The NBA Cup is making its return.

For the second consecutive year, the league’s mid-season tournament will allow teams to compete for a trophy before the NBA Finals in June. Teams will play across various courts over just over a month, vying for the championship and a bonus of $500,000 for each player.

Before the tournament advances to the knockout rounds, the group stage will decide which eight teams progress. The 30 NBA teams are divided into six groups of five, with three groups from each conference.

The winner of each group moves on to the knockout round, and each conference will also feature one wild card spot, given to the second-place team with the best group play record.

Here’s our ranking of the standout NBA Cup group stage matches:

Top NBA Cup Group Stage Matches Ranked

Tuesday, Nov. 12

Times in ET

1. Dallas Mavericks vs Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m.; TNT
   • The Warriors have jumped to an 8-2 record, bolstered by strong perimeter defense, making this matchup against Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving especially intriguing. Additionally, this game will see Klay Thompson return, as he faces his former team for the first time since joining Dallas.
2. New York Knicks vs Philadelphia 76ers, 7:30 p.m.; TNT
   • Records aside, both teams are expected to be competitive in the Eastern Conference, with this game likely marking the season debut of 2022-23 MVP Joel Embiid.

Friday, Nov. 15

1. Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder, 8 p.m.
   • As of Monday, both teams hold an impressive 8-2 record, tied for the best in the Western Conference. They have both shown themselves to be serious contenders, although Chet Holmgren is facing recovery from a hip fracture sustained on Sunday.
2. Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs, 7:30 p.m.; ESPN
   • This matchup promises an exciting battle between Anthony Davis and Victor Wembanyama.
3. Miami Heat vs Indiana Pacers, 7 p.m.
   • Miami has made adjustments to its lineup, excelling in limiting opponent scoring, while the Pacers aim to play a fast-paced style. This contrast in playing styles should keep the game intense, even with Jimmy Butler possibly sidelined due to an ankle injury.
4. Los Angeles Clippers vs Houston Rockets, 8 p.m.
   • The Rockets are known for their athleticism, while both teams sit in the middle tier of the Western Conference. Los Angeles had just secured a four-game winning streak by Monday, even without Kawhi Leonard.
5. Memphis Grizzlies vs Golden State Warriors, 10 p.m.; ESPN
   • The absence of Ja Morant (hamstring) is expected to significantly impact the game, though Memphis has shown resilience during his previous sidelined games.

Tuesday, Nov. 19

1. Cleveland Cavaliers vs Boston Celtics, 7 p.m.; TNT
   • This matchup features the top two teams in the East thus far. As of Monday, the Cavaliers boast the top offense in the NBA (122), while the Celtics hold the third spot (119.4).
2. Oklahoma City Thunder vs San Antonio Spurs, 9:30 p.m.; TNT
   • This game loses some excitement due to the Holmgren injury, particularly since Holmgren and Wembanyama are seen as exceptional young big men in the league.
3. Denver Nuggets vs Memphis Grizzlies, 8 p.m.
   • If Morant remains sidelined, this game may lack some intensity, but it offers fans another opportunity to witness Nikola Jokić’s remarkable performance run.

Friday, Nov. 22

1. Dallas Mavericks vs Denver Nuggets, 10 p.m.; ESPN
   • When close friends Jokić and Dončić share the court, special moments often unfold. These clubs are expected to be strong contenders throughout the season.
2. Indiana Pacers vs Milwaukee Bucks, 7:30 p.m.; ESPN
   • The Bucks are anticipated to have addressed their early-season challenges by this game, setting up a rematch of last year’s playoff series, with a healthier Bucks team this time.
3. Sacramento Kings vs Los Angeles Clippers, 10:30 p.m.
   • The Kings have started the season on a positive note, particularly with DeMar DeRozan proving to be a valuable addition to the team.

Tuesday, Nov. 26

1. Los Angeles Lakers vs Phoenix Suns, 10 p.m.; TNT
   • This will be the third match between these teams, following a split in their earlier meetings.
2. Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat, 7:30 p.m.; TNT
   • The teams have battled it out in two of the last four playoffs, and after the Damian Lillard trade to Milwaukee, both sides will come into this with added motivation.
3. Houston Rockets vs Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 p.m.
   • The Timberwolves find themselves in a tight competitive middle of the Western Conference, with Anthony Edwards continuing to develop his skills.

Friday, Nov. 29

1. Oklahoma City Thunder vs Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m.; ESPN
   • It’s always exciting to watch the young Thunder perform on a prominent platform, especially during a nationally televised game against the Lakers.

   Tuesday, Dec. 3

   1. Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets, 10 p.m.; TNT
      • The Nuggets have found their rhythm this season and are showcasing excellent basketball, while Golden State is seeing support from various players. Both teams excel in teamwork and mutual play.
   2. San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns, 9 p.m.
      • Wembanyama faces an intriguing matchup against the tough Jusuf Nurkić. Additionally, it marks another return for Chris Paul, who previously played three seasons with Phoenix.

   2024 Emirates Cup Groups

   Western Conference:

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

    

   Eastern Conference

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