Celtics Guide to the 2025 NBA Cup
The 2025 NBA Cup, the third edition of the league's in-season tournament that started in 2023, begins Friday night with group stage play. The Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions, aim to improve on their 2024 performance when they failed to advance past the group stage.
Group B Overview
The Celtics are in Group B alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets. They kicked off the tournament with a narrow 109-108 victory over the 76ers.
Group Stage Format
All 30 NBA teams compete in group play, divided into six groups of five teams based on their conference. Each team plays four group games—two at home and two on the road—facing each group opponent once.
Advancing to Knockout Rounds
Eight teams qualify for the single-elimination knockout stage: the six group winners plus a wild card from each conference, which goes to the second-place team with the best overall record.
Group B Standings and Schedule
- Boston Celtics started with a 109-108 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
- Other Group B teams include Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets.
"The 2025 NBA Cup kicks off Friday night with the first games of group play."
"Eight teams advance to the single-elimination knockout rounds: the top team in each of the six groups and a wild card team in each conference that's awarded to the second-place finisher with the best overall record."
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Summary: The Boston Celtics begin their 2025 NBA Cup journey aiming to surpass last year's group stage exit, starting strong with a close win in a competitive Group B lineup.