Where are the basketball enthusiasts? Calling for your NBA Cup starts with spine-chilling moments on the courts. The NBA Cup 2025 marks a pivotal moment as the league’s ambitious in-season tournament. Now officially branded as the Emirates NBA Cup, it enters its third edition. An innovative idea from 2023 has reshaped teams’ regular-season approach. In 2025, the NBA Cup will solidify its status as a tradition, driven by increased fan engagement and elevated stakes. In 2023, the Lakers won the first NBA Cup with LeBron as MVP. The Bucks claimed the second title in 2024, led by Giannis. In 2025, the Cup will be part of the NBA schedule. It will start on October 31 and end with the championship game on December 16 in Las Vegas. Coaches view Cup games as key for playoff strategies, while young players shine. Emirates sponsors the Cup on Prime, boosting the NBA’s global reach.
What is the Emirates NBA Cup?
The Emirates NBA Cup is an exciting annual competition in the NBA. Started in 2023, this event allows all 30 teams to compete for a title early in the season. This tournament is special because it takes place during the regular season. Most tournament games also count as regular-season matches. Because of this, every game is important! With vibrant branding and uniquely themed courts, the Cup provides fans fresh stories and intense drama in those early months. The league has a new sponsorship deal with Emirates for its tournament. They are using clear names like “in-season tournament” and “NBA Cup” to make it easier for fans to understand and to attract future sponsors. The 2025 edition, sponsored by Emirates, will stream on Amazon Prime. The NBA aims to reach a global audience and enhance the Cup’s prestige. Get ready to experience the electrifying atmosphere of competitive basketball like never before!
Why do regular-season games count toward the NBA Cup?
Before the in-season tournament began, there was curiosity about what would drive teams to compete. The NBA cleverly ensured motivation by counting every game as part of the regular season. The NBA Cup makes them crucial for playoff tiebreakers within the conference. Unlike European soccer cups, where teams can opt out or rest key players, the structure here encourages full participation. This NBA Cup approach makes the game more exciting and adds competition that fans and players can enjoy. Let’s embrace this thrilling opportunity for teams to shine and engage! Explore more game updates with in-depth information details from here.
Are there any awards for the NBA Cup?
Exciting news! Each tournament will celebrate a Most Valuable Player with an All-Tournament Team, chosen from group play and knockout rounds. In 2023, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers won the MVP award. In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks received the same title. Let’s see who shines next!
What are the new features of this year’s tournament?
Most games, including the knockout rounds, will be available on Amazon Prime, kicking off on Halloween! The schedule will mainly have games on Fridays. This is a change from the last two years, when matches were held on Tuesdays and Fridays. Get ready for a fantastic tournament!
How does it work on NBA Christmas Day?
The NBA Christmas Day 2025 schedule includes five exciting games. The highlight is a matchup between LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Also, No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg will make his debut. On December 25, fans will watch an exciting game between the Lakers and Rockets. Rising stars like Wembanyama, Holmgren, and Edwards will also show their skills. These games often hint at potential playoff battles, adding to the holiday excitement.
Event Details for NBA Cup 2025
Group Play Starts On: October 31, 2025
Group Play Ends On: November 22, 2025
Quarter-Finals: December 9-10, 2025
Semi-Finals: December 13, 2025
Championship: December 16, 2025
Where can I stream the NBA Cup 2025 season?
The NBA Cup 2025 season will be broadcast on Sky Sports, Sky Go & Now TV. Alternative options are Prime Video and NBA League Pass for UK viewers. It will air over 100 live games, including NBA Cup matchups, and is available with a Sky TV subscription.
Stream Sky Sports and NOW TV offer flexible passes with daily, weekly, and monthly options for non-Sky subscribers. Prime Video will stream select NBA games, including some NBA Cup fixtures. Prime Video requires an active Amazon Prime subscription. NBA League Pass offers live and on-demand access to all non-nationally televised games.
Get ready, the NBA Cup 2025 will air on ESPN and ABC networks for basketball fans. Will broadcast 80 regular-season games and be the exclusive home of the NBA Finals for the USA. Available via cable, satellite, or streaming platforms like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. Peacock or NBC will stream live NBA Cup games, including opening night and select tournament matchups. It requires a Peacock Premium subscription.
