The NBA Cup semifinals are set to take place this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, featuring an exciting doubleheader that will determine which teams advance to the finals. The action kicks off at 5:30 p.m. ET, with the New York Knicks going head-to-head against the Orlando Magic. Following that matchup, the Oklahoma City Thunder will take on the San Antonio Spurs at 9 p.m. ET. The victors from these contests will compete in the finals on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
In the quarterfinals, the Magic secured a decisive 117-108 victory over the Miami Heat, thanks to an impressive 37-point performance from guard Desmond Bane. However, the Magic will face a challenge in their semifinal matchup as they will be without their leading scorer, Franz Wagner, who is sidelined due to a left ankle sprain. Fortunately for Orlando, Paolo Banchero is back in action after missing nearly a month due to a groin injury, having played in the team’s last three games.
Meanwhile, the Knicks showcased their strength in their quarterfinal victory, defeating the Toronto Raptors 117-101. The game featured a back-and-forth battle with 10 lead changes, but New York took command early in the second quarter, opening up a lead that swelled to as much as 24 points. This recent success has put the Knicks on a four-game winning streak, significantly influenced by guard Josh Hart’s arrival in the starting lineup, with the team boasting an impressive 8-1 record since his promotion.
Notably, Desmond Bane’s performance was overshadowed by a fine he received from the NBA for unsportsmanlike conduct, after he threw a basketball at New York’s OG Anunoby during a recent game. The two managed to share a laugh afterward, highlighting the playful rivalry.
On the other side, the Oklahoma City Thunder head into Las Vegas with a strong pedigree, having reached the finals last season and also coming off a historic start to their current campaign. They currently hold a stunning 24-1 record, tying the best start in NBA history alongside the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. Riding a franchise-record 16-game winning streak, the Thunder dominated the Phoenix Suns with a remarkable 138-89 victory in their quarterfinals, marking the largest margin of victory seen in any NBA Cup matchup thus far.
The San Antonio Spurs, fresh off a significant 132-119 win against the Los Angeles Lakers in the quarterfinals, will look to build momentum in their semifinal clash. Despite missing star Victor Wembanyama, who is out due to a calf injury, rookie guard Stephon Castle rose to the occasion, delivering a stellar performance with 30 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists. Wembanyama, who hasn’t played since November 14, is expected to return to the lineup, adding to the anticipation surrounding San Antonio’s chances.
As fans eagerly await the semifinals, the focus will be on which teams can secure a spot in the NBA Cup finals, with the stage set for thrilling basketball action. Stay tuned for highlights, key moments, and reactions from the games.
