The inaugural night of the Emirates NBA Cup action is officially underway! As teams hit the court for high-stakes in-season tournament games, stay tuned for live updates on scores, standout performances, and exciting highlights.
Tonight’s Emirates NBA Cup Matchups:
- Hornets vs. Magic (Live on NBA League Pass)
- Heat vs. Pistons (Live on NBA League Pass)
- Hawks vs. Celtics (Live on NBA League Pass)
- Knicks vs. 76ers (Live on TNT)
- Raptors vs. Bucks (Live on NBA League Pass)
- Suns vs. Jazz (Live on NBA League Pass)
- Timberwolves vs. Trail Blazers (10:00 PM ET, Live on League Pass)
- Mavericks vs. Warriors (10:00 PM ET, Live on TNT)
Top Highlights from the Night:
- Moussa Diabaté of the Hornets brought down a monster dunk, energizing Charlotte’s offense despite a tough battle against the Magic, currently trailing 95-66 as the fourth quarter unfolds.
- Jaylen Brown has been cooking early for the Celtics, contributing 26 points as they lead the Hawks 91-84 heading into the final period. Clint Capela leads Atlanta with 18 points and 9 rebounds, putting up a strong performance despite the deficit.
- Paul George is lighting it up for the 76ers, with 17 points at halftime on 6-for-9 shooting, including 3-of-4 from deep. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid is making his season debut, but the Knicks hold a 54-50 lead at the break.
- In Milwaukee, Brook Lopez kicked things off with a jaw-dropping spin move and a two-handed slam to get the Bucks rolling against the Raptors. Milwaukee leads 14-7, with Lopez leading the charge with six early points.
- OG Anunoby delivered a powerful dunk for the Raptors, slashing through the lane for a powerful finish following a rebound assist from Karl-Anthony Towns.
Early Game Highlights:
- Jalen Suggs has been on fire for the Magic, draining a deep three-pointer just shy of the logo. He’s 5-for-5 from the field, including a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc, and leads Orlando with 13 points.
- Taj Gibson threw down a dunk to give the Hornets their first points of the night, adding some energy to Charlotte’s effort as they trail Orlando 13-10 early in the first quarter.
- Cade Cunningham continues to impress this season, notching his third consecutive triple-double in recent games. Tonight, he’s leading the Pistons, who are currently tied 47-47 with the Heat at halftime.
- Keaton Wallace is getting his first NBA start for the Hawks in place of the injured Trae Young, as they try to take down the Celtics on the road in their Emirates Cup matchup.
Storylines to Watch:
- Joel Embiid’s Return: After a knee injury and suspension, Joel Embiid is back on the floor for the 76ers, providing a much-needed boost to their lineup as they face the Knicks in the East Group A matchup of the Emirates NBA Cup. The game is set to tip off at 7:30 PM ET on TNT.
- Warriors vs. Mavericks: The Warriors are on a hot streak, despite a recent loss to the Cavaliers, and are hoping to keep the momentum going as they face the Mavericks at home. Golden State will look to continue their early success, while Dallas seeks to rebound after two close losses. The game also marks the return of Klay Thompson to the Chase Center after his move to the Mavericks.
- The Bucks in Action: With the 2024-25 season in full swing, Giannis and the Bucks are eager to turn their season around, hoping to capitalize on their home-court advantage against the Raptors tonight.
Notable Player Updates:
- Cade Cunningham has been exceptional this season, joining an elite list of players who’ve compiled 3,000 points, 900 assists, and 150 steals in 150 games or fewer, a group that includes LeBron James and Luka Dončić. Cunningham’s continued excellence will be key as the Pistons look to make noise in the Emirates NBA Cup.
- Klay Thompson returned to the Chase Center with his new team, the Mavericks, and fans are eagerly awaiting his first game back in Golden State as he faces off against the Warriors.
- Keaton Wallace will make his first NBA start for the Hawks, filling in for the injured Trae Young, as Atlanta takes on the defending NBA champs, the Boston Celtics.
Courts to Watch:
This season, the Emirates NBA Cup is also showcasing new hardwoods for all teams. From the iconic parquet court of the Celtics to the star-studded design in Philadelphia, each court is bringing a fresh look to this exciting tournament.
- Detroit’s Court: The Pistons’ court features a striking design as they prepare to take on the Miami Heat.
- Boston’s Parquet Tradition: The Celtics are keeping their beloved parquet floor intact for the Emirates NBA Cup, maintaining their classic home-court feel.
- Philadelphia’s Blue Courts: The 76ers are sporting a new look for the Emirates Cup, with their blue court highlighted by a ring of stars around their logo.
