Top 5 NBA Cup marquee matchups including LeBron James vs. Victor Wembanyama

Each team has recently released its NBA Cup schedule for the 2024-25 season, and fans should be in for a treat. For the second edition of the in-season tournament, stars will compete for bragging rights. We've tracked down five of the best matchups for that occasion.

Fans were satisfied with the intensity of the inaugural in-season tournament. The LA Lakers came out victorious and lifted the first NBA Cup. The Lakers have set their goal to defend their title while other teams look to take it from them.

Here are the five must-see matchups for the next edition of the in-season tournament.

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Top 5 NBA Cup marquee matchups

#5 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. LA Clippers

The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the NBA's rising teams. Led by Anthony Edwards, the squad is expected to be a title contender next season after appearing in the 2024 conference finals.

The LA Clippers are still a team to watch. Although they no longer have Paul George, their current roster includes Kawhi Leonard and James Harden. The teams play against on Friday, Nov. 29, at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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#4 Milwaukee Bucks vs. Indiana Pacers

The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the 2024 postseason. They took advantage of a Bucks team without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was sidelined due to a calf strain.

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Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers to the conference finals. Unfortunately, they were swept by the eventual champion Boston Celtics. On Friday, Nov. 22, Indiana faces what could be a healthy Bucks team. Fans should tune in at 7:30 p.m. ET.

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#3 LA Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns

The Lakers will face the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday, Nov. 26, at 10:00 p.m. ET, which means only one thing—a LeBron James and Kevin Durant showdown. Both forwards have played each other for most of their careers, and seeing the two champions sharing the court will never get old.

So far, James has been the better player in their head-to-head season matchups with an 18-8 record. Durant has a chance to get his ninth win against James during the NBA Cup, and fans are expecting a grand showdown between the 2024 gold medalists.

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#2 LA Lakers vs. San Antonio Spurs

The veteran superstar will face the Victor Wembanyama-led San Antonio Spurs during next season's in-season tournament. Last year, they played each other twice, and each team won one game.

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Fans will get another head-to-head battle between the two biggest names in basketball next season. The game will happen on Friday, Nov. 15, at 7:30 p.m. ET. Make sure not to miss it!

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#1 Golden State Warriors vs. Dallas Mavericks

The matchup between the Golden State Warriors and Dallas Mavericks will be a bittersweet moment for NBA fans. This game will pit the iconic pairing of Steph Curry and Thompson in direct competition, with high stakes on the line.

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Over the summer, Thompson was traded to the Mavericks, ending the 'Splash Brothers' era in Golden State. Fans should set their reminders for their in-season tournament matchup on Tuesday, Nov. 12 at 10:00 p.m. ET.

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