The NBA Cup 2024 is entering its most critical phase as eight teams gear up for the quarterfinals of the league’s first-ever midseason tournament.
After weeks of intense group play, the competition is heating up with matchups scheduled for December 10 and 11, 2024.
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Both the Eastern and Western Conferences will be in action as teams battle for a coveted spot in the semifinals.
The Eastern Conference quarterfinals will see the Milwaukee Bucks, the top seed, square off against the Orlando Magic on December 10. The Bucks dominated Group B with an unblemished 4-0 record and an impressive +50 point differential, making them strong favorites to advance.
However, the Magic have proven their resilience. As the Eastern wild card, they qualified with a 3-1 record and a +45 point differential. Their underdog status could fuel a major upset.
On the other side of the bracket, the New York Knicks will face the Atlanta Hawks on December 11. The Knicks cruised through Group A with a perfect 4-0 record and a +31 point differential.
Meanwhile, the Hawks, winners of Group C, posted a 3-1 record and a +15 point differential. The Knicks will rely on their home-court advantage, but Atlanta’s scrappy playstyle could make this a hard-fought contest with high stakes for both sides.
Thunder, Rockets aim to stay on top
The Western Conference action begins with the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Dallas Mavericks on December 10. The Thunder topped Group B with a 3-1 record and a +45 point differential, while the Mavericks earned a wild card spot with a matching 3-1 record and a +46 point differential. With only one point separating their group-stage performances, this clash could come down to the wire.
On December 11, the Houston Rockets will battle the Golden State Warriors in what could be one of the most unpredictable matchups of the round. Houston emerged as the Group A champion with a 3-1 record and a +40 point differential.
The Warriors, winners of Group C, had a 3-1 record but a narrow +3 point differential, signaling potential defensive vulnerabilities.
