The NBA Cup 2025 is heating up, and the race to the knockout round is on! With the Los Angeles Lakers securing their spot on Tuesday night, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the group stage. But here’s where it gets controversial…
The Battle for the West
The Lakers, led by the dynamic duo of Luka Doncic and LeBron James, have claimed the top spot in West Group B. But their victory has also impacted the race for the Western Conference’s top second-place team. The Los Angeles Clippers, despite a solid 2-1 record, find themselves in a tricky situation with a negative point differential.
With all other teams in West Groups A and C boasting positive differentials, the Clippers need a miracle. They must defeat the Memphis Grizzlies by a large margin on Friday and hope for some unexpected results elsewhere. It’s a tall order, but in the world of basketball, anything is possible!
Eastern Conference: A Clearer Picture
In contrast, the Eastern Conference groups have become a little less complicated. The Atlanta Hawks’ unexpected defeat to the Washington Wizards has simplified the math for the top second-place spot.
Four teams are now in the running, with the Cleveland Cavaliers needing a strong performance against Atlanta on Friday to boost their chances. The Toronto Raptors, having already won East Group A, are a step ahead, but the race for the remaining spots is intense.
Group Predictions and Tiebreakers
West Group A will be decided on Wednesday when the Minnesota Timberwolves face the Oklahoma City Thunder. OKC needs wins over both Minnesota and the Phoenix Suns to secure first place. If Minnesota prevails, the Suns could take control with a victory over the Sacramento Kings.
In West Group C, the Portland Trail Blazers are on the cusp of claiming first place. A win over the San Antonio Spurs would seal the deal, and with victories over Denver and Golden State already in the bag, Portland is looking strong.
The Eastern Conference’s East Group C is up for grabs, with the Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks battling it out on Wednesday. The New York Knicks, having already beaten Miami, are still in with a chance if they can defeat Charlotte and then the Bucks.
Final Standings Predictions
As we look ahead to the knockout round, here are our predictions for the quarterfinalists:
Eastern Conference: Toronto, Orlando, New York, Cleveland
Western Conference: Oklahoma City, Los Angeles Lakers, Portland, Minnesota
But remember, in the world of sports, upsets and surprises are always possible! Who do you think will make it through? Let’s discuss in the comments and see if our predictions hold true!