The NBA Cup schedule has been announced, with group play set to begin Oct. 31. The Boston Celtics will tip off tournament proceedings against the Philadelphia 76ers. The Atlanta Hawks will also play the Indiana Pacers.
Group stage action will end on Nov. 28, highlighted by the Dallas Mavericks going up against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Following the completion of the group stage, the knockout rounds will transpire during the week of Dec. 9-16. The quarterfinals will be on Dec. 9 and 10, the semifinals on Dec. 13 and the final on Dec. 16.
Both the semifinals and final will be played in Las Vegas. The quarterfinals will take place in home markets based on the group stage standings.
Amazon’s Prime Video will stream all seven games of the knockout stage. It will also showcase 10 group stage games. Prime Video will air Friday night doubleheaders throughout the regular season.
NBC will host two NBA Cup group stage games, which will be simulcast on Peacock. ESPN will air three games.
The Milwaukee Bucks won last year’s NBA Cup, defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder in the final. The Lakers won the inaugural edition over the Pacers two years ago.
Prime Video will stream all seven games in the Knockout Rounds of the Emirates NBA Cup 2025.
▪️ Quarterfinals: Dec. 9-10 in team markets
▪️ Semifinals: Dec. 13 in Las Vegas
▪️ Championship: Dec. 16 in Las VegasNBA Schedule Release presented by @Ticketmaster. pic.twitter.com/3MMiffuiZn
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) August 13, 2025
NBA Cup Group Stage Promises Intrigue
Unsurprisingly, there is stiff competition to get out of the West groups. Group C in the West, for example, features the Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs and Portland Trail Blazers.
The Blazers would be considered the weakest in that lot and they could well be a .500 team next season.
The defending champion Bucks are slotted alongside the New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets.
Newly crowned NBA champion Oklahoma City will be looking to go one step further in the Cup than last season. The Thunder have been placed alongside the Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and Utah Jazz.
The Thunder’s Finals foe, Indiana, is alongside the Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors and Washington Wizards.
