The NBA has officially revealed the group stage pairings for the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup, the league’s annual in-season tournament, which begins on November 12. All 30 teams are divided into six groups of five, with games played on Tuesdays and Fridays throughout November. The tournament concludes with the Championship game on December 17 in Las Vegas.
How the 2024 NBA Cup Groups Are Structured
The league organizes teams into groups based on their winning percentages from the previous regular season. According to the official NBA announcement, the groups are split by conference to ensure competitive balance.
Eastern Conference Groups:
- East Group A: New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, Charlotte Hornets.
- East Group B: Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, Detroit Pistons.
- East Group C: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, Washington Wizards.
Western Conference Groups:
- West Group A: Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Portland Trail Blazers.
- West Group B: Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Lakers, Utah Jazz, San Antonio Spurs.
- West Group C: Denver Nuggets, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies.
Tournament Rules and Format
The tournament format remains consistent with the inaugural 2023 event. Each team plays four designated "Cup games" against opponents within their group. These games count toward both the tournament standings and the standard 82-game regular-season record.
Eight teams advance to the knockout rounds: the winner of each of the six groups and one "wild card" team from each conference—the team with the best record among those that finished second in their respective groups. According to NBA operations, tiebreakers for these spots are determined by point differential, total points scored, and finally, a random drawing if necessary.
Why the NBA Cup Matters
The tournament serves as an early-season focal point, designed to generate increased fan interest during the slower periods of the regular season. Unlike the standard regular season, the tournament culminates in a single-elimination bracket held at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The winners of the tournament receive the NBA Cup trophy, and players on the winning team each earn a $500,000 prize. The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural 2023 tournament, defeating the Indiana Pacers in the final.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all games count toward the regular season?
Yes. Every game played during the group stage and the knockout rounds—except for the Championship game—counts toward the teams’ official 82-game regular-season standings.
What happens if a team does not advance to the knockout rounds?
Teams that do not qualify for the knockout rounds will play two additional regular-season games on the dates corresponding to the tournament’s quarterfinals and semifinals to ensure every team maintains a balanced 82-game schedule.
Where can fans watch the games?
The NBA has confirmed that tournament games will be broadcast across national partners, including ESPN, TNT, and NBA TV, alongside regional sports network coverage.