With Group Play of the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 set to tip off in November, we’re breaking down each group as they prepare for opening night, beginning with West Group A. This group features two playoff teams from the 2023-24 season in Minnesota and LA Clippers, one Play-In Tournament team in Sacramento and two lottery teams in Houston and Portland.
Teams Breakdown
This group is set up to be a compelling mix of established talent and exciting youth. The Minnesota Timberwolves, led by Anthony Edwards, are aiming to build on their third-place finish in the Western Conference last season. They made a significant trade for Karl-Anthony Towns, who was sent to the New York Knicks. While it may take some time to incorporate Towns' departure, the Timberwolves still possess a strong defensive foundation. The LA Clippers are also looking to contend, with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George forming a formidable duo, although injuries are always a concern.
The Sacramento Kings have a similar challenge in building chemistry with new addition DeMar DeRozan and how he fits next to De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis. The Kings had a breakthrough season last year and will be looking to repeat as Group Play winners. The Houston Rockets are a team on the rise, with a young core led by Jalen Green and Amen Thompson. The Portland Trail Blazers are also rebuilding with young talent and will be looking for Donovan Clingan to make an immediate impact.
Six Games to Watch
These five teams will face off against each other in a series of exciting matchups. Here are six games to circle on your calendar:
Wolves vs. Kings, Nov. 15 (10 ET, NBA League Pass)
Last season, Minnesota had a chance to clinch its group with a win at home over the Kings, but De’Aaron Fox (36 pts, 12 ast) had other ideas as he led the Kings to a 124-111 road win despite a 35-point night from Anthony Edwards. The Kings stayed unbeaten and eventually won the group.
Clippers vs. Rockets, Nov. 15 (8 ET, NBA League Pass)
Another group play rematch from last season saw James Harden hit a tiebreaking four-point play with six seconds left against his former team to help the Clippers get their first win since Harden’s early-season arrival from Philly. In seven games against the Rockets since leaving Houston, Harden has gone 5-2 while averaging 23.6 pts, 8.4 ast and 7.0 reb.
Blazers vs. Rockets, Nov. 22 (8 ET, NBA League Pass)
This matchup is a great opportunity to see how Houston's Reed Sheppard (No. 3 overall) and Portland's Donovan Clingan (No. 7 overall) perform in their rookie seasons. This game will give us an early season look at two of the top 10 picks in the 2024 NBA draft.
Kings vs. Clippers, Nov. 22 (10:30 ET, NBA League Pass)
This game has the potential to be a classic! These two teams have a history of high-scoring games, and this one is sure to be no exception.
Clippers vs. Wolves, Nov. 29 (7:30 ET, ESPN)
The only nationally televised game from West A group play features two teams that finished third (Wolves) and fourth (Clippers) in the West last season. In a tight conference race that came down to tiebreakers, all head-to-head matchups take on added importance, in addition to the NBA Cup stakes already at play.
Rockets vs. Kings, Dec. 3 (10 ET, NBA League Pass)
The Rockets had the Kings’ number last year – sweeping the season series by an average of 17 points per game and being the only team to hold the Sacramento offense under 100 points per game. Will this dominance carry over to 2024-25 or can the Kings find a way to get past the Rockets as they look to repeat as Group Play winners?
Prediction: Wolves Win the Group
Minnesota wins the group, with Sacramento and LA in the mix for a wild card. The Timberwolves are a talented team with a strong core led by Anthony Edwards. The Kings and Clippers are also capable of challenging for the group title, but the Timberwolves have a slight edge based on their overall talent and experience. Houston and Portland are the underdogs in the group, but they could play the role of spoiler if they play well.
The Road to Las Vegas
The Emirates NBA Cup 2024 will consist of Group Play and Knockout Rounds to crown the 2024 champion in Las Vegas on Dec. 17. The Group Play schedule for the Emirates NBA Cup 2024 tips off on Tues., Nov. 12. The second Emirates NBA Cup tips off with Group Play games from Nov. 12 through Dec. 3; Semifinals (Dec. 14) and Championship (Dec. 17) in Las Vegas.
The Emirates NBA Cup 2024 is shaping up to be an exciting tournament with plenty of star power and young talent on display. Be sure to tune in to see how these teams perform as they battle for a spot in the championship game in Las Vegas.
