NBA Cup 2025: Standings and Scenarios as 13 Teams Face Elimination
The NBA Cup 2025 is nearing the end of its group stage, with decisive moments approaching for several teams. With just two days left, only six of the eight spots for the knockout round have been secured. Currently, the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers are the only teams to advance to the quarterfinals. The remaining teams are in a tight race for the final spots, with thirteen teams facing possible elimination.
NBA Cup 2025: Standings and Scenarios
Every team in the NBA was divided into five-member groups based on their previous season’s records, along with a random draw. Each conference includes three divisions, creating a complex web of tiebreakers in case teams finish level in their group rankings.
Tiebreakers Explained
- Head-to-head record in group play
- Point differential in group play (overtime scoring excluded)
- Total points scored in group play (overtime scoring excluded)
- Record from the 2024-25 NBA regular season
- Random drawing for any continued ties
Eastern Conference Standings
The Raptors have secured Group A, while other teams scramble for playoff positioning.
- Clinched Group A: Raptors
- Wild-card Contenders: Cavaliers, Wizards, Hawks
- Eliminated: Pacers
Upcoming games on Wednesday include:
- Pacers at Raptors, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Cavaliers at Hawks, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Wizards at Pacers, 7:30 p.m. ET
Group B Overview
- Possible Winners: Magic or Pistons
- Wild-card Contenders: Nets, Celtics
- Eliminated: 76ers
On Friday, the focus shifts to:
- 76ers at Nets, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Magic at Pistons, 7:30 p.m. ET
Group C Insights
- Potential Winners: Bucks, Heat, or Knicks
- Wild-card Contenders: Bulls, Hornets
Knicks have the head-to-head tiebreaker over Heat, making their final matches critical as follows:
- Knicks at Hornets, 7 p.m. ET
- Bucks at Heat, 7:30 p.m. ET
Western Conference Standings
Over in the Western Conference, several teams are contending fiercely for the top spots:
- Group A Leaders: Thunder, Suns, or Timberwolves
- Wild-card Contender: Kings
- Eliminated: Jazz
The critical matches for Wednesday include:
- Timberwolves at Thunder, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Suns at Kings, 10 p.m. ET
Current Elimination Scenarios
The playoff landscape remains tense. For instance:
- If the Timberwolves lose and the Suns win, they will be eliminated.
- If the Kings lose, they will also be at risk of elimination.
Knockout Stage Format
The eight teams that qualify will enter a single-elimination tournament. The quarterfinals are scheduled for December 9 and 10, held at the home arenas of the higher-seeded teams. The semifinal matches will occur on December 13, with the finals set for December 16.
Players from participating teams in the knockout stage will receive monetary rewards for their efforts.