Catch the NBA Cup 2025, broadcast on Kayo Sports, Foxtel, and Disney+ multiple access. When the National Basketball Association started running better performances, it joined the NBA Cup 2025 streaming presence.
The NBA Cup 2025 season performances are viewed on Tencent Sports, and Migu offers them to basketball fans in China. It provides live streaming of NBA Cup games, original programming, Chinese-language commentary, and real-time chat features during games.
Experience the NBA Cup 2025 and regular season games through NTT. DOCOMO is an official NBA media partner. DOCOMO’s Lemino streaming service will broadcast some NBA Cup games, regular-season games, the NBA All-Star Game, and more. Another option is WOWOW on Demand, which will also broadcast and stream NBA games, including NBA Cup fixtures.
NBA Cup Format
All 30 teams compete by playing four games during the regular season. These games help determine the standings for the tournament’s group stage. In the knockout round, all games except the championship game affect the regular-season standings. The tournament format is similar to multi-stage tournaments in European soccer.
Group Play
In the group stage, each conference had three groups with five teams each, making a total of six groups. The regular season games took place on Tuesdays and Fridays from October 12 to November 28. These games counted for the regular season and the NBA Cup standings. Each team played four games: two at home and two away against every other team in its group.
If two or more teams in a group have the same record after the group stage, they will use tiebreakers to determine their rankings. The tiebreakers will be applied in the following order:
- Record of head-to-head matchups during the group stage.
- In the group stage, the point differential is calculated excluding overtime.
- Total points scored during the group stage, excluding overtime.
- Record from the regular season of the 2024–25 season.
- Chance selection
Note: Overtime scoring did not count for point differential or total points in the Emirates NBA Cup. Teams had a point differential of “0” in group play games that went to overtime, and total points excluded overtime points.
The winners from each group and one extra team from each conference went to the knockout stage. The quarter-final and semifinal games affected the league standings, but the championship game did not. Teams that didn’t make it to the knockout stage played two extra games. The 22 teams that didn’t qualify played two more games to complete their schedule. Most games were between teams in the same conference, but a few were between different conferences.
Rule Changes in NBA Cup 2025
Here’s a summary of the key changes made for the NBA Cup. The shot clock is now 20 seconds instead of 24 seconds during Cup games. This helps teams play faster and create more scoring chances. Over time, the NBA Cup lasts 3 minutes, while regular-season overtime is 5 minutes. This shorter overtime makes teams work quickly and efficiently. Referees will be stricter on delay-of-game and transition take fouls. The focus is on maintaining flow and rhythm, with fewer stoppages allowed.
Grouping NBA Cup 2025
Western Conference
| Group A | Group B | Group C |
| Oklahoma City Thunder | Los Angeles Lakers | Houston Rockets |
| Minnesota Timberwolves | LA Clippers | Denver Nuggets |
| Sacramento Kings | Memphis Grizzlies | Golden State Warriors |
| Phoenix Suns | Dallas Mavericks | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Utah Jazz | New Orleans Pelicans | San Antonio Spurs |
Eastern Conference
| Group A | Group B | Group C |
| Cleveland Cavaliers | Boston Celtics | New York Knicks |
| Indiana Pacers | Detroit Pistons | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Atlanta Hawks | Orlando Magic | Chicago Bulls |
| Toronto Raptors | Brooklyn Nets | Miami Heat |
| Washington Wizards | Philadelphia 76ers | Charlotte Hornets |
NBA Cup Schedule
Group Play
| Dates | Teams |
| October 31, 2025 | Atlanta Hawks vs Indiana Pacer |
| October 31, 2025 | Boston Celtics vs Philadelphia 76ers |
