Emirates NBA Cup Quarter-Finals: Matchups, Schedule and Updates
by Devesh Jaganath | by Cydias Aujard
NBA Cup Quarter-Finalists and Fixtures
The Emirates NBA Cup Knockout Rounds will tip-off on Wednesday, December 11 (GMT), with every game from here on carrying a win-or-go-home intensity. Once the quarter-finals are complete, the final four teams and the tournament head to Las Vegas, where the semi-finals will take place over December 14 - 15, culminating in the Grand Final on December 18. With the Los Angeles Lakers already eliminated, a new champion will be crowned this year - here are the teams vying for glory:
Eastern Conference
Milwaukee Bucks (4-0) vs. Orlando Magic (3-1)
Wednesday, December 11 (12:00 am GMT)
After a very poor start to the season, Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks seem to have found top form again and were one of only two teams to post a perfect (4-0) record during the group stage. The Greek Freak, along with Damian Lillard have each averaged 29.3 PPG in this tournament to date, and they will have Khris Middleton back for the knockout rounds. The Magic got through to the eliminators as a wildcard in the East, and despite playing without All-Star Paolo Banchero, they have been churning out results in the regular season off the back of the exceptional performances of Franz Wagner. Still, it will be a huge task for the Magic to limit the Bucks on their home court.
You can stay up to the minute with all the quarter-final action via our NBA Livescores right here on SportyTrader!
New York Knicks (4-0) vs. Atlanta Hawks (3-1)
Thursday, December 12 (12:00 am GMT)
The New York Knicks were excellent during group play, possessing the best attack in the tournament, outscoring opponents by 17+ PPG on average, and they will be out to avenge their disappointment from last season when they missed the trip to Vegas after getting blown out by the Bucks. Standing in their way, though, is the Atlanta Hawks, with Trae Young returning the Madison Square Garden, now with a new supporting cast led by Jalen Johnson and the ever-improving Dyson Daniels. While few are giving the Hawks much of a chance, they did ultimately send the Celtics packing from the competition and beat the Knicks 121-116 in the regular season on November 7, albeit back in Atlanta.
Our experts will be providing their NBA predictions throughout the NBA Cup, so be sure to check them out before placing your wagers.
Western Conference
Oklahoma City Thunder (3-1) vs. Dallas Mavericks (3-1)
Wednesday, December 11 (02:30 am GMT)
The first elimination matchup in the West brings us a replay of last season’s Conference semi-finals between Luka Doncic and the Mavericks, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s OKC Thunder. The Mavs lost their opening match in the group to the Warriors but got through as the wildcard by beating the Denver Nuggets without Doncic, who now ranks third in Cup scoring at 31.3 PPG, marginally better than SGA. However, if there is any team that can stand up to Dallas’ offence, it is OKC, who have the top-ranked defence (101.6) that shut down the Suns’ All-Stars to just 83 points during group play.
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Houston Rockets (3-1) vs. Golden State Warriors (3-1)
Thursday, December 12 (02:30 am GMT)
The final knockout matchup will pit two of the best defences in the league against each other. Steve Kerr has rebuilt his team around stalwarts Draymond Green and Steph Curry, and has given them license to let it fly from range this season, but the Rockets have been one of, if not the most improved team in the league this season, with an exciting mix of young talent and veteran experience. Both these sides booked their spots in the quarter-final early on, but the Warriors have the psychological advantage coming into this match, having beaten the Rockets 99-93 this past Friday. However, Ime Udoka’s side are 9-3 at the Toyota Center this season and 8-1 in their last nine.
Don't forget, all our basketball predictions will be available a day before tip-off, covering the latest developments ahead of the knockout matches.
Bet on the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup
NBA Cup Favourites and Odds
As one of only two sides carrying a perfect 4-0 record into the quarter-final, bookmakers have inserted the New York Knicks as the favourites to clinch the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup title, but only by the slenderest of margins.
Odds taken from Bet365
Tournament Winner Odds
- New York Knicks - 4.00
- OKC Thunder - 4.20
- Milwaukee Bucks - 5.25
- Houston Rockets - 7.50
- Dallas Mavericks 9.00
- Golden State Warriors - 9.00
- Atlanta Hawks - 21.00
- Orlando Magic - 21.00
Tournament MVP Odds
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander - 4.50
- Jalen Brunson 5.50
- Giannis Antetokounmpo - 7.50
- Stephen Curry - 9.50
- Luka Doncic - 10.00
