With the Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinalists determined, the NBA has supplied up to date common season schedules for the 22 groups that didn’t make it. That features the Spurs after their loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday evening, and consequently, they are going to now head to Portland to face the Path Blazers on Friday, Dec. 13 (9:00 PM CT) earlier than returning dwelling to face the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, Dec. 15 (7:00 PM CT).
NBA schedule replace ⬇️
The 22 groups that didn’t qualify for the Quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup have been assigned two regular-season video games that might be performed on Dec. 12 or 13 and Dec. 15 or 16. pic.twitter.com/o9hdY52LFP
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 4, 2024
For the eight the groups that did make the Cup event in Las Vegas, the quarterfinals and semifinals rely as common season video games, whereas the Finals is a glorified 83rd sport that doesn’t rely within the standings for the 2 finalists. The 4 groups who lose within the quarterfinals will play one sport towards one of many different three groups on Dec. 15 or 16 to achieve 82 common season video games. (You’ll be able to see all of the eventualities when you open the tweet above and develop the picture.)
The Spurs would have superior to the quarterfinals had they received in Phoenix final evening, however sadly their offense went ice chilly, particularly from three only one sport after hitting a franchise-record 23 threes in Sacramento. (That’s the regulation of averages laborious at give you the results you want.) As a substitute, the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder superior from Group B after blowing out the Utah Jazz final evening, which additionally eradicated the Spurs from any very slight probability that they had at being a wildcard staff. Nonetheless, their 2-2 file, together with a shocking win towards the Thunder, was an enchancment from final season’s 0-4 efficiency in Cup play.
The Spurs have already confronted each the Timberwolves and Path Blazers as soon as this season, each wins at dwelling. Most notably, the sport towards the Wolves on November 2 was when Gregg Popovich suffered from what would later be revealed as a minor stroke earlier than the sport, and he has been away from the staff as he rehabilitates ever since. Mitch Johnson has been the interim head coach in his absence.
