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What Is the NBA Cup?

The NBA Cup is a new competition added to the NBA’s regular season, involving all 30 teams. It features group-stage games, knockout rounds, and a grand championship. Each game during the group stage counts toward the regular-season standings, while the knockout rounds determine the ultimate winner of the NBA Cup.

Beyond the trophy, players compete for additional prize money and the chance to make history in this relatively new format.

NBA Cup 2024: Full Schedule, Groups, Stages, Venues, and More
NBA Cup 2024 - Full Schedule

Full Schedule

The NBA Cup 2024 will span over a month, with group-stage games taking place on select days of the regular season, and knockout games leading up to a Las Vegas finale.

Group Play: November 12 – December 3, 2024 (Tuesdays and Fridays)

Quarterfinals: December 10, 11, 2024

Semifinals: December 14, 2024

Championship Game: December 17, 2024

Locations for the NBA Cup 2024

One of the most exciting aspects of the NBA Cup is its multi-location format, designed to engage fans across the league. Here’s a breakdown of where the games will take place:

Group Stage Venues

Group-stage games are hosted in the regular-season arenas of the participating teams. Each team will play two games at home and two on the road during the group stage. This means fans in cities across the United States and Canada will get a chance to watch NBA Cup action live.

Examples of key venues:

  • Madison Square Garden (New York Knicks)
  • Crypto.com Arena (Los Angeles Lakers/Clippers)
  • TD Garden (Boston Celtics)
  • Ball Arena (Denver Nuggets)
  • Fiserv Forum (Milwaukee Bucks)

Knockout Stage Locations

Quarterfinals: These games will be hosted at the home arenas of the higher-seeded teams. Fans in these cities will enjoy playoff-style atmospheres as their teams compete for a place in the semifinals.

Semifinals and Championship: Both rounds will be held at a neutral site, T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Las Vegas serves as a dynamic backdrop for the final stages of the tournament, offering a central location and a festive atmosphere.

Tournament Format

The NBA Cup consists of three primary stages: Group Play, Knockout Rounds, and the Championship.

1. Group Play

Teams are divided into six groups of five, based on their records from the previous season. There are three groups for the Eastern Conference and three for the Western Conference.

Eastern Conference Groups

  • Group A: Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Detroit Pistons, Indiana Pacers
  • Group B: Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets, Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards
  • Group C: Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls

Western Conference Groups

  • Group A: Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, Houston Rockets, Dallas Mavericks, Sacramento Kings
  • Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz
  • Group C: Memphis Grizzlies, Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, San Antonio Spurs, Los Angeles Clippers

Group Play Game Schedule

  • Teams will play four games each: two at home and two on the road.
  • Games are held on Tuesdays and Fridays between November 12 and December 3, making it easy for fans to follow the action.

2. Knockout Rounds

  • Quarterfinals (December 10–11): The six group winners and two wild-card teams (one from each conference with the next best record) will qualify for this round.
  • These single-elimination games are held at the home courts of the higher-seeded teams, creating an electric atmosphere for fans.

3. Semifinals and Championship

  • Both the semifinals (December 14) and the finals (December 17) will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
  • This venue has become a central hub for marquee sports events, offering a thrilling destination for fans to witness the first NBA Cup champion of the season.

What’s at Stake?

Prize Money

  • Winning Team: Each player receives $500,000.
  • Runner-Up: Each player gets $200,000.
  • Semifinalists: Players earn $100,000.
  • Quarterfinalists: Players take home $50,000.

Prestige and Momentum

  • Winning the NBA Cup adds a unique honor to a team’s season, boosting morale and momentum heading into the latter part of the regular season.

Where to Watch

Fans can follow the NBA Cup 2024 action both in-person and via live broadcasts. Here’s how:

In-Arena Experience: Group-stage games are held in team arenas, while the semifinals and championship offer fans a chance to enjoy the excitement of Las Vegas.

TV and Streaming: Games will air on ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV, with streaming available via the NBA app and other platforms.

Teams to Watch

While every team has a chance to shine, a few stand out as favorites based on their rosters and performance:

Favorites

  • Denver Nuggets: The reigning champions, led by Nikola Jokić, bring depth and experience.
  • Boston Celtics: Armed with a bolstered roster, they are poised for a strong tournament.
  • Milwaukee Bucks: With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, they have one of the league’s most powerful duos.

Potential Underdogs

  • Sacramento Kings: Known for their fast pace and youthful energy, they could surprise many.
  • Oklahoma City Thunder: A young, hungry team led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is always dangerous.

Why the NBA Cup Matters

The NBA Cup is not just another tournament. It:

  • Elevates Early Season Play: Adds meaningful games to the regular-season calendar.
  • Engages Fans: The single-elimination format and neutral-site finals are designed for excitement.
  • Prepares Teams for Playoffs: The pressure of knockout games provides valuable experience.

FAQs About the NBA Cup 2024

1. Do group-stage games count toward the regular season?

Yes. All games during the group stage are part of the regular-season schedule and contribute to teams’ regular-season records.

2. How are the groups determined?

Teams are divided into six groups based on their records from the previous season. The groups are balanced to ensure fairness and competitiveness.

3. How do teams advance from the group stage?

  • Group Winners: The best team from each of the six groups advances.
  • Wild Cards: The next best-performing team in each conference (regardless of group) also advances.
  • If there’s a tie, tiebreakers include:
    • Head-to-head record
    • Point differential
    • Total points scored

4. Where will the championship game be held?

The championship game will take place at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

5. What happens if a team loses in the knockout stage?

The knockout stage is single-elimination, so teams that lose are eliminated from the tournament. They will resume their regular-season schedules.

6. Who are the favorites to win the NBA Cup?

Top contenders include the Denver Nuggets, Boston Celtics, and Milwaukee Bucks, based on their strong rosters. However, surprises can happen, and underdogs like the Sacramento Kings or Oklahoma City Thunder could make a deep run.

7. How does the NBA Cup impact the rest of the season?

While the NBA Cup doesn’t directly affect playoff seeding, it provides teams with a chance to build momentum and chemistry. The competitive environment also helps players gain valuable experience for high-stakes games later in the season.

8. How can I watch the games?

  • TV Broadcasts: ESPN, TNT, ABC, and NBA TV will broadcast the games.
  • Streaming: Games will be available on the NBA app and other streaming platforms.

9. Why is the NBA hosting an In-Season Tournament?

The tournament is designed to:

  • Add excitement to early-season games
  • Increase fan engagement
  • Provide a playoff-style environment during the regular season
  • Offer players and teams an additional competition to aim for

10. Can players win individual awards in the NBA Cup?

While there’s no official MVP award specific to the NBA Cup, standout performances are often highlighted. It’s possible the NBA could introduce individual honors for the tournament in future seasons.

Conclusion

The NBA Cup 2024 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling basketball events of the year. With group-stage games held across the league's iconic arenas and knockout rounds culminating in Las Vegas, the tournament brings a mix of tradition and innovation. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard supporter, the NBA Cup offers something for everyone: competitive basketball, high stakes, and unforgettable moments.

Be sure to tune in, follow your favorite team, and enjoy the excitement as the NBA crowns its In-Season Tournament champion!

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