NEW YORK – The Emirates NBA Cup returns for the 2025 season with fresh intrigue. Every team was randomly drawn into groups of five within its conference. Seeding depended on last season’s win-loss record, giving us an interesting mix of contenders and hopefuls. The NBA Cup group stage tips off October 31 and runs through November 28. Each team plays four Group Play games—one against every other team in its group. The games happen on special “Cup Nights,” with each team hosting two games and hitting the road for two. When the dust settles, the six group winners plus two wild cards (one per conference) advance to the Knockout Rounds. The wild card is simple: best record among second-placed teams. But as always, the drama of the NBA Cup groups stage makes these “groups of death” must-watch basketball.
The Groups Of Death In The 2025 NBA Cup
West Group C: No Nights Off
This year, West Group C will be the toughest of all the NBA Cup groups. Four out of the five teams have a realistic shot at a playoff run, and every matchup looks spicy.
The Rockets are loaded with talent after adding Kevin Durant and should be favorites to emerge from the NBA Cup group stage. Right beside them are the champions from two years ago, the Nuggets, who remain a juggernaut led by Nikola Jokić. Every clash between these two could preview a spring showdown in the playoffs.
The Warriors lurk as the ultimate wild card. They closed last season in fine form but did little so far in free agency. Jonathan Kuminga’s situation still hangs in the air. If Steve Kerr can keep him dialed in alongside Jimmy Butler—assuming the team stays healthy—Golden State could surprise everyone. The NBA Cup group stage could be their chance to test combinations and shake up the West.
The Spurs are another intriguing wrinkle. San Antonio added Dylan Harper and Carter Bryant through the draft, then grabbed Luke Kornet in free agency. Mitch Johnson will want to see how far his young team can push more established squads. The NBA Cup group stage give them real stakes before the regular season hits full throttle.
Then there’s Portland. The Trail Blazers drew some fire for bringing in Jrue Holiday, but they see it as a way to build on last season’s momentum. Facing heavyweights early in the NBA Cup group stage should tell them exactly where they stand in the West pecking order.
East Group A: Drama From Top To Bottom
If West Group C is chaos, East Group A is pure suspense. No other NBA Cup groups stage looks this balanced or unpredictable.
The Cavaliers lead the pack with experience and roster continuity. They made minor tweaks around the edges but stuck by their core. Their steady play should make them early favorites to top this group.
But the Pacers won’t go quietly. They lost Tyrese Haliburton to a tough Achilles injury and saw Myles Turner exit in free agency. But Indiana’s grit has never been about just one player. If they channel that edge, they could claw their way out of the NBA Cup group stage.
The Hawks bring the most intrigue. They revamped their rotation, adding Kristaps Porziņģis, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Luke Kennard. Jalen Johnson also returns healthy, so Atlanta might be the group’s true dark horse. If their new pieces mesh fast, they could snatch top spot.
The Raptors add another layer of drama. Even with Masai Ujiri’s departure, Toronto’s front office built a roster with six legit starters. But who comes off the bench? The group stage will test coach Darko Rajaković’s lineup choices under real pressure. Two wins here would already equal their Cup tally to date.
Finally, the Wizards round out the East’s group of death. Deep in a rebuild, Washington’s young core gets trial by fire. Competing against established Eastern powers should fast-track their growth—win or lose.
Bottom Line
The Emirates NBA Cup promises high-stakes battles this fall. The West Group C and East Group A stand out as the hardest NBA Cup groups. These tough groups will help some contenders gain valuable experience in a competitive atmosphere. It will provide valuable learning experience for the younger teams.
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