| October 31, 2025 | Toronto Raptors vs Cleveland Cavaliers |
| October 31, 2025 | New York Knicks vs Chicago Bulls |
| October 31, 2025 | Los Angeles Lakers vs Memphis Grizzlies |
| October 31, 2025 | Utah Jazz vs Phoenix Suns |
| October 31, 2025 | Denver Nuggets vs Portland Trail Blazers |
| October 31, 2025 | New Orleans Pelicans vs LA Clippers |
| November 7, 2025 | Cleveland Cavaliers vs Washington Wizards |
| November 7, 2025 | Boston Celtics vs Orlando Magic |
| November 7, 2025 | Detroit Pistons vs Brooklyn Nets |
| November 7, 2025 | Houston Rockets vs San Antonio Spurs |
| November 7, 2025 | Toronto Raptors vs Atlanta Hawks |
| November 7, 2025 | Charlotte Hornets vs Miami Heat |
| November 7, 2025 | Utah Jazz vs Minnesota Timberwolves |
| November 7, 2025 | Dallas Mavericks vs Memphis Grizzlies |
| November 7, 2025 | Chicago Bulls vs Milwaukee Bucks |
| November 7, 2025 | Oklahoma City Thunder vs Sacramento Kings |
| November 7, 2025 | Golden State Warriors vs Denver Nuggets |
| November 14, 2025 | Brooklyn Nets vs Orlando Magic |
| November 14, 2025 | Miami Heat vs New York Knicks |
| November 14, 2025 | Philadelphia 76ers vs Detroit Pistons |
| November 14, 2025 | Charlotte Hornets vs Milwaukee Bucks |
| November 14, 2025 | Portland Trail Blazers vs Houston Rockets |
| November 14, 2025 | Los Angeles Lakers vs New Orleans Pelicans |
| November 14, 2025 | Sacramento Kings vs Minnesota Timberwolves |
| November 14, 2025 | LA Clippers vs Dallas Mavericks |
| November 14, 2025 | Golden State Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs |
| November 21, 2025 | Indiana Pacers vs Cleveland Cavaliers |
| November 21, 2025 | Washington Wizards vs Toronto Raptors |
| November 21, 2025 | Brooklyn Nets vs Boston Celtics |
| November 21, 2025 | Miami Heat vs Chicago Bulls |
| November 21, 2025 | New Orleans Pelicans vs Dallas Mavericks |
| November 21, 2025 | Minnesota Timberwolves vs Phoenix Suns |
| November 21, 2025 | Denver Nuggets vs Houston Rockets |
| November 21, 2025 | Portland Trail Blazers vs Golden State Warriors |
| November 25, 2025 | Oklahoma City Thunder vs Utah Jazz |
| November 25, 2025 | Atlanta Hawks vs Washington Wizards |
| November 25, 2025 | Orlando Magic vs Philadelphia 76ers |
| November 25, 2025 | LA Clippers vs Los Angeles Lakers |
| November 26, 2025 | Detroit Pistons vs Boston Celtics |
| November 26, 2025 | New York Knicks vs Charlotte Hornets |
| November 26, 2025 | Indiana Pacers vs Toronto Raptors |
| November 26, 2025 | Minnesota Timberwolves vs Oklahoma City Thunder |
| November 26, 2025 | Milwaukee Bucks vs Miami Heat |
| November 26, 2025 | Memphis Grizzlies vs New Orleans Pelicans |
| November 26, 2025 | Houston Rockets vs Golden State Warriors |
| November 26, 2025 | San Antonio Spurs vs Portland Trail Blazers |
| November 26, 2025 | Phoenix Suns vs Sacramento Kings |
| November 28, 2025 | Cleveland Cavaliers vs Atlanta Hawks |
| November 28, 2025 | Chicago Bulls vs Charlotte Hornets |
| November 28, 2025 | Milwaukee Bucks vs New York Knicks |
| November 28, 2025 | Orlando Magic vs Detroit Pistons |
| November 28, 2025 | Philadelphia 76ers vs Brooklyn Nets |
| November 28, 2025 | Washington Wizards vs Indiana Pacers |
| November 28, 2025 | Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder |
| November 28, 2025 | Sacramento Kings vs Utah Jazz |
| November 28, 2025 | San Antonio Spurs vs Denver Nuggets |
| November 28, 2025 | Dallas Mavericks vs Los Angeles Lakers |
| November 28, 2025 | Memphis Grizzlies vs LA Clippers |
Knockout Round
Dec. 9 and 10: Quarterfinals
- TBD vs TBD
- TBD vs TBD
- TBD vs TBD
- TBD vs TBD
Dec. 13: Semifinals
- TBD vs TBD
- TBD vs TBD
Dec. 16: Championship
- TBD vs TBD
What is the distribution of prize money for players in the NBA Cup?
| Stage Reached | Player Bonus (per player) |
| Championship Winner | $514,971 |
| Runner-Up | $205,988 |
| Semi-finalists | $102,994 |
| Quarterfinalists | $51,497 |
Prediction
76ers vs Celtics
The Philadelphia 76ers clash with the Boston Celtics on October 31, 2025, at Xfinity Mobile Arena in the NBA Cup.
