NBA Cup 2025 Quarterfinals – Teams, Analysis, and Predictions

This season, the NBA’s in-season tournament has reached the final part after a dramatic group stage. In parallel with the NBA regular season, the NBA Cup has created an additional narrative, keeping fans engaged throughout 2025. Now, the NBA Cup 2025’s Knockout stage is here, with the Quarterfinals occurring on 9^th and 10^th December 2025. Eight teams from the NBA Cup Group Stage have qualified based on their positions and scores. Four teams from the Western Conference and four teams from the Eastern Conference secured spots with the most points. For the arrival of the NBA Cup Quarterfinals, we have predicted the winning probability for all four games. This includes a detailed preview, team strengths, player quality, and technical insights. So, get ready to enjoy every matchup knowing who will win. If you need more such NBA insights, make sure you follow us.

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NBA Cup Quarter Finalists and Draw

Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat – 09 December 2025

Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks – 09 December 2025

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns – 10 December 2025

Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs – 10 December 2025

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NBA Cup Group Stage – A Journey Recap for Each Team

Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic started their NBA Cup Group Stage dominantly against the Celtics. Their scoring was excellent against the Celtics with Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane. They beat the Nets in the following game without allowing them to reach a three-digit score. After that, they had their biggest-margin win against the 76ers in their third group stage game. Tyrese Maxey’s game was strong, scoring 20 points, and the Jared McCain-Justin Edwards duo ramped up the game. Eventually, they won all four of their Group Stage games, gathering 484 points, and qualified for the Quarterfinals. Tune in with Bettingpremier to know every latest sports insight.

Miami Heat

The Miami Heat had a convincing run in the Group Stage with three wins and one defeat. After winning the Hornets by a substantial margin, they went head-to-head against the Knicks but lost by 2 points. However, their third and fourth games were successful. Especially, they beat the Chicago Bulls with a high margin of 36 points. In that match, the Miami Heat dominated the Chicago Bulls in all four quarters and ultimately won the game. But in the final game, the Heat narrowly escaped a defeat against the Milwaukee Bucks by three points.

Toronto Raptors

The Toronto Raptors are leading the East Group A with a 4 out of 4 wins and 458 points. Their first game against the Cavaliers was explosive, and they held the Cavaliers strongly. With an opening win, the Raptors faced the Hawks and won by 12 points. For the third time, they defeated the Wizards in an intimidating manner. This time, the score difference was +30, which showed the offensive strength of the Raptors. The last Group Stage game was a bit tough for them, though. They tried hard to outscore the Pacers and won by 2 points, with neither team reaching 100.

New York Knicks

The New York Knicks have the same record as the Heat but rank among the highest in overall points. Despite a poor opening against the Chicago Bulls, the New York Knicks found a way to rebound quickly. In the very next game, the Knicks won over the Heat, where Karl-Anthony Towns’ potent scoring spree saved the Knicks. The New York Knicks faced the Hornets and the Milwaukee Bucks in successive games, winning both, and secured qualification. With 512 points, they rank as the 5^th best in the NBA Cup overall standings.

Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder is the leading team currently in the NBA Cup and in the regular season. They have the perfect record in both the league and the in-season tournament. The City Thunder’s unflinching bench scored aggressively in every game with a balanced defense that never allowed enough points. Their notable win is against the Utah Jazz with 144 points while allowing only 112 points. Finally, they went against the Phoenix Suns and found them really difficult to contain. The Suns were so close that they could’ve beaten the Thunder narrowly.

