Now two weeks into the Emirates NBA Cup, Group Play standings and the potential landscape of the quarterfinals are taking shape. Just seven undefeated teams remain, headlined by the 3-0 Golden State Warriors, which are the lone club to already clinch a spot in the elimination round. The reigning NBA Cup champion Los Angeles Lakers are 2-0 and sit atop Group B out West entering Tuesday’s action.
NBA Cup Standings
Here are the full standings for both conferences:
🏆 Warriors clinch West Group C
🏆 Rockets & Bucks move to 2-0#EmiratesNBACup continues Tuesday, 11/26! pic.twitter.com/uYCU3ilfAY— NBA (@NBA) November 23, 2024
Just two groups feature two undefeated teams together. The Orlando Magic and New York Knicks do not meet this week during Cup play, nor do the Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons. They do, however, both clash next Tuesday, which could make for some rather compelling matchups if they all stay perfect over the next few days.
Tuesday’s Schedule
Ten teams will suit up Tuesday night, headlined by a clash between the Lakers and Phoenix Suns. At 2-0, Los Angeles leads the West’s Group B, while Phoenix is 1-1 and welcomes Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal back to the lineup following their two-week absences because of injury.
Tuesday’s #EmiratesNBACup 5-game slate!
🏆 Rockets (2-0 in Group Play) look to advance to Knockout Rounds with a win, visit 1-1 Timberwolves
🏆 Giannis, Bucks seek 5th straight win and 3-0 Group Play record, take on 1-1 Heat
🏆 LeBron, AD and the West Group B leading Lakers… pic.twitter.com/VxmJ07rgoG— NBA (@NBA) November 26, 2024
Best NBA Cup Games To Watch This Week
Unlike last week, injuries shouldn’t play as prominent of a role in this week’s games. Numerous players have or soon will return from injury to add new splash to these bouts.
Here are some games that could have notable Cup implications or simply project as compelling regular-season contests (records are from group play and all start times are listed in EST).
- Nov. 26: 2-0 Milwaukee Bucks vs. 1-1 Miami Heat, 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 26: 2-0 Houston Rockets vs. 1-1 Minnesota Timberwolves, 8 p.m.
- Nov. 26: 2-0 Los Angeles Lakers vs. 1-1 Phoenix Suns, 10 p.m.
- Nov. 29: 1-2 New Orleans Pelicans vs. 1-1 Memphis Grizzlies, 5 p.m.
- Nov. 29: 1-1 Los Angeles Clippers vs. 1-1 Minnesota Timberwolves, 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 29: 1-1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. 2-0 Los Angeles Lakers, 10 p.m.
Aside from the Grizzlies and Pelicans — which could just be pretty fun as both sides get healthier — every team mentioned here is still alive for a berth in the quarterfinals. The undefeated Bucks and Rockets each face a stingy opponent Tuesday, while the undefeated Lakers have something of a two-game gauntlet this week to maintain their Cup dominance. Giddy up, folks!
