NBA Cup Quarterfinals Set with Six Teams Making First Appearances

The second-ever in-season NBA tournament advances to knockout rounds, featuring fresh contenders and high-profile matchups across both conferences.

Six of the eight teams in the NBA Cup quarterfinals are making their first appearance in the knockout rounds, signaling a shift in tournament dynamics.
The Milwaukee Bucks and New York Knicks are the only repeat quarterfinalists from last year, with the Bucks aiming to leverage their past experience to advance further this time.
Key matchups include Trae Young and the Atlanta Hawks facing the Knicks, reigniting a playoff rivalry from 2021, and the Golden State Warriors taking on the Houston Rockets with a mix of veteran leadership and young talent.
The Western Conference features its top three teams—Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, and Dallas Mavericks—vying for the title, showcasing their strong early-season form.
The quarterfinal games are scheduled for December 10 and 11, with the semifinals and championship set to take place in Las Vegas on December 14 and 17, respectively.