The Sacramento Kings' full NBA Cup schedule has been released, highlighting their participation in this midseason tournament running from November 12 to December 17. The competition consists of Group Play with six groups, followed by Knockout Rounds, culminating in a single-elimination bracket to determine the champion. The Kings will face the Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, and Houston Rockets during Group Play, with all games counting toward the regular season, except the championship. Although the Kings are not featured in any nationally televised games, their favorable matchup predictions suggest a strong chance of advancing past Group Play.

By the Numbers
  • The NBA Cup runs from November 12 to December 17, 2024.
  • Kings will play four Group Play games against teams projected to have lower win totals.
Yes, But

While the Kings are seen as potential strong contenders, the lack of nationally televised games raises questions about their visibility and marketability in this tournament. Additionally, past performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves could impact their chances significantly.

State of Play
  • The Kings are looking to improve on their performance from last year's inaugural NBA Cup, where they reached the Knockout Rounds.
  • Three of their four Group Play opponents rank below them in projected win totals, enhancing their advancement prospects.
What's Next

The Kings will aim to leverage their favorable schedule to advance to the Knockout Rounds, with an eye on improving their standing from last season. Success could lead to increased prize money and visibility for the team in future tournaments.

Bottom Line

The NBA Cup offers the Kings a strategic opportunity to showcase their talent and capitalize on underdog matchups, potentially leading to both team success and financial rewards as they aim for a strong run in the competition.