.The Lakers play the Suns in a late-night game on Tuesday, while the Knicks travel to Wisconsin to play the Bucks.The semifinals are played on Thursday in Las Vegas for the winners of the quarterfinal matches, and the championship game is played on Saturday night at T-Mobile Arena.3Celtics star Jayson Tatum.Getty Images

In the first meeting of the season, Boston easily defeated Indiana at TD Garden in early November, winning 155-104 as a 13-point favorite. The Pacers have used 16 Overs in 18 games this season; at FanDuel, Monday’s total is 242.5.

In their first two road meetings with New Orleans, Sacramento was always the underdog, and the Pelicans prevailed both times. Although Zion Williamson of the Pelicans averaged 25.5 points per game in the two victories, New Orleans comes into the game on Monday with a 3-6 road record.

In group play, the Bucks hosted the Knicks and prevailed 110-105 at home. As the best team that did not win its group, New York advanced, and the Knicks played to end their three-game winning streak on Tuesday.

3.On Tuesday, the Lakers and LeBron James (l) take on the Suns.Getty PhotographsThe Lakers have defeated the Suns twice this season, including a win in group play as two-point road underdogs, 122-119. LeBron James scored 32 points in the most recent game as Los Angeles defeated Phoenix by a total of eight points in their two previous meetings.In the quarterfinal round, Boston is the only road favorite. In its previous eight games in this role, the Celtics have a 1-6-1 record against the spread.The Pelicans have closed as favorites in the last five games, while New Orleans has covered six straight games as an underdog.3Sacramento guard De’Aaron Fox (r).AP

Which player will win the inaugural In-Season Tournament?

The Suns are a great bet at 6/1 since they can defeat the Pelicans or Kings in the semifinals and are playing with double-revenge against the Lakers in the quarterfinals.

Even at long odds, it might be too much to bet on Indiana or the Knicks, as a potential Boston/Milwaukee semifinal in Las Vegas appears to be an incredible matchup.

In terms of long shots, the Pelicans can win the championship at 12/1.

In three tournament games, Fox scored the highest points of any player still alive, averaging 36 points per game.

The MVP will probably go to a member of the winning team. Kevin Durant, the star player for the Suns, scored 35.7 points per game on three group play games, and his 11/1 odds of winning MVP are very appealing.