Warriors Rocky Road in Group C

The Golden State Warriors can start prepping for competitive basketball as the Emirates NBA Cup's group play schedules are released for the general public. Group C represents more formidable teams, including the Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, and the Warriors.

Although the Warriors didn't make the 2024 postseason, a successful NBA Cup tournament could reinvigorate a team thirsty for an NBA championship. First on the docket is a rather emotional affair, as Klay Thompson faces the Warriors for the first time at the Chase Center in front of the fans he helped grow alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green.

The Warriors host the Mavericks on Nov. 12 at 7 PM Pacific Time.

Next on the group play schedule is a playoff rematch from 2022, with the Grizzlies playing the Warriors at the Chase Center on Nov. 15 at 7 PM Pacific Time. Ja Morant's return to the Chase Center will make for quite the spectacle following a horrific 2023-24 campaign. Expect a playoff atmosphere during this matchup.

The Pelicans are the following Group C opponent. Although not a Western Conference juggernaut, Zion Williamson's potential, combined with the Warriors' on-road performance at the Smoothie King Center on Nov.22, will make for an interesting matchup.

The final stop on Group C's rocky schedule will likely test the Warriors the most. While the Nuggets didn't reach the NBA Finals last season, they have dominated the Warriors for the last two seasons. Golden State hasn't beaten Denver since Mar. 10, 2022, and has gone winless in its last seven matchups with the Western Conference juggernaut.

Despite winning an NBA championship in 2022, the Warriors failed to make the playoffs last season. Following winning the gold medal in the Paris Olympics, perhaps Curry won't allow his team to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive year.