Emirates NBA Cup: Top 10 Storylines to Watch in the Nov. 29 Matchups

The day after Thanksgiving brings 10 NBA matchups with the Emirates NBA Cup. Matchups begin today with KAT and the Knicks.

Today’s Matchups Overview 🏀

November 29, 2024 | Highlights of today’s games:

• Friday’s Stakes: Only six spots remain for the Knockout Rounds as two teams have already secured a spot.
• Beasts In The East: The Knicks and Cavs will try to rebound as they start the full day of games.
• West Duels: The Cup champions host the top team after a matchup between Ant and Harden.
• Scorching Streaks: Three hot teams aim to keep their momentum tonight.
• League Pass Action: The unbeaten Detroit faces last year’s finalists.

Today’s Schedule

The NBA returns with a full day of Emirates NBA Cup games, marking the end of Group Play. The day begins with a tripleheader on NBA TV:

• Knicks vs. Hornets at 12 ET
• Cavs vs. Hawks at 2:30 ET
• Grizzlies vs. Pelicans at 5 ET

Later, an ESPN doubleheader includes:

• Clippers vs. Wolves at 7:30 ET
• Thunder vs. Lakers at 10 ET

1. Emirates NBA Cup Updates

Thanksgiving weekend brings a full slate of Emirates NBA Cup drama. With Group Play nearing its end, 10 matchups are crucial for teams to secure the remaining spots for the Knockout Rounds.

Key tiebreakers for Group Play include:

1. Head-to-head record in Group Play
2. Point differential in Group Play
3. Total points scored in Group Play
4. Regular-season record from the 2023-24 season

2. Beasts In The East Kickoff

Knicks (2-0, +14 point diff) at Hornets (0-2, -26) | 12 ET, NBA TV

The Knicks have scored over 130 points multiple times this season, supported by a strong offense. They seek to extend their winning streak while the Hornets will be without LaMelo Ball.

Cavs (1-1, +15) at Hawks (2-1, -1) | 2:30 ET, NBA TV

The Cavs look to bounce back after losing to the Hawks last game. Atlanta aims to clinch East Group C with a win.

3. ESPN Doubleheader Showcase

Thunder (1-1, +10) at Lakers (2-1, -16) | 10 ET, ESPN

Both teams need a win to maintain their hopes of progressing in the Cup. Anthony Davis and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are key players to watch in this matchup.

Clippers (1-1, -5) at Timberwolves (1-2, -14) | 7:30 ET, ESPN

James Harden aims to continue his scoring success after a standout performance against the Wizards. The Clippers want to keep their winning streak alive.

4. Momentum Continues for Key Teams

Pelicans (1-2, -38) at Grizzlies (0-2, -17) | 5 ET, NBA TV

The Grizzlies aim for their first victory in Group Play while extending a winning streak. They lead the league in assists and points in the paint.

Celtics (2-1, +14) at Bulls (2-1, +15) | 8 ET, League Pass

The Celtics, on a six-game win streak, face the Bulls in a crucial East Group C matchup.

Magic (2-0, +37) at Nets (1-2, -16) | 7:30 ET, League Pass

The Magic look to maintain their winning streak against the Nets, who also hope to extend their current run.

5. Additional Matchups

Pistons (2-0, +4) at Pacers (0-2, -25) | 8 ET, LP

Pacers aim to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win against the Pistons.

Raptors (0-2, -18) at Heat (1-2, +10) | 8 ET, LP

The Heat seek a vital win to remain in the playoff race.

Kings (0-2, -16) at Blazers (1-1, -14) | 10 ET, LP

The Kings look for their first Group Play win against the Blazers.