The Brooklyn Nets face potential elimination from the 2025 NBA Cup group stage when they visit the Boston Celtics on Friday night. Brooklyn enters the matchup 0-2 in East Group B, while the Celtics aim to improve their 1-1 record with a decisive victory. A loss for the Nets would end their tournament hopes amid a challenging rebuild season.
The Brooklyn Nets are on the brink of elimination from the 2025 NBA Cup as they take on the Boston Celtics in East Group B action at TD Garden on November 21, 2025. According to NBA announcements, a defeat against Boston would knock Brooklyn out of contention, given their 0-2 start in group play and last-place standing in point differential. The Nets, who recently fell 113-99 to the Celtics on Tuesday, have struggled against group opponents, including losses to the Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Philadelphia 76ers this season.
Boston, sitting at 1-1 in the group with a -12 point differential after a 109-108 win over the Sixers and a 123-110 loss to the Magic, needs a blowout victory to close the gap on leaders Detroit and Orlando. The Celtics trail the Pistons by 39 points and the Magic by 32 in differential, making a 20-plus point win essential for knockout round hopes. Jaylen Brown enters averaging a career-high 27.5 points per game, providing a scoring edge in Jayson Tatum's absence due to Achilles injury.
For Brooklyn, Michael Porter Jr. has been a bright spot, averaging 27.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over his last seven games despite a slow start in recent outings. Head coach Jordi Fernandez must balance development for rookies like Egor Demin and Drake Powell with veteran contributions to secure a must-win. The Nets' overall 2-12 record underscores their rebuild, but a victory could extend their tournament life by one week.
Group B also features the undefeated Pistons (13-2 overall) and Magic (9-7), heightening the stakes. Boston's remaining game is against Detroit on November 26, while Orlando faces Philadelphia on November 25. Early action saw the teams exchanging leads, highlighted by a poster dunk from Celtics big man Neemias Queta.
