2025 Emirates NBA Cup: Group stage draw revealed

The NBA has officially unveiled the groups for the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, its in-season tournament spanning all 30 teams. Group stage play will run from October 31 to November 28, with knockout rounds – including quarterfinals, semifinals (December 13), and the championship (December 16) – scheduled in Las Vegas.

Western Conference Groups

• Group A: Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, Utah Jazz
• Group B: Los Angeles Lakers, Clippers, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans
• Group C: Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, San Antonio Spurs

Eastern Conference Groups

• Group A: Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards
• Group B: Boston Celtics, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets, Philadelphia 76ers
• Group C: New York Knicks, Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Charlotte Hornets

Each team will play four group games – two home, two away – on “Cup Nights.” The six group winners plus one wild-card per conference (top second-place team) advance to the quarterfinals. 

Key Takeaways

• Star-heavy Group C in the West promises high-stakes matchups and early tests for contenders like Houston, Denver, and Golden State.
• Eastern intrigue lies in Group A, where Cleveland and Indiana’s clash may set an early tone for the East.
• Prime Video broadcasting expands the Cup's reach, spotlighting the tournament’s peak during December’s Vegas knockout stages.

The Emirates NBA Cup offers midseason intensity, rewarding early cohesion and depth. With fierce competition and championship aspirations on the line, group dynamics will test contenders early and provide compelling basketball through the end of the year.

Full group breakdown sets the stage for a high-impact tournament – expect fierce battles starting October 31.