The 2024 NBA Cup is heading to the quarterfinals, with eight teams vying for a spot in the inaugural semifinals of the midseason tournament. The matchups are scheduled for December 10 and 11, with high-stakes battles in the Eastern and Western conferences.
In the Eastern Conference, the top-seeded Milwaukee Bucks will face the Orlando Magic on December 10. The Bucks dominated Group B with a perfect 4-0 record and a +50 point differential, positioning themselves as favorites. Meanwhile, the Magic have secured a wild card spot with a 3-1 record and a +45 point differential, making them a dangerous underdog capable of springing an upset.
On December 11, the New York Knicks will host the Atlanta Hawks in another highly anticipated Eastern Conference showdown. The Knicks cruised through Group A with a 4-0 record and a +31 point differential, while the Group C winners Hawks were 3-1 with a +15 point differential. With home-court advantage, the Knicks are ready to advance, but Atlanta’s disjointed style of play could make this game unpredictable.
In the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder will face the Dallas Mavericks on December 10 in what promises to be a close game. Both teams finished group play with a 3-1 record, with the Thunder posting a +45 point differential and the Mavericks narrowly edging them out at +46. We expect this match to go all the way.
On December 11, the Houston Rockets will face the Golden State Warriors in one of the most intriguing matchups of the round. The Rockets became Group A champions with a 3-1 record and a +40 point differential. The Warriors, winners of Group C, also finished 3-1 but with a slight differential of +3 points, highlighting the defensive issues they will need to address to remain competitive.
As the quarterfinals begin, each team will fight to secure their place in the semifinals, keeping fans on the edge of their seats in this historic first edition of the NBA Cup.
