The Thunder will tip off their first NBA Cup game on Friday and could make an early-season run after establishing themselves as a contender last season. In its second edition, known as the In-Season Tournament last season,

For the second consecutive season, the NBA will have an in-season tournament during the 2024-25 campaign. Officially branded the Emirates NBA Cup, all 30 teams around the league will compete for a chance to win a championship and prize money.

While the Thunder have fared well in the two games since Chet Holmgren's pelvic fracture, they're facing a much larger opponent in the Phoenix Suns. With Kevin Durant sidelined though, it'll be an interesting matchup.

After an 0-3 start to the week, the Timberwolves have one more chance to notch a win as they head to Sacramento to face the Kings. The Wolves simply can’t afford to lose this game if they want to compete for the NBA Cup and maintain a semblance of pride.