Phoenix Suns

The Phoenix Suns sit right below the Thunder with three wins and 463 points. Their first Group Stage game against the Jazz was an absolute win as they scored 118 points. The Suns’ next game against the Timberwolves was too close, ending in a single-score difference loss. Even though the Suns dominated the first two quarters, the Timberwolves ultimately took a lead in the third quarter. Luckily for the Suns, they closed the gap and took the lead by a single point. After a third consecutive win against the Kings, the Suns lost to the Thunder, but secured the knockout stage qualification.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Los Angeles Lakers keep a solid record of winning all four Group Stage fixtures. They started off against the Grizzlies and menacingly won them after a hard battle. Subsequently, they clashed with the Pelicans, with strong control over their defense across three quarters. After winning the Pelicans, the Lakers won the LA Clippers with their tactical ball movement and scoring efficiency. Finally, they contained the Dallas Mavericks with P.J. Washington and Cooper Flagg’s shooting skills. 

San Antonio Spurs

The San Antonio Spurs entered the quarterfinals, winning their first round against the Rockets. However, they rarely lost it to the Warriors in the next game, as they were only a single point behind. Although they went weak in their second fixture, the Spurs never gave up and won the next two games.

NBA Cup Quarterfinals – Predictions

Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat – 09 December 2025

The Orlando Magic clash with the Miami Heat at the Kia Center at 06:00 p.m. ET.

Standings

Orlando Magic ranks 1^st in the East Group B.

Miami Heat ranks 2^nd in the East Group C.

Prediction

The Orlando Magic has Franz Wagner’s rapid ball movement and shooting skills. His perimeter shooting is highly efficient with a good success rate. The team looks more confident in the upcoming game against the Heat. But they are comparatively inferior to the Miami Heat. The Miami Heat’s star player, Norman Powell, has a striking rate that is too high with a higher average. His three-pointer efficiency is significantly better than Wagner’s. The Heat also has a better points-per-game average. Consequently, the Miami Heat is predicted to win in this NBA Cup game.

Toronto Raptors vs New York Knicks – 09 December 2025

The New York Knicks will visit the Toronto Raptors at 08:30 p.m. ET at Scotiabank Arena.

Standings

Toronto Raptors rank 1^st in the East Group A.

New York Knicks rank 1^st in the East Group C.

Prediction

The Toronto Raptors are weaker than the New York Knicks’ above-average stats. They showed a good offensive side that can score in every quarter, but they suffer from a lack of versatility. Key player, Brandon Ingram’s scoring average looks reasonable, but this is inadequate. Conversely, the New York Knicks are far better than the Raptors, and their team is of higher quality. They also have a good overall scoring efficiency and defense, which suggests them as the winner. So, the Knicks have the winning probability in this game.

Oklahoma City Thunder vs Phoenix Suns – 10 December 2025

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Phoenix Suns are clashing in the NBA Cup Quarterfinals at Paycom Center. This NBA Cup game will start at 07:30 p.m. ET.

Standings

Oklahoma City Thunder ranks 1^st in the West Group A.

Phoenix Suns rank 2^nd in the West Group A.

Prediction

The Oklahoma City Thunder is obviously dominant in the current NBA Cup games. With a good record, the Oklahoma City Thunder arrive in solid form against the Phoenix Suns. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s frightening scoring form is a key factor in strengthening their offense. If we looked at Phoenix’s side, their stats starkly contrast with the City Thunder. The Suns’ scoring efficiency is significantly worse than the Oklahoma City Thunder’s. Therefore, the Oklahoma City Thunder will win in this NBA Cup game.

Los Angeles Lakers vs San Antonio Spurs – 10 December 2025

The San Antonio Spurs are set to visit Crypto.com Arena at 10:00 p.m. ET, clashing with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Standings

Los Angeles Lakers are ranked 1^st in the West Group B.

San Antonio Spurs rank 1^st in the West Group C.

Prediction

The Los Angeles Lakers have won all their group-stage games and stand as an unbeatable force against the Spurs. Luka Doncic’s elite scoring average ranks first in the league, highlighting the bench quality. But the San Antonio Spurs are just as equal as the Lakers in average points per game. Yet, their squad quality isn’t efficient, with only a few individual talents, unlike the Lakers, who have a diverse squad. As a result, the Los Angeles Lakers have the advantage to win.