Knicks-Magic Emirates NBA Cup semifinal features dueling Jalens, KAT battling with Orlando's big men and Anthony Black shifting into a starting role.

Rivalries usually don’t form in just the regular season — heated playoff matchups are typically needed for that. But this feels like what could be the start of a budding rivalry. The Knicks’ NBA Cup semifinal matchup against the Magic on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena will already be the fourth meeting between the two teams just 25 games into the season.

It's hard not to feel like something's there with the NBA Cup. Like it's one or two adjustments from becoming a staple.

Desmond Bane matched his season high with 37 points and the Orlando Magic reached the semifinals of the NBA Cup with a 117-108 win over the Miami Heat.

The semifinals of the third NBA Cup, initially called the In-Season Tournament in 2023, will be played on Saturday in Las Vegas. The NBA, satisfied with the event in year three, is choosing not to tinker with its placement in the calendar for 2026.

Between travel schedule and prize money, the Magic had plenty to discuss after practice Friday in Las Vegas ahead of the NBA Cup semifinal game vs. New York.

The Emirates NBA Cup has thrown the Week 8 schedule for a loop, with Indiana, Minnesota and Sacramento having excellent schedules.

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo wasn't pleased at all with their performance against the Orlando Magic in the NBA Cup.