NBA Cup 2025 Standings and Bracket Predictions After October 31 Group Play
The 2025 NBA Cup group stage kicked off on Friday with impressive individual efforts and some surprising results.
Western Conference Highlights
Portland caused the biggest upset in the West by edging Denver 109-107. The Blazers received 23 points from Deni Avdija and had six players score in double digits, overcoming one of the Western powerhouses.
Denver’s situation is now uncertain, as it still must face the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, and San Antonio Spurs in group play. This outlook also benefits those teams, since just one more Denver loss could eliminate its chance at first place in West Group C.
West Group B is expected to be decided between the two Los Angeles teams. Both the Lakers and Clippers secured narrow wins on Friday, setting up a crucial matchup between them on November 25 that will likely determine the group leader.
In West Group A, the Phoenix Suns currently hold the top spot temporarily, but the Oklahoma City Thunder is favored to dominate and finish first.
Eastern Conference Updates
The Cavaliers and New York Knicks both lost on their opening nights of the group phase.
Toronto made an impact in East Group A by defeating the Cavaliers, shaking up the standings. This victory could indirectly benefit the Atlanta Hawks, who took advantage of a weakened Indiana Pacers team to climb to the top of the group.
New York’s defeat to Chicago opened opportunities in East Group C, allowing the Milwaukee Bucks to assume control once they begin their matches.
"Portland produced the biggest surprise in the West with its 109-107 win over Denver."
"Denver now sits in a precarious spot because it still has to face the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs."
Summary: Early NBA Cup group play in 2025 set the stage for intense battles, with key surprises and tight races shaping the path forward for both Western and Eastern Conference teams.
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