Steph Curry and Klay Thompson set the stage last week as the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup got underway with a playoff-like ambiance during Thompson's return to the Bay Area with the Dallas Mavericks. This week, the remarkable Cleveland Cavaliers continue their pursuit of history in a showdown against the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics, which happens to be part of the league's second annual in-season tournament.

Uncover the Excitement of the 2024 NBA Cup

Group Play Beginnings

In July, all 30 NBA teams were neatly divided into six groups of five teams, with the Eastern and Western Conferences remaining distinct. The groups were established based on the previous season's end-of-year seedings. From November 12th through December 3rd, every Tuesday and the Fridays of November 15th, 22nd, and 29th, the league will engage in group stage games. These games will determine the seeding for the knockout rounds, which commence on December 10th. During the group stage and knockout rounds, the records will contribute to each team's regular season record. However, only the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup will not count towards the regular season. 1: The careful grouping ensures a fair and competitive start to the tournament. Each team is placed in a group with opponents of similar strength, setting the stage for intense battles. The significance of these group stage games cannot be overstated as they lay the foundation for the teams' progress in the knockout rounds. 2: The variety of teams within each group adds an element of unpredictability. Fans can expect to see some exciting matchups as teams from different regions and with different playing styles compete against each other. It's a true test of a team's mettle and ability to adapt to different opponents.

Cavaliers vs. Celtics: A Battle for History

The Cleveland Cavaliers, with their astonishing 15-0 record to kick off the 2024-25 season, will take center stage on TNT against the Celtics, who currently hold second place in the Eastern Conference standings. This matchup is not only a battle between two powerhouse teams but also a chance for the Cavaliers to further etch their name in history. 1: The Cavaliers' dominant start to the season has been nothing short of remarkable. Their players are playing with a sense of purpose and determination, and they will be looking to continue their winning streak against a tough Celtics team. The Celtics, on the other hand, will be looking to defend their championship title and prove that they are still a force to be reckoned with. 2: The atmosphere surrounding this game is sure to be electric. Fans from both teams will be cheering loudly, and the players will feel the pressure to perform. It's a game that could have a significant impact on the rest of the season for both teams and could potentially set the tone for the entire tournament.

Other Notable Games

In addition to the Cavaliers vs. Celtics game, there are several other exciting matchups on the schedule. The Oklahoma City Thunder will be in action on TNT, facing off against Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs. Luka Doncic and LeBron James are also slated to take the court in conjunction with most teams having played just one NBA Cup game thus far. 1: These games offer a chance for other teams to make a name for themselves and showcase their skills. The Thunder vs. Spurs game is particularly interesting as it features two teams with young and talented players. Wembanyama's presence will add an extra layer of excitement to the matchup. 2: Luka Doncic and LeBron James are two of the league's biggest stars, and their games are always highly anticipated. Watching them in action during the NBA Cup is a treat for basketball fans around the world. It's an opportunity to see these two legends go head-to-head and display their skills on the court.

NBA Cup Format and Details

The NBA Cup takes place over 35 days, with every team in the league vying for the 0,000-per-player bonus that comes with winning the championship. The format consists of group stage games followed by knockout rounds. The winners of each group, along with one wild card team from each conference, will advance to the single-elimination knockout stages. Each team will play every other team in their group to determine knockout round qualification. In case of ties during the group stage, the tiebreakers are as follows: head-to-head record in Group Play, point differential in Group Play, total points scored in Group Play, record from the 2023-24 NBA regular season, and a random drawing. 1: The format of the NBA Cup is designed to provide a comprehensive and exciting tournament. It allows teams to showcase their skills in a variety of games and gives fans the opportunity to see different matchups throughout the tournament. The bonus for winning the championship adds an extra incentive for teams to perform at their best. 2: The tiebreakers ensure that in case of a close race for knockout round qualification, there is a fair and objective way to determine the teams that move forward. This adds an element of strategy to the tournament and keeps fans on the edge of their seats until the very end.

How to Watch

NBA Cup games will be accessible on a range of channels, including ABC, ESPN, NBA TV, and TNT. Each game can also be viewed through NBA League Pass. For those who don't have access to TNT, Fubo is offering a free trial for new subscriptions. The time and channels for the knockout stages have yet to be determined. 1: With multiple channels and streaming options available, basketball fans have plenty of ways to catch the NBA Cup games. Whether you prefer to watch on traditional TV or through a streaming service, you won't miss out on the excitement of the tournament. 2: The free trial offered by Fubo is a great opportunity for new subscribers to explore the world of NBA Cup coverage. It allows them to experience the thrill of the games without having to commit to a long-term subscription.