The Washington Wizards have announced their NBA Cup schedule on Wednesday as the team prepares to take on Eastern Conference opponents in Group A.
Washington will be set to take on the Atlanta Hawks, Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers in group play this coming season with the official dates being released on Wednesday.
That said, here's a look at the dates for each Wizards NBA Cup matchup and why Washington could surprise when it's all said and done.
Wizards NBA Cup Schedule
November 7th vs. Cleveland Cavaliers | 7 PM
The Wizards kick things off in tournament play against the Cleveland Cavaliers on November 7th when they host Kenny Atkinson's squad at Capital One Arena.
November 21st @ Toronto Raptors | 7:30 PM
Washington will get their first taste of NBA Cup road action against the Toronto Raptors on November 21st. The Wizards will get the chance to see two top ten picks battle it out with Tre Johnson and Collin Murray-Boyles go head to head.
November 25th vs. Atlanta Hawks | 7 PM
Washington will host another home game against the Atlanta Hawks on November 25th and considering the Wizards success against Atlanta in 2024-25, this matchup could be one circled on both teams' calenders.
November 28th @ Indiana Pacers | 7:30 PM
Washington's final game of group play will be at Gainbridge FieldHouse against the reigning Eastern Conference champions in the Indiana Pacers on November 28th.
Looking at the above teams in the Wizards group, Group A consists of multiple heavy hitters with the likes of the Cleveland Cavalaiers, Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks in the midst.
Cleveland is coming off their best regular season since the LeBron James era in year one of the Kenny Atkinson era.
Indiana will be months removed from an NBA Finals appearance.
The Atlanta Hawks went all out this offseason hoping to catapult themselves into contending in a wide-open Eastern Conference.
So why do I believe the Wizards could win Group A and make a run at the NBA Cup? It's simple.
Not only is the Wizards new-look roster much deeper than it was last year, but they'll be playing against multiple teams who will have their focus set on the Larry O'Brien trophy rather than an NBA Tournament win.
Cleveland will be looking ahead to the ultimate goal as they hope to right their wrongs from last year, the Pacers won't be the same nightmare to defend without Tyrese Haliburton running the show and the Atlanta Hawks have yet to prove their new-look roster can be the powerhouse they hope to be in 2025.
Washington has all the talent and necessary depth to string together a stretch of a strong month in hopes of contending for a championship that's in reach, even if it's not in the NBA Finals.