The NBA Cup is nearing the conclusion of its group stage, with only two days remaining. As of now, six of the eight qualifying spots for the knockout round are still undecided. The Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers have already secured their places in the quarterfinals. Other teams are vying for advancement, while some face elimination.
NBA Cup 2025: Group Stage Overview
All 30 NBA teams were divided into groups of five, based on their previous season’s records and a random drawing. This format has created three divisions in each conference. Teams within a group may find themselves tied, necessitating the use of multiple tiebreakers to determine who advances.
Tiebreaker Criteria
- Head-to-head record in Group Play
- Point differential in Group Play
- Total points scored in Group Play
- Record from the current NBA regular season
- Random drawing, if needed
Eastern Conference Standings
In the Eastern Conference, the standings showcase the following scenarios:
- Group A: Raptors have clinched their spot. Hawks, Wizards, and Pacers have been eliminated.
- Group B: Either the Magic or Pistons will win. The Celtics, Nets, and 76ers are eliminated.
- Group C: The Bucks, Heat, or Knicks will emerge as the winner. Bulls and Hornets are eliminated.
This Week’s Schedule
Key games this week include:
- Friday: Cavaliers at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Friday: Wizards at Pacers, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Friday: 76ers at Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Friday: Magic at Pistons, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Friday: Bulls at Hornets, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Friday: Bucks at Knicks, 7:30 p.m. ET
Western Conference Standings
The Western Conference scenarios are as follows:
- Group A: Thunder, Suns, or Timberwolves will win. Jazz have been eliminated.
- Group B: The Lakers have clinched Group B, while Mavericks and Pelicans are eliminated.
- Group C: Blazers, Nuggets, or Spurs will take this group. Rockets and Warriors are in wild-card contention.
Upcoming Games in the Western Conference
- Wednesday: Timberwolves at Thunder, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Wednesday: Suns at Kings, 10 p.m. ET
- Friday: Mavericks at Lakers, 10 p.m. ET
- Friday: Grizzlies at Clippers, 10 p.m. ET
- Wednesday: Rockets at Warriors, 10 p.m. ET
- Wednesday: Spurs at Trail Blazers, 10 p.m. ET
Knockout Stage Format
The NBA Cup knockout stage will feature eight teams from the group play. This single-elimination tournament will begin on December 9 and 10. Higher-seeded teams will host the quarterfinal matches in their arenas. The winners will advance to the semifinals in Las Vegas, scheduled for December 13, with the final taking place on December 16.
Teams that do not qualify for the knockout stage will play two additional regular-season games. Players participating in the knockout rounds will be eligible for prize money.
