The NBA has officially announced the schedule for the inaugural 2024-25 Emirates NBA Cup, heralding a thrilling new chapter in the league’s storied history. This fresh addition promises to bring a new level of excitement and competition to the basketball calendar.
One of the marquee matchups of the NBA Cup's group stage will see Klay Thompson return to San Francisco, but this time wearing the colors of the Dallas Mavericks. Thompson, who inked a three-year, $50 million deal with Dallas in the offseason, will face his former team, the Golden State Warriors, on November 12. This matchup is surely circled on the calendar of every NBA fan, eager to witness the dynamic guard face off against his old teammates.
NBA Cup Group Stage
The newly introduced NBA Cup will see each of the league's teams engaging in group-stage games scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays. The group stage will span from November 12 to December 3, with key dates including November 12, 19, 26, and December 3. Each team is set to participate in four group-stage games, creating an intense battle for a place in the knockout rounds.
The league has divided the groups into six: East Group A, B, C, and West Group A, B, C, with each group comprising five teams. Only the top-ranked teams, along with the best second-place finishers from each conference, will advance to the knockout rounds, ensuring that every game carries significant weight.
Key Matchups
The NBA Cup will feature several high-stakes matchups. On the opening night of the competition, the New York Knicks will clash with the Philadelphia 76ers in the first game of a national doubleheader. This high-profile game sets the tone for the rest of the tournament, showcasing the fierce rivalries and competitive spirit that define the NBA.
November 15 promises to be a blockbuster evening for basketball fans, as the Lakers open their campaign against the San Antonio Spurs. On the same night, the Golden State Warriors will face the Memphis Grizzlies in what is expected to be another thrilling encounter.
Other notable matchups include the Los Angeles Clippers traveling to Minnesota to take on the Timberwolves, the Oklahoma City Thunder clashing with the Lakers in Los Angeles, and the New York Knicks battling the Charlotte Hornets—all on November 29. Additionally, the Cleveland Cavaliers will square off against the Hawks, while the Pelicans play the Grizzlies on the same day.
Upcoming Group Stage Matches
As the group stage progresses, fans can look forward to several must-watch games. On November 19, the Cavaliers will visit Boston to take on the Celtics, and the Thunder will meet the Spurs in San Antonio. Then, on November 26, the Milwaukee Bucks will play against the Miami Heat in a game that promises high-intensity action, while the Lakers will face the Suns in Phoenix.
Capping off the group stage on December 3, the Orlando Magic will face the Knicks at Madison Square Garden, and the Warriors will go head-to-head with the Denver Nuggets in what is sure to be a spectacular showdown.
Knockout Rounds and Championship
Following the conclusion of the group stage, the quarterfinals are set for December 10 and 11 and will be held at the venues of the higher-seeded teams. This format ensures that the teams with the best records have the advantage of playing on their home court, adding another layer of strategy to the competition.
The semifinals and championship game will move to a neutral location, with Las Vegas playing host on December 14 and 17. The excitement is guaranteed to reach a fever pitch as the best teams battle it out for the coveted NBA Cup title.
The introduction of the NBA Cup represents the league's commitment to innovation and enhancing the overall fan experience. As the season unfolds, both players and fans alike are poised to witness the dawn of a new era in professional basketball. The competition promises intense rivalries, memorable moments, and a showcase of the unparalleled talent that defines the NBA.