The NBA on Tuesday announced the schedule for Group Play of this season’s NBA Cup and, for the second time in two years, the Miami Heat will compete with the Milwaukee Bucks for a chance to advance past their group, including in a nationally televised rematch.
History of the NBA Cup
The NBA Cup, originally known as the In-Season Tournament, began last season and ended with the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the Indiana Pacers in a final played in Las Vegas. NBA commissioner Adam Silver has likened the tournament to a European soccer-like event, with the aim at creating multiple season rewards besides the Larry O’Brien trophy that goes to the NBA Finals champion.
The Heat’s 2024 NBA Cup Schedule
Date | Matchup | Time |
|---|---|---|
Tue. Nov. 12 | Miami at Detroit | 7pm |
Fri. Nov. 15 | Miami at Indiana | 7pm |
Tue. Nov. 26 | Milwaukee at Miami | 7:30pm (TNT) |
Fri. Nov. 29 | Toronto at Miami | 8pm |
NBA Cup Format
- All 30 teams are randomly drawn into groups of five within their conference based on win-loss records from the previous regular season.
- All group play games will occur on "Tournament Nights,” which will take place every Tuesday and Friday from Nov. 12 - Dec. 3. All games count toward the regular season standings, except the championship.
- Eight teams will advance to the knockout rounds: the team with the best standing in group play games in each of the six groups and one wild card team from each conference. The wild card will be the team from each conference with the best record in group play games that finished second in its group.
- The semi-finals and championship game will be played at a neutral site in Las Vegas.
How did the Heat fare in the 2023-24 NBA Cup?
The Heat went 4-2 in group play, finishing behind the Bucks and New York Knicks due to a tie-breaker based on point differential. The Heat outscored their group by a total of four points, behind Milwaukee (plus-46) and New York (plus-42).
The Bucks defeated the Knicks in the first round of the knockout round and advanced to the semi-finals, where they were upset by the Pacers just before the championship game.
What does the winner of the NBA Cup receive?
The winner of the NBA Cup receives a trophy and bragging rights, but no other advantages for the regular season or playoffs.