For years, the NBA and its leadership pondered the idea of implementing an in-season tournament similar to the ones played in European soccer leagues. It is no secret that Commissioner Adam Silver puts a lot of effort into whatever will drive the association forward and increase overall revenue. Now, the Minnesota Timberwolves and the other 29 teams are gearing up for the second annual NBA Cup.
The event was first held last NBA season, when it was referred to as simply "the In-Season Tournament." Now adopting the NBA Cup name, the competition will seek to increase fan interest around some of the early season games by pitting rival teams from the same conference against one another.
With the full NBA season schedule set to be released later this week, connected insiders as well as the league itself are slowly beginning to leak key games and dates. The complete schedule for the NBA Cup was revealed on Tuesday.
2024 NBA Cup schedule
We already knew that the Timberwolves had been placed into a group with the LA Clippers, Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets for the NBA Cup. Now, we know the exact dates and times for the matchups as well.
Date | Opponent | Time (all times central) |
|---|---|---|
November 12 | Trail Blazers (away) | 9:00 PM |
November 15 | Kings (away) | 9:00 PM |
November 26 | Rockets (home) | 7:00 PM |
November 29 | Clippers (home) | 6:30 PM |
NBA Cup format
For those that missed out on the action last year or do not remember the specific details, the NBA Cup will commence with group play. Much like the Olympic competition that just concluded, the five teams in West Group A will each play each other on select Tuesday and Friday nights beginning in November.
The wins and losses from these specially designated games will count toward the standings for the knockout round. Each conference is separated into three groups. The top team from each group will advance to the knockout stage, along with one wild card team from each conference. The team with the best record in group play that finished second in their group will earn the wild card spot.
From there, the bracket will put the group winners and wild card teams against one another in single elimination contests, with the semifinals and championship game being hosted in Las Vegas. The winning team will earn a cash prize for its players along with the NBA Cup trophy.
Both of the Timberwolves' home contests during the NBA Cup will take place during the week of Thanksgiving. Fans in Minnesota can start gearing up for the special week now.