The Emirates NBA Cup has officially arrived in Las Vegas, bringing one of the most anticipated weekends of the NBA season. The NBA Cup semifinals will be played on Saturday, featuring four teams with very different paths to the desert-and plenty of storylines that extend far beyond the scoreboard.
Fans will be treated to a rare mix of old and new. One semifinal is a repeat matchup between Eastern Conference rivals who know each other well. In contrast, the other introduces a long-awaited Western Conference showdown that could hinge on a late injury decision. Here’s everything you need to know about when, where, and how to watch the NBA Cup semifinals, plus what makes each game must-see TV.
NBA Cup Semifinals schedule and how to watch
Both NBA Cup semifinal games will take place Saturday, December 13 in Las Vegas and will be broadcast exclusively on Amazon Prime Video in the United States.
- New York Knicks vs. Orlando Magic
Time: 5:30 p.m. ET
TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Moneyline
- New York Knicks: -220 (favourites)
- Orlando Magic: +184 (underdogs)
Point spread
- Knicks -5
- Magic +5
- Total (Over/Under)
- 223.5 points (both teams combined)
- Oklahoma City Thunder vs. San Antonio Spurs
Time: 9:00 p.m. ET
TV/Streaming: Amazon Prime Video
Moneyline
- Oklahoma City Thunder: -450 (big favourites)
- San Antonio Spurs: +350 (underdogs)
- Point spread
- Thunder -10.5
- Total (Over/Under)
- 224.5 points
Fans without Prime will need an active subscription to watch live, while international viewers should check local NBA broadcast partners or NBA League Pass availability.
Breaking down the NBA Cup Semifinal matchups
Knicks vs. Magic: Familiar faces, new stakes
The Eastern Conference Semifinal features the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic meeting for the fourth time this season, including their second matchup in just one week. New York enters the game riding strong momentum, powered by Jalen Brunson, who has scored at least 30 points in each of the Knicks’ last three NBA Cup games.
Orlando, meanwhile, has impressed with depth and resilience, advancing despite injuries to key players. While Paolo Banchero is back, the Magic will be without Franz Wagner, a major factor in earlier wins over New York. How Orlando replaces his production will likely decide whether this game stays close.
Thunder vs. Spurs: youth, defense, and a possible star return
The nightcap brings a fresh matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs, who are meeting for the first time this season. Oklahoma City has been dominant throughout NBA Cup play, going unbeaten with a massive difference in victories and elite performance in clutch moments behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
San Antonio’s outlook hinges on the possible return of Victor Wembanyama, who has been sidelined with a calf strain but could make his comeback in Las Vegas. A Wembanyama vs. Chet Holmgren showdown would add another chapter to one of the league’s most compelling young rivalries-one that already spans international play and prior NBA Cup competition.
What to see at the NBA in Las Vegas
The winners of Saturday’s games will advance to the NBA Cup championship, also held in Las Vegas, with national attention, prize money, and bragging rights on the line. Analysts largely favor Oklahoma City to reach and win the final, but the unpredictability of single-elimination basketball means nothing is guaranteed.
Whether you’re tuning in for rising stars, playoff-level intensity, or the spectacle of the NBA’s midseason tournament, the NBA Cup semifinals promise a full night of high-stakes basketball worth watching from start to finish.
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