The NBA Cup returns in 2024. Building on the success of its inaugural season in 2023, the In-Season Tournament has captivated fans and sparked a new thrill. Adam Silver’s passion drives the NBA Cup to elevate the regular season- bringing fresh energy and fierce competition. With enticing monetary incentives, players too, are eager to unleash their full potential. They are vying for glory in the unique Emirates NBA Cup 2024. So, get ready for a season where every game counts!

But before you start betting on who’s going to win this year’s In-Season Tournament, we must know the schedule. Well, only then can you understand who stands a chance at snatching away the cup from the Lakers. Here’s everything you need to know about the NBA Cup 2024- but it’s an all-Eastern Conference affair!

NBA Cup 2024: Eastern Conference group divisions

The Emirates NBA Cup divides the 30 regular-season teams into 6 groups. You can expect some of the most competitive teams to huddle in one group or the other, escalating the thrill of the league’s second tournament. To even it out, officials have sorted the Eastern Conference teams into batches of five across three lots. The three groups are EastGroup  A, East Group B, and East Group C! Teams like the defending NBA Champions Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers will roll out their games against the likes of Tyrese Haliburton’s Indiana Pacers. Therefore, the entertainment quotient will undoubtedly spike up tenfold. But without further ado, let’s dive deeper to see which teams are going to constitute the three groups of the Eastern Conference.

East Group A:  New York Knicks, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Brooklyn Nets, and Charlotte Hornets

The Knickerbockers and the Sixers are the favorites of the lot. However, don’t underestimate the Nets, Magic, and the Hornets. With the Chinese hooper Cui Yongxi added to the roster, Brooklyn will surely set the tone for the group stage games. Cui will be the first basketball player from the Land of Dragons to brace the NBA’s parquet floor in eight years. Therefore hopes are high as the competition will continue to get fierce. Meanwhile, Jalen Brunson-led Knicks would put up their best show, breathing in new energy into the East Group A of the NBA Cup 2024.

East Group B: Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, Miami Heat, Toronto Raptors, and Detroit Pistons

With speculation growing about Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s future with the Bucks, can Doc Rivers keep his gem? Surely, the Greek giant wouldn’t want to stay in a team for 20 years and not win a championship. So, is a trade likely to happen? At the same time, star player Damian Lillard has been on Miami’s radar for a long time now. The Milwaukee Bucks face a mysterious case. The Pacers, finalists of the 2023 Emirates NBA Cup, aim for another glorious year. Redemption is their top priority. With Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam dedicated to the team, there is hope and faith.

East Group C: Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, Chicago Bulls, Atlanta Hawks, and Washington Wizards

The NBA’s reigning champion, the Celtics will go heads-on against the Cavs and the others. It goes without saying, that Jayson Tatum & Co. are the unanimous favorites in Group C. Meanwhile, Wizards’ wingman Kyle Kuzma with an average of 17.3 PPG, is someone to look out for. Consequently, Clevelands’ guard Donovan Mitchell will be leading the show for his team. No reiteration is needed on what Spida Mitchell can do singlehandedly. But of course, he will be backed by the likes of Darius Garland whose average of 18.2 PPG is a striking point to remember.

Now that we know the divisions and the teams involved, let’s take a quick look at the schedule for the Eastern Conference at the 2024 NBA Cup.

Eastern Conference: Fixtures for the Emirates NBA Cup

The East Group A will snip the inauguration ribbon for the 2024 NBA Cup. Tuesday, Nov 12, the games shall begin. The first night will be spearheaded by the Philadelphia 76ers who’ll be hosting the New York Knicks at 7:30 pm (ET). Meanwhile, the Cleveland Cavaliers will open their In-Season Tournament against the league’s defending champions the Boston Celtics. Expect a fierce game on Nov 19, 7:30 pm (ET) as the two powerhouses will set the tone with a rematch from the Eastern Conference playoffs from last season. In addition to this, the Milwaukee Bucks will meet the Detroit Pistons on Nov 22, at 7:30 pm (ET).

Rolling into the next game, the Bucks will return to the floor on Nov 26, against the Jimmy Butler-deprived Miami Heat. The game is scheduled at 7:30 pm (ET). Interestingly, Nov 29 will be an all-Eastern Conference affair. Game 1 will see the Hornets and the Knicks go against each other at noon (ET). This game will be followed by the Cavs who will aim to prey on the Atlanta Hawks before they swoop in to hunt. This game will air at 2:00 pm (ET). Now coming to the end of the group stage matches, the last game of the Eastern Conference will be on Dec 3, when Orlando Magic will battle it out against the Knickerbockers.

And with that, we’ve come to the end of the group-stage games’ fixture. Now, let’s quickly scan through the broadcasting to know where we can watch the drama unfold.

Where can you watch the NBA Cup?

TNT and ESPN will combine to air 14 games and NBA TV will televise three games in this first stage of the Emirates NBA Cup. Well, you can watch the teams live in action on these sources and experience the thrill of basketball. Meanwhile, the LA Lakers will surely go all out to defend their title. The first champions of the In-Season Tournament, LeBron James and his boys would be desperate to keep up with the competition standards. However, the other teams would be there standing in front of the gold and purple squad to snatch away the championship.

Adam Silver’s bold vision is ready to see the second light of dawn this year. You are going to be on a roller coaster ride. As drama and action will be limitless, and your favorite hoopers will deliver as always. Just remember to tune into the games at the said timings and relish the thrill of the NBA’s mini version. The Emirates NBA Cup 2024, waits to unfurl itself before us as the excitement continues to build up.