Lakers, Spurs added to Timberwolves' schedule to fill NBA Cup gaps

The NBA filled the gaps for 22 teams that failed to advance to the knockout rounds.

Dec 2, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis (3) dribbles against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images / Brad Rempel-Imagn Images

After failing to advance to the knockout rounds of the NBA Cup, the Minnesota Timberwolves have had two games added to their schedule next week to fill the gaps that were left open while the results of the in-season tournament were pending.

Minnesota will host the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday, Dec. 13 and then travel to San Antonio for a game against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs on Sunday, Dec. 15.

NBA schedule update ⬇️

The 22 teams that did not qualify for the Quarterfinals of the Emirates NBA Cup have been assigned two regular-season games that will be played on Dec. 12 or 13 and Dec. 15 or 16. pic.twitter.com/o9hdY52LFP

— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 4, 2024

The Lakers game will start at 7 p.m. CT and the Spurs game will tip off at 5 p.m. CT. Both games will be televised locally on FanDuel Sports Network.

Eight teams a qualified for the NBA Cup knockout rounds. In the West, the group winners are the Thunder, Rockets and Warriors, while the Mavericks earned the lone wild card. In the East, the Bucks, Knicks and Hawks won their respective groups and the Magic advanced as a wild card.

Knockout matchups:

• #1 Bucks vs. #4 Magic, Tuesday, Dec. 10
• #2 Knicks vs. #3 Hawks, Wednesday, Dec. 11
• #1 Thunder vs. #4 Mavericks, Tuesday, Dec. 10
• #2 Rockets vs. #3 Warriors, Wednesday, Dec. 11

The semifinals will be played Saturday, Dec. 14 and the championship will be televised on ABC on Tuesday, Dec. 17.