After a thrilling group stage that featured playoff-level matchups, the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup is on to the knockout rounds. The quarterfinals tip-off on Tuesday, featuring eight teams, four from both conferences. The winners of this round will meet in Las Vegas for the semi-final and championship rounds.
In just its second year since the debut of the NBA‘s In-Season Tournament, bragging rights for this trophy have become extremely popular amongst the league, making this year’s group stage one to remember.
Some notable matchups leading to the quarterfinal round include the dramatic finish in Dallas, where the Mavericks put together a late 15-point comeback to secure the win over the Memphis Grizzlies.
Quarterfinal Matchup Preview and Predictions
Orlando Magic vs. Milwaukee Bucks
Prediction: Bucks win 107-88
Although the Orlando Magic have been playing really good basketball this season, this team has unfortunately been plagued with injuries leading up to the quarterfinals. Coming off a dramatic win in the group stage, the Magic were already down starter Paolo Banchero.
Now, headed into the matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the up-and-coming Bucks, the Magic are also down Franz Wagner. Wagner took on the bulk of the offensive load in Banchero’s absence, averaging 24.4 points per game. Orlando is coming into the matchup beat-up and missing very key pieces.
Dallas Mavericks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Prediction: Mavericks win 110-107
This is queued up to be a key Western Conference matchup featuring two of the top contending teams with two MVP candidates. Both teams are coming off strong wins headed into the Quarterfinal round, and their stars are playing at their best. For the Oklahoma City Thunder, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is almost automatic when it comes to scoring 25-30 points per game.
His consistency on the offensive side is keeping the Thunder sitting comfortably at the top of the Western Conference. However, the Thunder will be missing a few key pieces including Chet Holmgren, Nikola Topic, and Osmani Dieng. Although Dallas could struggle a bit defensively against Oklahoma City, they come into the game with more depth, and that will give them the winning edge.
Photo by Tim Heitman/Getty Images
Atlanta Hawks vs. New York Knicks
Prediction: Knicks win 99-78
Although we’ve seen the Hawks and Knicks face off already this season, both teams are in completely different places than they were since that previous matchup. For starters, Hawks’ Trae Young recently suffered a right Achilles injury and could be ruled out for the matchup against the Knicks. Atlanta saw lots of success early in the season, with the strength of their offense coming from their young core, but the Knicks are back on the rise.
Led behind the phenomenal play and leadership of star center Karl-Anthony Towns, New York has won three of their last four games. Head Coach Tom Thibodeau made it clear to put emphasis on defensive effort, and I believe that will reflect in Wednesday’s matchup.
Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets
Prediction: Warriors win 120-109
The Houston Rockets are showing remarkable signs of playoff contention early in the season featuring a star young core that has fans excited for the future. However, coming into the quarterfinals against a team that has won 15 consecutive matchups against Houston is a big assignment for any young team to be met with, especially a team with the best shooter of all time.
Mix in Steph Curry and Draymond Green’s veteran experience and the depth Steve Kerr now gets to choose from, the Warriors should come out victorious. It’s not only going to be a huge defensive assignment, but it will also be a huge psychological assignment containing Draymond Green.
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