Schedule, outcomes, and standings for the Chicago Bulls NBA Cup

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Cavaliers @ Bulls – NBA Game Recaps for November 11, 2024 08:00 PM EST

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Chicago Bulls NBA Cup schedule, results, and standings

We’ve provided a breakdown of the NBA Cup and will update as the Bulls’ schedule progresses.

By Austin McGee | 8:00 AM CST

Nov 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) reacts after guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) scored a basket

Nov 9, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine (8) reacts after guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) scored a basket / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The second iteration of the NBA’s newest annual tournament begins on November 12. After initially being called the “In-Season Tournament,” it is now called the “NBA Emirates Cup.” While the name differs, the randomized groupings, unique court designs, and drawn-out play will carry over from the inaugural tournament a season ago.

An ever-adapting league, Adam Silver and the NBA ushered in the early-season tournament to increase fan engagement and incentive competition. Last season’s competition was unequivocally a success. Viewership shot up, social channels were set ablaze, and players praised the games’ intensity. Silver’s newest adaptation is certainly here to stay.

Although it’s technically an in-season tournament, all 67 games besides the championship are counted toward the regular-season standings. Prior to the ultimate game, eight teams will advance to the knockout rounds, consisting of single-elimination games a la March Madness. The teams who qualify for the knockout rounds will compete against one another to bring home the NBA Cup.

NBA Cup Schedule: Key dates and format

The NBA Cup officially begins on November 12, but the Chicago Bulls begin tournament play on the 16th. The Bulls’ first opponent is the currently undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers. Chicago will travel to Cleveland just four days after hosting the Cavs in Chicago on November 11.

The Bulls’ next two opponents are the Atlanta Hawks and Washington Wizards. Chicago squares off against Atlanta on November 22 before traveling to the nation’s capital to battle the Wizards on November 26. Chicago’s final game of the group stage comes against the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics on the 29th.

If Chicago qualifies for the quarterfinals, they’ll face off against fellow group winners. These games will be held on December 10 and 11, with the semifinals set for the 14th. If the Bulls do not qualify for the knockout rounds, two regular-season games will be added to Chicago’s schedule. These games will be held between December 12 and 16 prior to the NBA Cup championship on December 17.