The Emirates NBA Cup, previously known as the NBA In-Season Tournament, has returned for its third season and is currently ongoing. Fans can explore details about the tournament, including groupings, format, and more.
2025 NBA Cup Brackets and Groups
East Group A:
- Toronto Raptors (2-0) +23
- Atlanta Hawks (1-1) +8
- Cleveland Cavaliers (1-1) +22
- Indiana Pacers (0-1) -20
- Washington Wizards (0-1) -33
East Group B:
- Detroit Pistons (2-0) +27
- Orlando Magic (2-0) +20
- Boston Celtics (1-1) -12
- Philadelphia 76ers (0-2) -10
- Brooklyn Nets (0-2) -25
East Group C:
- Miami Heat (1-1) +10
- New York Knicks (1-1) -2
- Milwaukee Bucks (2-0) +16
- Charlotte Hornets (0-2) -18
- Chicago Bulls (1-1) -6
West Group A:
- Minnesota Timberwolves (2-0) +54
- Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0) +31
- Phoenix Suns (1-0) +22
- Sacramento Kings (0-2) -45
- Utah Jazz (0-2) -62
West Group B:
- Los Angeles Lakers (2-0) +19
- Los Angeles Clippers (2-0) +2
- Memphis Grizzlies (1-1) +9
- Dallas Mavericks (0-2) -14
- New Orleans Pelicans (0-2) -16
West Group C:
- San Antonio Spurs (1-1) +10
- Houston Rockets (1-1) +13
- Portland Trail Blazers (1-1) -22
- Denver Nuggets (1-1) +23
- Golden State Warriors (1-1) -24
What is the Emirates NBA Cup?
The Emirates NBA Cup is an in-season competition involving all 30 NBA teams competing for a championship title. Its aim is to boost fan excitement and engagement early in the season, which historically has been slow, and generate new revenue for the league. The Milwaukee Bucks won the tournament last year, beating the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Format of the Emirates NBA Cup
The tournament features six pools, each with five teams from the same conference but not necessarily the same division. Each team plays four games within their pool, facing each opponent once. Winners then move to a single-elimination stage.
In total, eight teams advance to the finals: six group winners plus two wild card teams. The knockout rounds are single-elimination games.
Teams play 80 games in their original regular-season schedule. Teams not qualifying for elimination games play two extra games, while the two finalists play 83 regular-season games. All tournament game stats, except the final, count toward regular-season totals.
Do Tournament Games Count Toward Records?
All games in the Emirates NBA Cup, except the final, count toward a team’s regular-season record—including quarterfinals and semifinals.
Tournament Schedule
The Emirates NBA Cup starts on November 7th, with the championship game set for December 16th. The Final Four will be held on December 13th at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Group Selection Process
Groups were drawn on July 9th. Teams were placed into pots based on their 2024-25 regular season performance, with one team from each pot randomly assigned per group. Pot 1 contains the top three teams from each conference, Pot 2 includes teams ranked 4th-6th, and so on.
Tiebreaker Rules for the Emirates NBA Cup
- Results of matches within the group stage
- Goal difference in the group stage
- Total points in the group stage
- Previous season’s regular season record
Emirates NBA Cup Awards
Players on teams that advance to knockout rounds receive prizes, increasing with each advancement. There is also a Most Valuable Player Award, chosen by the media, based on performances throughout group and knockout stages.
Fan Take:
The Emirates NBA Cup adds a thrilling dimension to the regular NBA season, providing fans with more meaningful games earlier in the year. This new competitive format could revolutionize how we experience basketball by increasing stakes and excitement throughout the season.
