The 2024-2025 NBA season began a few weeks ago and, as expected, it has not disappointed. The teams are displaying a high level of competition, fighting from the first few rounds for a place in the postseason. Among the novelties of this season are the new additions of players, which reinforce several franchises, as well as the fresh faces coming from the draft. However, one of the great attractions that is here to stay is the NBA Cup, a tournament that further enhances the excitement of the league.
The NBA Cup debuted in its current format on December 9, 2023, when the Los Angeles Lakers lifted the first trophy after defeating the Indiana Pacers 123-109. The competition, formerly known as the In-Season Tournament, has been renamed the Emirates NBA Cup. As the tournament gains momentum, it is expected to bring even more prestige to the league, becoming a major event on the NBA calendar.
The first day of the NBA Cup 2024 kicks off this Tuesday, November 12. Below is a breakdown of the matchups:
Group A East:
Knicks vs. Sixers
The renewed Knicks have not yet achieved the chemistry they are looking for to start their dominance in the East (3-4) while the Sixers (1-6) have had a rough start that between injuries and suspensions have not allowed them to show their power. Jalen Brunson averages around 35 points per game, while Tyresse Maxey reaches 40. Undoubtedly, this game revives a rivalry that already had prominence in the past playoffs, so it promises to be one of the most exciting of the day.
Forecast: New York Knicks is a favorite with odds of -145 to +125 for the Philadelphia 76ers.
Magic vs. Hornets
In another highly interesting matchup, two young and talented teams will meet. The Orlando Magic have shown flashes of great basketball, although their record (3-5) still reflects the difficulties of a team under construction. LaMelo Ball, who is in his prime, will be the backbone of the Hornets' offense, while the Magic will be missing star player Paolo Banchero, the #1 pick in the 2022 draft, due to a right oblique injury and will be out for 4-6 weeks. Despite the adversity, both teams continue to show great potential to compete with the big names in the league.
Forecast: Orlando Magic is a -285 favorite to the Charlotte Hornets' +234.
Group B East:
Bucks vs. Raptors
Milwaukee Bucks is experiencing its worst start of the season in franchise history with a worrying 1-6 record. The coaching change, after the departure of Adrian Griffin and the arrival of Doc Rivers, has not yielded the expected results, and although Damian Lillard (36 ppp) arrived to strengthen the team, they have yet to find their best rhythm. On the side of Toronto (2-7), the season has not offered them the best outlook in a tight Eastern Conference, nor do they have stars to provide them with a better roster, which could complicate their aspirations.
Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks is a -335 favorite to the Toronto Raptors' +270.
Heat vs. Pistons
The Miami Heat (3-4) and the Detroit Pistons (3-6) have started the season below their expectations, but the NBA Cup could be the perfect opportunity to find victory and regain confidence. Both teams, although with negative records, have in this tournament the motivation to fight for an additional trophy that could be the perfect incentive to correct the course. The Heat, with players like Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo at the helm, are looking to raise their level of play, while the Pistons, in the midst of a rebuilding process, hope to surprise and improve their performance under the leadership of young Cade Cunningham.
Prediction: Miami Heat has a slight -115 edge over the Detroit Pistons -105.
Group C East:
Celtics vs. Hawks
The reigning champion Boston Celtics have had a solid start to the season, raising expectations for their participation in NBA Cup 2024. The Massachusetts franchise is looking to establish itself as an unstoppable team, with Jayson Tatum leading the charge and averaging 30 points per game. Meanwhile, the Atlanta Hawks (4-5) come into the tournament with an inconsistent campaign, having won just 2 of their last 5 games. Star Trae Young continues to be their main source of points, averaging close to 24 points per game, but the absence of key players like Bogdan Bogdanović and De'Andre Hunter could continue to weigh on the team's performance.
Prediction: Boston Celtics is the big favorite to win with odds of -1200 while the Atlanta Hawks start with +755.
Our NBA Cup court really pops ☘️ pic.twitter.com/VRex9Y1INd
- Boston Celtics (@celtics) November 7, 2024
Group A West:
Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers
The Minnesota Timberwolves (5-3) have started the season with a good performance, highlighted by solid defensive play and Rudy Gobert's dominance in the paint. Anthony Edwards, who has emerged as the team's top star, averages more than 25 points per game and is the Timberwolves' great hope to go deep into the tournament. On the other side, the Portland Trail Blazers (3-5) are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, with the loss of Damian Lillard marking a before and after. However, the youth of Scoot Henderson and Anfernee Simons give the franchise interesting potential.
Prediction: Minnesota Timberwolves is a -370 favorite to the Portland Trail Blazers' -296.
Group B West:
Jazz vs. Suns
The Utah Jazz (4-4) have been one of the most surprising teams at the start of the season, with a well-structured collective game led by Lauri Markkanen and Walker Kessler. The Phoenix Suns (6-2), on the other hand, have had an outstanding start, and their superstars Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal form one of the most explosive offenses in the league. This matchup between two teams with very different styles promises to be one of the most interesting of the NBA Cup.
Forecast: Phoenix Suns are -170 favorites against an uncertain Utah Jazz +148.
Group C West:
Mavericks vs. Warriors
Dallas Mavericks (5-3), led by star Luka Dončić, continues to be one of the most fearsome teams in the league. Dončić is playing at an MVP level, averaging close to 32 points, 9 assists and 8 rebounds per game, and has been unstoppable in both offense and playmaking. The Golden State Warriors (4-4), meanwhile, continue to be a threat, with Stephen Curry leading the offense. This will be the first time Klay Thompson will face his former team in what promises to be a high-voltage matchup.
Oddsmakers: Golden State Warriors are a -143 favorite over the Dallas Mavericks +123.
With these and other exciting duels, NBA Cup 2024 promises to be a vibrant tournament full of surprises. The action is on, and teams will fight for a prominent place in the history of this new competition.
