What happened: The Miami Heat face the Indiana Pacers in East Group B action as Emirates NBA Cup group play gets underway. The contest serves as the tournament opener for both franchises in pool play.

Why it matters: Group stage results count toward regular-season standings while deciding which teams advance to the single-elimination knockout stage in Las Vegas. Miami joined East Group B after the Pacers drew the group slate alongside the Knicks, Cavaliers, and 76ers in July. Early pool victories and point differential dictate the conference wild-card tiebreaker.

What to watch: Miami continues its tournament schedule throughout November as East Group B play determines seeding for the quarterfinals.