The countdown is on, and the excitement is palpable as the NBA Cup Group Play finale takes center stage tonight. With only one night remaining, 13 teams remain in contention, and five spots are still up for grabs in the Knockout Rounds.
Key Details of the Night
8 Teams Advance: The top six group winners and one wild card team from each conference will advance to the single elimination Knockout Rounds, which start on December 10 with the Quarterfinals.
3 Teams Have Clinched: The Hawks, Rockets, and Warriors have already secured their spots in the Knockout Rounds by winning their respective groups, leaving five spots open.
13 Teams Still Competing: Twelve teams are in action tonight, including the Blazers, Clippers, Spurs, Thunder, Suns, Mavs, Nuggets, Grizzlies, Magic, Knicks, Bucks, and Pistons. The Celtics, after finishing their Group Play schedule on Friday, will await their fate.
After three weeks of thrilling action, the NBA Cup Group Play will conclude on Tuesday, December 3. With 14 NBA teams already eliminated from contention, the focus shifts to the final matches that will decide who moves on. The Hawks, Rockets, and Warriors have already punched their tickets to the next round as group winners.
The remaining spots will be decided in East Group A, East Group B, and West Group B, and the wild card teams from both conferences will also be determined. Let’s break down what’s at stake on this final night.
East Group A: Magic vs Knicks for the Last Spot
East Group A comes down to a showdown between the Orlando Magic (30) and the New York Knicks (30). The winner of this game will secure the group’s spot in the Knockout Rounds. Both teams are undefeated, and this will be a winnertakesall match.
East Group B: Bucks vs Pistons for Group Victory
The situation in East Group B is similar. The Bucks (30) will face the Detroit Pistons (30) in a crucial game to determine who will top the group. With both teams at 30, the winner will advance to the Knockout Rounds.
East Group C: Hawks Already Clinched
The Atlanta Hawks have already clinched East Group C with a 31 record, including victories over the Celtics, Wizards, and Bulls. Their spot in the Knockout Rounds is secure, but the wildcard race remains in flux.
East Wildcard Picture: Who Will Make It?
The wildcard spots in the Eastern Conference are still up for grabs. New York, Orlando, Milwaukee, and Detroit are all in contention for a wildcard slot. The team with the best point differential among those with a 31 record will earn the wildcard spot, and if there is a tie, total points scored during Group Play will be the deciding factor.
Here’s a look at the current standings for the wildcard spots in the East:
Pistons: 30, +28 (340 points)
Knicks: 30, +15 (334 points)
Celtics: 31, +23 (482 points)
West Group A: Rockets Are Group Champions
The Houston Rockets (30) have already secured the top spot in West Group A, defeating the Clippers, Trail Blazers, and Timberwolves. They will face the Sacramento Kings in their final Group Play game.
West Group B: Spurs, Suns, and Thunder Competing for Top Spot
West Group B is still wide open. The Spurs (21), Suns (21), and Thunder (21) are all battling for the group title. Here’s what needs to happen for each team:
San Antonio: Can clinch the group with a win against Phoenix.
Phoenix: Needs a win over San Antonio and an Oklahoma City loss to Utah to secure the top spot.
Oklahoma City: Needs to beat Utah and hope San Antonio loses to Phoenix to win the group.
West Group C: Warriors Already In the Knockout Rounds
The Golden State Warriors (30) have already clinched first place in West Group C with wins over the Mavericks, Grizzlies, and Pelicans. They will face the Denver Nuggets in their final Group Play game.
West Wildcard Picture: It’s Anybody’s Game
In the Western Conference, the wildcard picture is more complicated. In addition to the Spurs, Suns, and Thunder, eight other teams are mathematically still in contention for the final wildcard spot. This leaves the wildcard race in a highly competitive state.
Here’s a look at the current standings in the West wildcard race:
Mavericks: 21, +41 (372 points)
Suns: 21, +19 (330 points)
Thunder: 21, +18 (304 points)
Trail Blazers: 21, 5 (325 points)
Lakers: 22, 24 (437 points)
Nuggets: 12, +2 (336 points)
Grizzlies: 12, 6 (348 points)
Clippers: 12, 6 (300 points)
