OKC Thunder: 2024-25 NBA Cup Preview

OKLAHOMA CITY, OKLAHOMA - NOVEMBER 13: Isaiah Joe #11, Shai Gilgeous-Alexadner #2, and Jalen ... [+] Williams #8 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Paycom Center on November 13, 2024 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

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For the second consecutive season, the NBA will have an in-season tournament during the 2024-25 campaign. Officially branded the Emirates NBA Cup, all 30 teams around the league will compete for a chance to win a championship and prize money.

The NBA Cup is already officially underway, but the Oklahoma City Thunder’s first game isn’t taking place until Friday night. With a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on the horizon, this will be the first of several tough tests for Oklahoma City in this tournament.

Here’s everything you need to know for the Emirates NBA Cup as it relates to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Previous Results

Last season, the Thunder competed in a group that included the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. Oklahoma City didn’t make it far, exiting the tournament in the Group Stage. From there, the Los Angeles Lakers ultimately won the entire event, being led by LeBron James.

Group Pool

Over the summer, the NBA’s 30 teams were randomly drawn into groups of five within their conference based on win-loss records from last season. During group play, each team will play four designated Group Play games on “Cup Nights” — one game against each opponent in its group, with two games at home and two on the road. These contests will take place every Tuesday and Friday from Nov. 12 through Dec. 3.

Oklahoma City’s pool — Group B — has tremendous talent, but the Thunder should have a real shot to come out on top.

Oklahoma City Thunder Phoenix Suns Los Angeles Lakers Utah Jazz San Antonio Spurs

Oklahoma City is tied with the Golden State Warriors and Denver Nuggets for the best odds in the Western Conference to win the NBA Cup.

Format

The format for this event is well thought out and brings excitement to the regular season. Each team’s record in Group Play will determine whether the team qualifies for the Knockout Rounds. Eight squads will move on to that stage, including the six winners of each group and two wildcard teams — which will be the team from each conference with the best record in Group Play games that finished second in its group.

The Knockout Rounds will consist of single-elimination games, with those contests taking place in NBA markets — hosted by the team with the better Group Play record) — for the Quarterfinals, but the Semifinals and Championship will take place in Las Vegas, with a prize pool and the NBA Cup championship trophy on the line.

All 67 games across both stages of the Emirates NBA Cup will count toward the regular season standings, with the exception of the Championship, which will act as an 83rd game for those two teams that doesn’t count towards their records. Once the Emirates NBA Cup has come to a close, an event MVP and an All-Tournament Team will be selected. Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is second in odds to win tournament MVP.

Schedule

Again, the Thunder will play at least four games during the NBA Cup, which are those during Group Play. From there, if OKC has success, there will be more contests for the team to continue playing.

Nov. 15: Phoenix Suns (7:00 p.m. CT) Nov. 19: at San Antonio Spurs (8:30 p.m. CT) Nov. 29: at Los Angeles Lakers (9:00 p.m. CT) Dec. 3: Utah Jazz (7:00 p.m. CT)

These contests will have higher stakes than the average regular season game. With real money up for grabs and experience playing more meaningful games being a good opportunity for every team, the Thunder will lean in and make the most of the opportunity. During these NBA Cup games, teams will also be playing on special themed courts, which makes the fan experience that much more exciting and different.