Lakers And Grizzlies Clash In Nba Cup Opener: How To Watch

NBA Cup 2025: Lakers Take On Grizzlies in Big Opener

Basketball fans, mark your calendars! This Friday, October 31, the NBA Cup kicks off its third edition with a sizzling lineup of eight games. Among them, the Los Angeles Lakers will lock horns with the Memphis Grizzlies in a matchup that promises to deliver the kind of thrills only the NBA Cup can provide. With stars like LeBron James and Luka Dončić sitting out, the Lakers will need to dig deep to face Ja Morant and the Grizzlies.

The NBA Cup, introduced to spice up the early season, weaves seamlessly into the regular schedule, meaning every basket and rebound counts toward those all-important stats. Fans love it for the early drama, players love avoiding extra game wear-and-tear, and everyone loves a good mid-season showdown.

"The NBA Cup adds a whole new level of excitement to the start of the season," remarked a league insider. "It's a chance for teams to showcase their depth and strategy early on."

Catch the Action: Time, Channels, and Streaming

For all the hoops fans eager to catch the game, here’s how to tune in. Depending on where you're catching the game from, here's a quick guide:
- USA (ET): 9:30 PM
- Mexico: 7:30 PM
- Argentina: 10:30 PM
- Spain: 2:30 AM (on Saturday, November 1)

While the game isn’t on free TV, don’t fret – you can stream it live via Amazon Prime Video and NBA League Pass. So grab your snacks, settle into your favorite chair, and get ready for some top-tier basketball.

NBA Cup Format and Group Dynamics

This year’s NBA Cup divides the 30 teams into six groups, each vying for a spot in the final showdown. With only eight teams advancing – the six group winners and the top two runners-up – the competition's fierce from the get-go.

Groups Overview:
- East Groups: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, and more.
- West Groups: Brimming with talent, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, and Grizzlies alongside other Western heavyweights.

Finals Fever: Key Dates and Potential Jinx

The excitement builds to a crescendo in Las Vegas, with the Final Four and Championship Game scheduled for December 16 at the T-Mobile Arena. But watch out for the so-called "NBA Cup curse." Past winners like the Lakers and Bucks have stumbled in the postseason. Will this year's champs break the cycle?

Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the NBA Cup is set to light up your fall with unforgettable hoops action. Don't miss out on the drama, the rivalries, and the chance to witness history in the making!