Mar 17, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Zion Williamson (1) reacts during the first half against the Detroit Pistons at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images

NBA Announces Lakers, Cooper Flagg, Zion Williamson Matchups in Emirates Cup

Originally posted on New Orleans Pelicans on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 2:46 PM ET

The NBA introduced the NBA Cup in 2023, with the Los Angeles Lakers taking home the first ever one in Las Vegas. This past season, the Milwaukee Bucks took home the crown, and the Emirates Cup is set to return again for a third season as it looks to bring a new level of excitement to the regular season.

Looking ahead to the tournament, all eyes will be on the matchups fans will get to see during group play. Ahead of the NBA 2K26 Summer League, which begins in Las Vegas on Thursday, the league has announced the group pairings for the 2025 competition.

The groups are set for the Emirates NBA Cup 2025.

All 30 NBA teams were randomly drawn into groups of five within their conference based on win-loss records from the 2024-25 regular season.

The groups are available below. pic.twitter.com/ZZVUwtp3fO
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) July 9, 2025

In an announcement shared by the NBA, the New Orleans Pelicans find themselves in one of the toughest pairings with West Group B. Featuring the Los Angeles Lakers, LA Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, and the Pelicans, all five of the teams could very well be in the postseason next year.

For Duke fans, they'll get to see a matchup between two of their best prospects in recent history, with Zion Williamson and Cooper Flagg going head-to-head. As for other matchups to pay attention to in that group, both LA teams will face off, while Anthony Davis will look to get his revenge against the Lakers.

Our West Group B opponents for the Emirates NBA Cup #Pelicans | @MorrisBartLLC pic.twitter.com/HrlgSWM8gI
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) July 9, 2025