All the other five groups remain more competitive except Group C, with their outcomes still uncertain. The next set of games—scheduled for the upcoming Tuesdays and Friday—will help determine the remaining group winners and the top second-place teams from each conference, all of whom will join the six group leaders in the quarterfinals.
The Golden State Warriors secured the first spot in the NBA Cup knockout round on Friday after a solid victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. This win took them to 3-0 in West Group C, ensuring they cannot be overtaken for the top position, thanks to head-to-head victories over the Pelicans and Dallas Mavericks.
Here's about all the groups
East Group A
In East Group A, the standings remain mostly unchanged after Friday's games. Both the Orlando Magic and New York Knicks had the night off, but they continue to be the favorites to advance. The Philadelphia 76ers secured a win over the Brooklyn Nets, though this victory doesn’t significantly improve their chances of progressing, as they’ve already lost to both Orlando and New York.
The Magic and Knicks will meet on December 3 to decide the group’s winner, while Orlando faces Brooklyn and New York plays Charlotte next Friday.
Prediction for East Group A:
1. Orlando
2. New York
3. Philadelphia
4. Brooklyn
5. Charlotte
East Group B
Milwaukee Bucks are now in front in East Group B after their strong performance, including a win over the Indiana Pacers. Behind a triple-double from Giannis Antetokounmpo and 13 assists from Damian Lillard, the Bucks have edged ahead of the Detroit Pistons on point differential. Their upcoming match against Detroit on December 3 will likely determine the group leader.
Meanwhile, Miami Heat will try to stay in contention when they host Milwaukee on Tuesday, although the Bucks are the favorites. Detroit will need to defeat Indiana to maintain a chance to secure a top second-place spot for the wild-card position.
Prediction for East Group B:
1. Milwaukee
2. Detroit
3. Miami
4. Indiana
5. Toronto
East Group C
In East Group C, the Chicago Bulls pulled off an upset win over the previously top-ranked Atlanta Hawks. However, Atlanta remains in the lead due to their earlier victory over the Boston Celtics. The Celtics bounced back with a win over the Washington Wizards, bringing their point differential to +14, which could be crucial if a tiebreaker is needed.
The Celtics will need to maximize their point differential in upcoming games, particularly against the Bulls, while Cleveland Cavaliers could change the landscape if they defeat Atlanta in their next matchup.
Prediction for East Group C:
1. Boston
2. Cleveland
3. Atlanta
4. Chicago
5. Washington
West Group A
In West Group A, the Houston Rockets extended their lead with a comfortable win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite their dominant position, Houston still faces challenges, including away games against Minnesota Timberwolves and Sacramento Kings. The Timberwolves are particularly dangerous, with two upcoming games that could shake up the group standings if they win both.
Prediction for West Group A:
1. Houston
2. Minnesota
3. LA Clippers
4. Sacramento
5. Portland
West Group B
In West Group B, the Los Angeles Lakers remain undefeated after their game on Friday. They are the only unbeaten team in the group, while Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz all have one loss each. The Spurs and Jazz face off next Tuesday, with the Spurs needing a win to stay in contention.
Prediction for West Group B:
1. LA Lakers
2. Oklahoma City
3. San Antonio
4. Phoenix
5. Utah
West Group C
The Golden State Warriors officially became the first team to win their group in West Group C, following their victory over the Pelicans. This victory, coupled with a loss for Denver Nuggets, solidified their position at the top. With Dallas Mavericks still fighting for a chance at the top second-place spot, the Warriors cannot be caught by the Pelicans or Nuggets, thanks to their head-to-head victories.
Prediction for West Group C:
1. Golden State
2. Dallas
3. New Orleans
4. Denver
5. Memphis
As the NBA Cup group stage nears its end, the competition is heating up, and each game will be crucial in determining which teams move on to the knockout round.
