With two places in the semi-finals of the NBA Cup clinched on Tuesday, the Western Conference teams in the quarter-finals are on the clock.
The reigning NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder host the Phoenix Suns during the first match before San Antonio Spurs visit the Los Angeles Lakers.
Oklahoma City is on a historic run with a 23-1 record – tied for the second-best 24-game start in NBA history with the 1969-70 season. New York Knicksaccording to ESPN Research. The Thunder are also on a 15-game winning streak, tied for the longest winning streak in franchise history. Reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander leads Oklahoma City with 32.8 points per game, while center Chet Holmgren reached career highs in points (18.6) and rebounds (8.1). The Thunder reached the NBA Cup Finals last season, where they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks.
Phoenix narrowly lost to Oklahoma City 123-119 last month in an NBA Cup group game, but enters the game losing three of their last four. Suns star status Devin Booker — who leads the team with 25 points per game — is in question due to a groin injury suffered on December 1. Before Dillon Brooks is second in scoring with a career-high 22.3 points per game.
The Lakers defeated the Spurs 118-116 in their last match on November 5. They have the most successful starting backcourt in the NBA with Luka Doncic on average 35 per match and Austin Reaves setting a career high of 28.4. LeBron James is averaging 16.1 points after missing the first 14 games of the season because of sciatica.
San Antonio has had its own injury issues with star center Victor Wembanyama sidelined since November 14 with a calf injury and guard Stephon Castle 10 games are missing due to tension in the hip flexors. Castle returned to action, but Wembanyama stay out.
Who will get their ticket to Las Vegas for the semi-finals? Follow below for live updates and highlights.
