NBA Cup Group Play: Potential Advancements and Eliminations on the Line

The NBA Cup is in full swing as Group Play continues, setting the stage for some teams to advance while others face potential elimination. With the tournament running through December 3, tonight’s games hold significant weight for several franchises.

Eight Group Play matchups are on the schedule tonight, including a pivotal doubleheader that could see the first team advance to the Knockout Rounds. The games will feature prominent teams such as the Golden State Warriors, Boston Celtics, and Houston Rockets, all looking to secure or maintain top positions in their respective groups.

The Golden State Warriors are particularly in the spotlight as they visit the New Orleans Pelicans. According to NBA Communications, the Warriors can clinch a spot in the Knockout Rounds with a victory, provided the Denver Nuggets lose. This simultaneous scenario sets a tense atmosphere, as both the 76ers and Wizards are at risk of elimination if they suffer losses tonight.

Meanwhile, the NBA’s format for this in-season tournament involves all 30 teams, structured into six distinct five-team groups. The matches take place on Tuesdays and Fridays, featuring both Eastern and Western Conference teams. Advancement to the Knockout Rounds will be determined by the group’s round-robin record or point differential in the event of a tiebreak.

Last year’s inaugural tournament, branded as the «NBA In-Season Tournament,» showcased the competitive spirit of the teams, culminating with the Los Angeles Lakers capturing the title. The 2024 iteration aims to build on that success, with all teams vying for a $500,000 prize per player.

The Group Play will proceed until December 3, after which the bracket for the Knockout Rounds will be finalized. The elimination stage starts on December 10, leading up to the semifinals and finals in Las Vegas, with the championship match scheduled for December 17.