This weekend, all eyes will be on Las Vegas as the NBA Cup Final Four hits the hardwood! The Thunder, Bucks, Rockets, and Hawks will clash for the coveted trophy, looking to dethrone the Lakers, who took home the inaugural title in 2023. Let’s break down what promises to be an epic showdown in Sin City, with everything you need to know from our partners at Hellotickets!
The NBA’s Final Four Experience
When you hear “Final Four” in basketball, March Madness and the EuroLeague often come to mind. But with the introduction of the In-Season Tournament last year, the NBA now boasts its very own Final Four extravaganza!
During the first weeks of the regular season, every Tuesday and Friday from November 12 to December 3, all 30 NBA teams competed in NBA Cup matchups. They were split into six groups of five (three groups in each conference), and the eight teams that emerged for the quarterfinals included the six group winners and the best second-place team from each conference.
This week, the Thunder, Bucks, Rockets, and Hawks clinched their spots in the semifinals, securing their tickets to Las Vegas!
Viva Las Vegas
While Las Vegas may not (yet) have its own NBA franchise, the Nevada city is increasingly becoming the go-to destination for professional basketball in the U.S. The Summer League takes over each summer, and now the NBA Cup Final Four rolls into Sin City every winter!
Three exciting matchups are slated for the T-Mobile Arena this weekend (Saturday, December 14) and early next week (Tuesday, December 17):
- Saturday night at 10:30 PM: Semifinal 1 between Bucks and Hawks
- Late Saturday into Sunday at 2:30 AM: Semifinal 2 between Thunder and Rockets
- Late Tuesday into Wednesday at 2:30 AM: Championship Final
Bucks vs. Hawks and Thunder vs. Rockets
Semifinal: Bucks vs. Hawks
This matchup brings back memories of the 2021 Conference Finals where Milwaukee and Atlanta battled for Eastern Conference supremacy. While the stakes aren’t quite as high as three years ago, the excitement remains palpable.
Fueled by MVP-level performances from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks are on fire and eager to advance to the final after falling in last year’s semifinals to Indiana.
As for the Hawks, they’ve defied expectations and aim to keep the momentum rolling. Trae Young has been a thorn in the Knicks’ side recently, but it’s the collective effort of Atlanta that’s truly impressive. With players like Jalen Johnson, De’Andre Hunter, and the formidable duo of Clint Capela and Onyeka Okongwu, the Hawks are no joke!
Semifinal: Thunder vs. Rockets
The top two teams from the Western Conference, boasting the league’s best defenses, are meeting in Vegas. Expect fireworks!
With a red-hot Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leading the charge, the Thunder are riding high on eight wins in nine games. This squad is hungry for victory, making them a formidable favorite in this Final Four.
But don’t count out the Rockets! Under Ime Udoka, they play tough and physical, showing no fear. Remember: Houston was the last team to knock off Oklahoma City, securing a thrilling 119-116 victory at the beginning of December. Fred VanVleet and the dynamic duo of Tari Eason and Amen Thompson will aim to spoil the Thunder’s party!
Our Predictions:
- Atlanta takes down Milwaukee
- Oklahoma City overcomes Houston
- Champion: Oklahoma City
What’s at Stake for the Champion?
Beyond hoisting the shiny new NBA Cup and adding a banner to the rafters, the financial rewards for the winning team are noteworthy.
Each player on the championship roster will pocket a cool $514,970, a substantial amount, especially for those on lower salaries or two-way contracts (who get half of that). Here’s the prize breakdown:
- $514,970 per player for the championship team
- $205,988 per player for the runner-up team
- $102,994 per player for the semifinalist teams
For those knocked out in the semifinals, there’s still a chance to catch a show. The unforgettable David Copperfield at MGM Grand awaits, arguably one of the hottest shows on the Strip—definitely not the Shaqtin’ A Fool or the Jordan Poole spectacle!