Exciting NBA Cup Matchups This Friday: Thunder vs. Lakers Highlights
As we approach the final two days of the NBA Cup group stage—Friday and Tuesday—only three teams have been officially ruled out from progressing to the quarterfinals, while just two have secured their spots.
Out of the 39 NBA Cup games played so far, 16 have been decided by six points or less, with eight of those contests decided by just three points or fewer.
There are six quarterfinal positions remaining: one for each group winner and one wild card each from the Eastern and Western conferences, where the points differential in group play will serve as a tie-breaker. Notably, it’s possible that both the Eastern and Western leaders—Cleveland and Oklahoma City—might not make it out of the group stage.
On Friday, ten NBA Cup games are on the agenda, each with significant implications:
East Group A
The Orlando Magic (2-0) and New York Knicks (2-0) are slated for a decisive matchup to determine the group champion. However, before that clash, the Magic will face Brooklyn and the Knicks will visit Charlotte on Friday. They will also meet again in New York on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. ET on TNT.
East Group B
The Detroit Pistons (2-0) are vying for the top spot in their group and a chance to move on to the quarterfinals. They will play against Indiana this Friday, while the Pacers, who made it to last season’s finals, are on the brink of elimination with an 0-2 record. Detroit’s final group game is set against the 3-0 Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET (League Pass).
East Group C
In this group, Chicago, Atlanta, and Boston are all tied at 2-1, while Cleveland can join them with a win over Atlanta on Friday. Boston will take on Chicago on the same day, with Washington (0-3) traveling to face Cleveland on Tuesday.
West Group A
Houston (3-0) has secured the group title. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Clippers (1-1) and Portland Trail Blazers (1-1) are still in the running for the wild card from the West. The Clippers will conclude their group play against Minnesota and then face the Trail Blazers at home. The Blazers will play Sacramento and, subsequently, the Clippers.
West Group B
In this group, there are scenarios where Phoenix (2-1), the defending champions Los Angeles Lakers (2-1), San Antonio (2-1), or Oklahoma City (1-1) can take the group lead. The Thunder will face the Lakers on Friday at 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Utah will square off against the Thunder, while the Suns take on the Spurs on Tuesday.
West Group C
Golden State has wrapped up the group victory. Meanwhile, Dallas is still vying for a wild-card spot. The Mavericks (2-1) will face Memphis in their final group game on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET (League Pass), and their plus-41 points differential gives them a strong chance to qualify with a win.
Friday’s NBA Cup Schedule
Here’s the schedule for Friday’s NBA Cup games:
New York Knicks at Charlotte Hornets, noon ET, NBA TV
Cleveland Cavaliers at Atlanta Hawks, 2:30 p.m., NBA TV
New Orleans Pelicans at Memphis Grizzlies, 5 p.m., NBA TV
Orlando Magic at Brooklyn Nets, 7:30 p.m., League Pass
Los Angeles Clippers at Minnesota Timberwolves, 7:30 p.m., ESPN
Detroit Pistons at Indiana Pacers, 8 p.m., League Pass
Toronto Raptors at Miami Heat, 8 p.m., League Pass
Boston Celtics at Chicago Bulls, 8 p.m., League Pass
Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m., ESPN
Sacramento Kings at Portland Trail Blazers, 10 p.m., League Pass