Previous Game
The Philadelphia 76ers are looking for redemption this season after finishing with a disappointing 24-58 record last year. Injuries to key players hurt their chances of making the playoffs. The Boston Celtics head into the 2025-26 NBA season as a well-coached team, coming off a 61-21 record. Hence, the Celtics are likely to hold on to a victory.
Pacers vs Hawks
On October 31, 2025, the Indiana Pacers and Atlanta Hawks will get together in the NBA Cup at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Previous Game
The Indiana Pacers often exceed expectations in the postseason, even without their full roster. The Pacers must replace Turner by committee, as none of their centers have been full-time NBA starters. Young has a player option for 2026-27, and lacking an extension raises uncertainty about his long-term future with the Hawks. Therefore, the Indiana Pacers will have a home court advantage to take a win.
Cavaliers vs Raptors
At Rocket Arena, Cleveland, Ohio, the Cleveland Cavaliers tussle with the Toronto Raptors on October 31, 2025, in the NBA Cup 2025.
Previous Game
The Cavaliers (3-1) ranked in the middle of the league in offensive efficiency, down from last season’s top spot. All-Star F Evan Mobley contributed 15 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists. The Raptors have a 1–3 record in the 2025–26 NBA season. They lost their last game to the Spurs by 18 points (103–121). R.J. Barrett scored 25 points, and Collin Murray-Boyles added 19. Thus, the Cleveland Cavaliers will undoubtedly earn in their upcoming matches.
Bulls vs Knicks
The Chicago Bulls lock horns with the New York Knicks on October 31, 2025, at the United Center in the NBA Cup.
Previous Game
The Bulls emphasize effective plays using pick-and-roll tactics, mid-range scoring, and off-ball movement. They emphasize strong interior play, even increasing their 3-point shooting attempts. The Knicks depend on Jalen Brunson to create shots and improve spacing on the court. Better ball movement helps their wing players score when they use high pick-and-roll plays. Given this, the Knicks will more likely achieve a triumph.
Grizzlies vs Lakers
In the NBA Cup 2025, the Memphis Grizzlies will conflict with the Los Angeles Lakers on October 31, 2025, at FedExForum, Memphis.
Previous Game
The offense relies on Ja Morant’s speed and passing, with Jaren Jackson Jr. adding frontcourt scoring. Luka Dončić leads with dynamic playmaking, while LeBron James contributes his legendary skills. Austin Reaves provides solid perimeter scoring. According to them, the Grizzlies will slightly gain an edge.
Suns vs Jazz
On October 31, 2025, the Phoenix Suns and the Utah Jazz gather together at PHX Arena in the 2025 NBA Cup.
Previous Game
The Suns have lost two games in a row since their season-opening win. They are coming off a 133-111 road loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Jazz began the season with a 129-108 win over the Clippers, followed by a 105-104 loss to the Kings. As we conclude, the Phoenix Suns will beyond doubt achieve success.
Trail Blazers vs Nuggets
The Portland Trail Blazers tussle with the Denver Nuggets on October 31, 2025, at Moda Center in the NBA Cup.
Previous Game
The Trail Blazers emphasize a fast-paced, guard-driven offense focused on rim attacks and transition opportunities. The Denver Nuggets play at a steady pace. They focus on executing plays in the half-court and use Nikola Jokic as the leading player. As a result, the Denver Nuggets will surely win.
Clippers vs Pelicans
At Intuit Dome, Inglewood, the LA Clippers are in confrontation with the New Orleans Pelicans on October 31, 2025, in the NBA Cup.
Previous Game
Los Angeles went 46-34-2 ATS last season. Last year, the Clippers scored 112.9 points per game, 6.4 fewer points than the Pelicans allowed (119.3). The Pelicans’ 109.8 points per game last year were only 1.6 more than the 108.2 the Clippers gave up to opponents. The Clippers will no doubt gain in their upcoming matches.
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