Nov 19, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; The Memphis Grizzlies court for the NBA Cup tournament prior to the game at FedExForum against the Denver Nuggets. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

NBA Makes Announcement on Lakers, Mavericks, Grizzlies Group in NBA Cup

Originally posted on Memphis Grizzlies on SI
By Grant Mona | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 2:58 PM ET

The NBA has received mixed reactions to the Emirates NBA Cup, the league's new in-season tournament that offers finalists a trip to Las Vegas and rewards winners with a cash prize.

The Memphis Grizzlies have had a difficult time in the NBA Cup since its inauguration, with Ja Morant out for the 2023 tournament due to suspension, and a brutal schedule in 2024.

NBA Cup Court views

Grab tickets: https://t.co/Trm3uLPg6p pic.twitter.com/QJ2KUdKq7L
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 19, 2024

In 2023, Memphis lost every game in the tournament, falling to the Portland Trail Blazers, Utah Jazz, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. They finished last in their group and did not advance to the knockout stage.

In 2024, the Grizzlies went 1-3, losing to the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and Dallas Mavericks, but defeating the New Orleans Pelicans. Memphis finished 4th in their group and once again did not advance to the knockout stage.

The NBA announced the 2025 groups for the NBA Cup, and the Grizzlies are yet again in a gauntlet of a group.

The Grizzlies will host the Lakers and Mavs and play the Clippers and Pelicans on the road in the NBA Cup. https://t.co/jZxj5ESFdl
— trenton (@RentFreeGrizzly) July 9, 2025

Group B consists of the Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, and the Grizzlies.

Per NBA PR, "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 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

The Lakers and Clippers both secured a playoff spot in the 2024-2025 season, while the Mavericks and Pelicans had disappointing years but are poised for a rebound.

The group stage games, known as "Cup Nights," will take place between October 31st and November 28th, 2025. The schedule is as follows: December 9th and 10th for the quarterfinals, December 13th for the semifinals, and December 16th for the championship game.

This article first appeared on Memphis Grizzlies on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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