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As the NBA Cup progresses through its group stages, the top contenders are beginning to emerge after two rounds of games played on Tuesday and Friday. Teams such as the Orlando Magic, Detroit Pistons, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Golden State Warriors are leading their respective groups, putting themselves in strong positions to advance to the quarterfinals. However, only the group winners and the best second-place team from each conference will make it to the final eight.
Some teams, like the Philadelphia 76ers, have already found themselves too far behind in their groups to challenge for a top spot, especially after losing both of their opening games.
Here's a breakdown of the standings and predictions for each group:
East Group A
1. Orlando Magic (2-0; +37)
2. New York Knicks (2-0; +14)
3. Brooklyn Nets (0-1; -2)
4. Charlotte Hornets (0-1; -25)
5. Philadelphia 76ers (0-2; -24)
East Group A is shaping up to be a two-team race between the Orlando Magic and the New York Knicks. Orlando effectively eliminated the 76ers with a dominant victory on Friday, leaving Philadelphia with no chance of advancing in the group. Orlando’s suffocating defense, which has held every opponent under 100 points during a five-game win streak, will make their clash with the Knicks on December 3 a decisive one. The Knicks, playing at home, are favored, but Orlando's defense will keep the game close.
Prediction: 1. New York, 2. Orlando, 3. Brooklyn 4. Philadelphia 5. Charlotte
East Group B
1. Detroit Pistons (2-0; +4)
2. Milwaukee Bucks (1-0; +14)
3. Miami Heat (1-1; +13)
4. Indiana Pacers (0-1; -13)
5. Toronto Raptors (0-2; -18)
The Detroit Pistons lead East Group B after a hard-fought win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday. However, their position at the top is still precarious. They face both the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers in their remaining group games. The Bucks, who are 1-0, are in a prime position to challenge for first place, and their showdown with Detroit on December 3 will likely decide the group's top spot. Expect the Pacers to create some complications as well, potentially leading to a three-way battle for the lead.
Prediction: 1. Milwaukee, 2. Indiana, 3. Detroit, 4. Miami, 5. Toronto
East Group C
1. Atlanta Hawks (2-0; +13)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers (1-0; +18)
3. Boston Celtics (0-1; -1)
4. Washington Wizards (0-1; -12)
5. Chicago Bulls (0-1; -18)
The Atlanta Hawks are off to a strong start in East Group C, having upset the Boston Celtics on Tuesday and followed up with a win over the Washington Wizards on Friday. Atlanta’s road to a potential first-place finish will likely go through the undefeated Cleveland Cavaliers, who are 14-0 this season. Cleveland's December 3 visit to Atlanta, after their November 27 regular-season game against the Hawks, could determine who finishes atop the group. However, if the Celtics rebound and defeat the Cavaliers, a three-way battle could ensue.
Prediction: 1. Boston, 2. Cleveland, 3. Atlanta, 4. Washington, 5. Chicago
West Group A
1. Houston Rockets (1-0; +21)
2. Portland Trail Blazers (1-0; +14)
3. Minnesota Timberwolves (1-1; -14)
4. Sacramento Kings (0-1; -4)
5. Los Angeles Clippers (0-1; -21)
In West Group A, the Houston Rockets have set a strong tone with a 21-point victory over the Los Angeles Clippers. The Rockets are not yet in the clear, as they still need to face Portland, Sacramento, and Minnesota. The Timberwolves' narrow win over the Kings on Friday put them in a tough spot with a -14 point differential, meaning they must secure high-margin victories in their remaining games. The group’s final clarity will likely come next Friday when the Clippers visit Sacramento and Houston hosts Portland.
Prediction: 1. Houston, 2. Sacramento, 3. Minnesota, 4. LA Clippers, 5. Portland
West Group B
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0; +16)
2. Los Angeles Lakers (1-0; +5)
3. Phoenix Suns (1-1; -8)
4. San Antonio Spurs (0-1; -5)
5. Utah Jazz (0-1; -8)
The Oklahoma City Thunder have impressed, continuing to win without Chet Holmgren, including a dominant 16-point victory over the Phoenix Suns. The Thunder’s strong defense and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s leadership put them in a good position, but the Los Angeles Lakers are also in the hunt. With a five-point win over San Antonio, the Lakers remain in striking distance, and their showdown with Oklahoma City on November 29 will be crucial. Phoenix’s upcoming games against both the Lakers and Thunder are do-or-die, as they need to make up ground in the standings.
Prediction: 1. LA Lakers, 2. Oklahoma City, 3. Phoenix, 4. San Antonio, 5. Utah
West Group C
1. Golden State Warriors (2-0; +8)
2. New Orleans Pelicans (1-0; +7)
3. Dallas Mavericks (0-1; -3)
4. Memphis Grizzlies (0-1; -5)
5. Denver Nuggets (0-1; -7)
The Golden State Warriors have emerged as the favorites in West Group C after two games, thanks to their victory over the Dallas Mavericks. The Warriors still have to face the Denver Nuggets, but with Denver’s loss to New Orleans on Friday, Golden State has a slight advantage. Dallas, now 0-1, faces a must-win situation in their next game against Denver, but they are still in contention. The New Orleans Pelicans are also a strong contender if they beat Dallas and stay competitive against Golden State.
Prediction: 1. Denver, 2. Golden State, 3. Dallas, 4. New Orleans, 5. Memphis
As the NBA Cup progresses, the competition is heating up with exciting matchups on the horizon. The outcomes of the remaining group games will shape the final eight, making each game crucial for teams looking to advance.
