NBA Cup Standings: Four Teams Remain Undefeated Heading Into Final Week of Group Play

Four teams hold perfect records in the NBA Cup group stage. The Toronto Raptors, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves are all 2-0. Group play continues through November 28.

These squads are in prime position to reach the knockout quarterfinals. The tournament moves to Las Vegas starting December 9.

Dominant Performances Define Early Tournament Action

The Minnesota Timberwolves have been the most impressive team so far. They lead all teams with a staggering +54 point differential. Their two decisive home wins put them atop West Group A.

According to CBS Sports, their upcoming game against the Phoenix Suns is crucial. Both teams are 2-0 in the group. That matchup will likely decide who advances directly.

The Los Angeles Lakers control West Group B with a 2-0 record. They hold a solid +19 point differential. Strong performances have them looking like early favorites from the West.

Eastern Conference Powers Flex Their Muscle

In the East, the Toronto Raptors are thriving. They lead East Group A with a 2-0 mark and a +23 differential. Their defensive efficiency has been a key to success.

The Milwaukee Bucks are also undefeated in East Group C. While their point differential data is pending, their talent is undeniable. They remain a perennial championship contender.

ESPN projections show these four teams as strong bets to advance. The final games of group play will determine the single-elimination bracket.

Knockout Stage Schedule and Stakes

The tournament schedule is now the focus. Quarterfinal games are scheduled for December 9 and 10 at higher seeds’ home courts. The semifinals and final shift to Las Vegas.

The championship game will be played on December 16. A significant financial incentive is on the line. Each player on the winning team will earn $500,000.

The race for the NBA Cup is heating up as these undefeated teams look to maintain their momentum into the high-stakes knockout rounds starting in December.

Thought you’d like to know

How do teams advance from the NBA Cup group stage?

The winner of each of the six groups earns a quarterfinal berth. Two “wild card” teams, the best group runners-up, will also advance. The quarterfinals begin on December 9.

Where are the NBA Cup knockout games played?

The quarterfinals are played at the home arenas of the higher-seeded teams. The semifinals and championship game are held at a neutral site in Las Vegas, Nevada.

What is the prize for winning the NBA Cup?

Players on the winning team each receive a $500,000 bonus. There are also smaller monetary prizes for the runners-up and semifinalists, providing major incentive.

Who won the first NBA Cup tournament?

The Los Angeles Lakers won the inaugural NBA Cup in 2023. The tournament is an annual in-season competition that began in the 2023-24 season.

Do NBA Cup games count in the regular season standings?

Yes. Every game played as part of the NBA Cup, except the championship final, also counts as a regular season game. The final is a standalone contest.