NBA Cup

As NBA owners prepare to vote next week on advancing expansion to Seattle and Las Vegas—targeting a 2028-29 debut with an official franchise vote likely in July—the move to 32 teams opens the door to revamping the NBA Cup. A full single-elimination format, akin to March Madness, could replace the current confusing group stage and boost fan engagement.

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In the same WFAN interview where MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred outlined realignment and broader schedule tweaks, he detailed discussions on an in-season tournament like the NBA Cup. The idea could split the season or cut regular-season games but grapples with baseball's logistical, traditional, and statistical challenges.

The Houston Rockets, Detroit Pistons and New York Knicks moved up in the latest NBA power rankings following strong performances, while the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston Celtics dropped. Trade season officially opens on Monday, allowing deals for many offseason signings, as the Knicks and San Antonio Spurs prepare for the Emirates NBA Cup final.

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Franz Wagner faces 2-6 weeks out with a high ankle sprain and Jalen Suggs' hip injury requires further testing after Orlando's 132-120 NBA Cup semifinal defeat to the Knicks. Paolo Banchero, back from a 10-game groin absence, went 0-for-7 from 3-point range as the Magic eye their next steps.

The Emirates NBA Cup 2025 semifinals take place Saturday in Las Vegas, featuring the New York Knicks against the Orlando Magic and the San Antonio Spurs versus the Oklahoma City Thunder. The winners advance to the championship on December 16, with $500,000 prize money per player on the line for the victors. All four teams arrived in Vegas on Thursday, practicing and meeting the media Friday ahead of the matchups on Prime Video.

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In the Western Conference NBA Cup quarterfinals (as previewed in our full recap), the Thunder demolished the Suns 138-89 by a Cup-record 49 points (max lead 53), while the Spurs edged the Lakers 132-119 behind Castle and Smart. Both share insights ahead of their semifinal clash.