The NBA Cup is entering its third year, a tournament concept brought to life by Commissioner Adam Silver. It includes qualifying rounds alongside the regular season, though the quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals—dubbed the “island games”—will pause the regular schedule. With eight premier teams remaining in the quarterfinals, expectations are high for some nail-biting moments.
The Los Angeles Lakers claimed the inaugural Cup in 2023, while the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder last year. This season, both the Lakers and Thunder are back in the quarterfinals, accompanied by six other teams vying for the title. The stakes are elevated with prize money at play for players and coaches.
The four quarterfinal games are set to take place over Tuesday and Wednesday, with the semifinals slated for Saturday in Las Vegas, wrapping up with the championship match on December 16. Here’s a quick look at the last eight teams contending for the 2025 NBA Cup.
Quarterfinal opponent: Thunder
The Suns have made a remarkable turnaround this season, emerging from a dismal position with no draft picks in 2026 to a playoff contender in a competitive Western Conference. Under new head coach Jordan Ott, who could be in line for Coach of the Year if this momentum continues, the team is playing faster and rebounding aggressively. Collin Gillespie has been a key player, providing stability at point guard, while Dillon Brooks is performing near an All-Star level, serving as a transformative presence on the wing. However, the Suns face significant challenges: Devin Booker is sidelined with a groin injury, and they’ll take on the formidable Thunder. If they manage a solid performance against OKC, it might shift perceptions about the Suns. A miraculous win would certainly make headlines.
Quarterfinal opponent: Lakers
Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs are targeting their first playoff appearance this season, and their strong start has shifted expectations. Surprisingly, the Spurs have maintained a 7-3 record this week without him while he recovers from a calf strain and has returned to practice. The team is benefiting from De’Aaron Fox’s improved play and rookie Dylan Harper’s contributions off the bench. Luke Cornette’s rim protection and Harrison Barnes’ outside shooting are also noteworthy. Still, rushing Wembanyama back could be risky, but his return would undoubtedly be exciting against the Lakers.
Quarterfinal opponent: Fever
The Magic have already won two games against the Heat this season and will play at home for this Cup quarterfinal. It’s tough to beat a solid team three times in a row, particularly without their star player. Franz Wagner, who recently suffered a severe ankle sprain, will not play in the cup game despite having participated in practice. The Magic have done well without Paolo Banchero, but Wagner’s playmaking is hard to replace. Banchero’s return should bolster the lineup, though the team will need others, like Anthony Black or Tristan da Silva, to step forward, particularly since Jalen Suggs might also be dealing with injury issues. Just when it seemed they were on a roll, another injury setback has raised uncertainly about their ideal performance.
Quarterfinal opponent: Magic
This summer, the Heat revamped their offensive strategy, which appears to be yielding positive results. They currently play the fastest pace in the league, with average offensive possessions decreasing by one second compared to the next fastest team. They’ve shifted away from screens to prioritize isolation plays, which suit their roster better. However, defense remains their backbone, with Bam Adebayo emerging as a strong candidate for Defensive Player of the Year. Keel Ware’s emergence in his second year adds significant athleticism. Norm Powell’s arrival has also been beneficial, keeping their offense strong. The Magic might have a 2-0 record against them, but Erik Spoelstra’s teams are known for their resilience; they’re well-prepared for the match.
Quarterfinal opponent: Knicks
The Raptors kicked off with a fantastic 13-1 win streak but have since struggled, losing five of their last six games. Although their strong defensive performance early helped, it’s evident their offensive issues have tightened their margin for error. Toronto lacks shooting depth, making it hard to produce from long range. Nonetheless, Scottie Barnes is having a breakout season, potentially earning All-Defense recognition, and Immanuel Quickley’s return from injury brings more stability to the lineup. They didn’t meet the expectations set during their hot start, but they aren’t as bad as their recent performances suggest.
Quarterfinal opponent: Spurs
The Lakers have surpassed expectations this season and are among the top contenders for the championship. Luka Doncic is having a standout year, actively competing for MVP honors. Austin Reeves has stepped into a prominent role, enhancing the team’s performance even when both Doncic and LeBron James are off the court. As LeBron manages various injuries nearing his 41st birthday, it’s reasonable to not expect brilliance every game, though he still has moments of greatness. This season, the Lakers are clearly Doncic’s team, and his play is elevating the entire roster. If the Lakers face the Thunder in the semifinals, the matchup will definitely have a playoff ambiance.
Quarterfinal opponent: Raptors
While the Knicks’ start hasn’t been flawless, they hold the top position in the East. The dynamic between Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns drives their offensive success, supported by elite shooters OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. They excel at winning possession games thanks to Brunson’s decision-making and Mitchell Robinson’s impact on the offensive glass. Emerging scorer Miles McBride and Josh Hart excel in their roles, making New York a candidate for the NBA Finals if everything aligns.
Quarterfinal opponent: Sands
The Thunder are making a strong case for being one of the best teams in NBA history. With a 23-1 record and the highest net rating ever, they possess one of the league’s top defenses. MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores over 30 points per game without needing to play the fourth quarter. Chet Holmgren is emerging as an elite center, while Jaylen Williams is returning after an injury, fitting back seamlessly into the lineup. Ajay Mitchell and Isaiah Hartenstein provide crucial depth. Following a championship season with 68 wins, this team seems poised for even greater success this year, making them feel like the frontrunners at the moment.
NBA Cup 2025 bracket and schedule
The NBA Cup quarterfinals are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with the semifinals on Saturday and the championship match slated for December 16.
NBA Cup 2025 Prizes and Prizes
Players and coaches involved in the NBA Cup earn cash prizes at various stages. As teams progress through the rounds, they can receive increasing amounts. Here’s how the financial rewards break down:
Champion: $531,000
Runner-up: $212,000
Semi-finalists (losers): $106,000
Quarterfinalists (losers): $53,000
