The NBA has announced the schedule for the highly anticipated 2024-25 Emirates NBA Cup, a new addition to the league's competitive calendar that promises to bring even more excitement to the basketball season. The tournament will feature a series of group stage games, followed by knockout rounds, culminating in a thrilling finale to be held in Las Vegas.
Thompson Returns to San Francisco
One of the standout moments of the schedule is set for November 12, when Klay Thompson will face his former team, the Golden State Warriors, in San Francisco. Thompson, who signed a three-year, $50 million contract with the Dallas Mavericks this offseason, is expected to bring his A-game against the team where he achieved so much success.
Inaugural Doubleheader Action
The New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers will kick off the NBA Cup with the first game of a national doubleheader. Fans are eager to see how the Knicks will fare against the 76ers on this historic night. Later that same evening, the Los Angeles Lakers will begin their campaign against the San Antonio Spurs on November 15, promising a night of intense basketball action.
Key Dates and Matchups
The group stage games of the NBA Cup are scheduled for Tuesdays and Fridays, with the following dates marked on the calendar: November 12, 19, 26, and December 3. Each NBA team will participate in four group-stage games, with groups divided into East Group A, East Group B, East Group C, West Group A, West Group B, and West Group C. Each group comprises five teams, and the best second-place finisher from each conference will move forward to the knockout rounds.
The quarterfinals are slated for December 10 and 11 and will be held at the higher-seeded teams’ venues. The semifinals and championship game will then shift to Las Vegas, providing a fitting stage for the final rounds on December 14 and 17.
Marquee Matchups to Watch
All eyes will be on several key matchups during the group stage. On November 29, the Clippers will travel to Minnesota to face the Timberwolves, while the Thunder will clash with the Lakers in Los Angeles. Additionally, the Knicks will battle the Hornets, the Cavaliers will take on the Hawks, and the Pelicans will play against the Grizzlies. Each of these games promises to be hotly contested, as teams vie for top positions in their respective groups.
Further intriguing matchups include the Cavaliers visiting the Celtics in Boston on November 19 and the Thunder facing the Spurs in San Antonio. As the action continues, the Bucks will play against the Heat in Miami on November 26, and the Lakers will face the Suns in Phoenix on the same day. These games will likely have significant implications for the standings and the eventual progression to the knockout stages.
Conclusion
As the NBA embarks on this new chapter with the Emirates NBA Cup, fans are eagerly anticipating how teams will adapt to this additional competition. With Klay Thompson's high-profile return to San Francisco, the national doubleheader featuring the Knicks and 76ers, and a series of key matchups throughout the group stage, the tournament is set to deliver memorable moments and intense basketball action. The road to Las Vegas will undoubtedly be filled with surprises, making the 2024-25 NBA season one to watch closely.