With one day of group play remaining, the Toronto Raptors and Los Angeles Lakers have clinched spots in the NBA Cup knockout round. Six spots are still available, including wild cards, as 16 teams face elimination. Friday's games will decide the final qualifiers for the quarterfinals on December 9-10.
The NBA Cup 2025 group stage concludes Friday, November 28, with pivotal matchups determining advancement. All 30 teams were divided into groups of five based on last season's records and a random draw, forming three groups per conference. Tiebreakers include head-to-head records, point differential, total points scored in group play (excluding overtime), 2024-25 regular-season record, and random drawing if needed.
In the Eastern Conference, the Raptors (4-0) have secured Group A, leaving the Cavaliers (2-1) in the wild-card hunt. The Hawks (1-2), Wizards (1-2), and Pacers (0-3) are at risk, with Friday's games including Cavaliers at Hawks and Wizards at Pacers, both at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Group B sees the Magic (3-0) hosting the Pistons (2-1) at 7:30 p.m. ET, where the winner claims the group title. The Celtics (2-2), Nets (1-2), and 76ers (0-3) are eliminated, following the 76ers at Nets game. Recent results include Celtics 117, Pistons 114 on Wednesday.
For Group C, the Heat (3-1) and Knicks (2-1) vie for the top spot, with the Bucks (2-1) chasing a wild card. The Knicks hold the tiebreaker over the Heat, who lead the Bucks. Knicks win Group C with a victory over the Bucks at 7:30 p.m. ET; otherwise, the Heat advance. Bulls (1-2) and Hornets (0-3) are out. Wednesday's scores: Knicks 129, Hornets 101; Heat 106, Bucks 103.
In the West, Group A features a tie atop with Thunder (3-0) and Suns (3-0); their 9:30 p.m. ET matchup decides the winner. Timberwolves (2-2), Kings (0-3), and Jazz (0-3) are eliminated, per Kings at Jazz. Wednesday: Thunder 113, Timberwolves 105; Suns 112, Kings 100.
The Lakers (3-0) clinched Group B. Grizzlies (2-1) and Clippers (2-1) battle for wild card at 10 p.m. ET; the loser is out. Mavericks (1-2) and Pelicans (0-4) eliminated. Wednesday: Grizzlies 133, Pelicans 128 (OT).
Group C has Nuggets (2-1) hosting Spurs (2-1) at 9:30 p.m. ET for the title; loser exits wild-card contention. Rockets (2-2), Trail Blazers (2-2), and Warriors (1-3) out. Wednesday: Rockets 104, Warriors 100; Spurs 115, Trail Blazers 102.
The knockout stage features quarterfinals December 9-10 at home arenas for higher seeds, semifinals and final December 13 and 16 in Las Vegas on Prime Video. Qualifying teams' players earn prize money; non-qualifiers play two regular-season games.