Spurs Draw Favorable Group in Emirates NBA Cup
The San Antonio Spurs have been drawn into a relatively friendly group in the Emirates NBA Cup, alongside the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Sacramento Kings, and Portland Trail Blazers. This is a significant improvement from previous years, where the Spurs often found themselves in the 'Group of Death'.
Why it Matters for San Antonio Spurs
The Spurs will face each team once during the regular season between October 30 and November 27. The winners of each group will advance, along with a wildcard team from each conference. The quarterfinals and semifinals will count as regular season games, while the final will not count in any way other than in game count towards the 65-game rule.
What Comes Next?
The Spurs will face the Sacramento Kings on Friday, November 6, at 9:00 PM CT. They will then face the Golden State Warriors on Friday, November 13, at 8:30 PM CT on Prime. The Spurs will conclude their group stage matches against the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday, November 25, at 9:00 PM CT on ESPN, and the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, November 27, at 9:30 PM CT on Prime.
The knockout rounds will take place from December 4 to 11, with the quarterfinals hosted by the higher-seeded teams. The semifinals will also be hosted by the higher-seeded teams, while the final will take place at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on December 11.
The Spurs are coming off a recent loss to the New York Knicks on June 14, where they suffered a 90-94 defeat. They have also lost their last four matches, with a recent form record of 1W-0D-4L (LLLLW, most recent first). Despite this, the Spurs are expected to advance out of their group and make a deep run in the Emirates NBA Cup.
Key Dates
Friday, November 6: San Antonio Spurs vs. Sacramento Kings at 9:00 PM CT Friday, November 13: San Antonio Spurs vs. Golden State Warriors at 8:30 PM CT on Prime Wednesday, November 25: San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers at 9:00 PM CT on ESPN Friday, November 27: San Antonio Spurs vs. Los Angeles Lakers at 9:30 PM CT on Prime * December 4-11: Knockout rounds
The NBA will announce the complete regular season schedule for all 30 teams tomorrow at 2:00 PM CT. The Emirates NBA Cup is shaping up to be an exciting competition, and the San Antonio Spurs are well-positioned to make a strong run.
