Top 5 must-see 2024 Emirates NBA Cup group play games
The 2024 Emirates NBA Cup group play schedule tips off on Tuesday. The opening round of the NBA's second annual in-season tournament will span until Dec. 3, with games played on Tuesday and Friday's designated "Cup Nights."
All 30 teams are slated to compete in four group play contests against each squad in their five-team groups within their conferences. Thus, fans have 60 matchups to look forward to before the start of the knockout rounds on Dec. 10.
On that note, here are five of the top must-see NBA Cup group play showdowns.
Top 5 most anticipated 2024 Emirates NBA Cup group play matchups
#5. Phoenix Suns vs OKC Thunder (Nov. 15)
The OKC Thunder (9-2) host the Phoenix Suns (8-2) on Friday in West Group B, marking their first showdown this season. The squads sit atop the Western Conference standings, so the winner will gain ground in the race for the West's No. 1 seed.
Both teams are dealing with key injuries, with Suns superstar forward Kevin Durant (calf) and Thunder rising star center Chet Holmgren (hip) sidelined. Nevertheless, the matchup should still feature a compelling battle between superstar guards Devin Booker and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
#4. New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers (Nov. 12)
The New York Knicks (4-5) tip off their East Group A NBA Cup schedule on the road against the Philadelphia 76ers (2-7) on Tuesday. The game marks a rematch of their 2024 first-round playoff series, which the Knicks won 4-2.
Sixers superstar center Joel Embiid is expected to make his highly anticipated season debut. The 2023 MVP missed the start of the campaign due to a left knee injury and a three-game suspension.
So, fans should get to see Embiid's first matchup against newly acquired star big man Karl-Anthony Towns in a Knicks jersey.
#3. LA Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs (Nov. 15)
Friday's NBA Cup schedule also features an intriguing clash between the NBA's oldest superstar and fastest-rising young star in West Group B. LeBron James' LA Lakers (6-4) will travel to Frost Bank Center to face Victor Wembanyama's San Antonio Spurs (5-6).
Wembanyama should have a prime opportunity to showcase his versatile skillset on the national stage. However, the 7-foot-4 French phenom may have his hands full against Lakers superstar big man Anthony Davis.
#2. Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors (Nov. 12)
Another Tuesday NBA Cup showdown pits Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks superstar guards Steph Curry and Luka Doncic against each other in West Group C.
Off to an unexpected 8-2 start, Golden State will look to defend its homecourt against a Dallas squad (5-5) that has underperformed thus far.
On top of the contest featuring two of the NBA's premier guard scorers, it will mark veteran shooting guard Klay Thompson's return to San Francisco. The four-time NBA champion spent the first 13 years of his career with the Warriors before joining the Mavericks over the offseason.
#1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics (Nov. 19)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been arguably this season's biggest surprise, getting off to a blistering 12-0 start. However, they will soon face a tough test. On Nov. 19, Cleveland will travel to TD Garden to face the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics (9-2) in East Group C.
The showdown should give fans a clearer idea of the Cavaliers' championship odds. Meanwhile, the squads will be vying for positioning atop the Eastern Conference.
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