Through the 1st quarter of the NBA season, Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo have separated from the pack.
Franz Wagner is out indefinitely with a torn oblique, derailing an ascension that kept the Magic afloat without Paolo Banchero.
The stage is set for an 8-team, single-elimination tournament to decide the Emirates NBA Cup champion.
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Next: Injury woes threaten to derail ascending Magic
Next: Emirates NBA Cup: Knockout Rounds preview