Before the Larry O’Brien Trophy takes the spotlight, there’s another piece of hardware up for grabs, the NBA Cup. From bold, vibrant court designs to intense matchups, this year’s NBA Cup is shaping up to be the league’s most colorful spectacle yet. Teams across the league are fired up to dethrone the defending champions, the Milwaukee Bucks. Now, as the group stage winds down, the excitement is palpable, so let’s look at who stands where as of today.

What are the current NBA Cup standings 2025, and who’s leading each group?

East Group A

East Group B

East Group C

West Group A

West Group B

West Group C

x – Clinched Group
wc – Clinched Wild Card
ko – Clinched Knockout Round
o – Eliminated from Knockout Contention

Until November 28, each team will play everyone in their group – two games at home and two on the road – on four designated Group Stage games. Following the group stages, each team’s record will determine whether they advance to the knockout rounds.

What are the recent results and the key games that shaped the NBA Cup picture?

The November 25 games in the Emirates NBA Cup 2025 saw its newest contender while others are out of the running. After the Raptors last week, it’s the Los Angeles Lakers who clinched their spot in the Knockout Rounds by beating the Clippers tonight. With their win, the Dallas Mavericks are eliminated from contention in West Group B.

East Groups B and C, and West Groups A and C are undecided. They’d have to wait until Friday’s final group stage games to seal the deal. Unlike the Mavs, Pelicans, Pacers, 76ers and Jazz, teams still have a chance to clinch a spot in the quarterfinals.

What does the Knockout Stage Picture Highlight Who’s Clinched, Who’s Still in the Hunt?

The Raptors’ stunning and consistent performances made the first team in the Knockout Rounds. They’re going to compete with the inaugural NBA Cup champs, the Los Angeles Lakers soon. The Lakers were in close battle with the Clippers for the spot. Their win tonight brought them one step closer to reclaim their title. But the Clippers could very easily beat the Grizzlies on Friday to join them.

Who are the players defining the NBA Cup 2025 so far?

The Battle of LA was the game to watch. With Kawhi Leonard back in the lineup, the Clippers were poised to pull an upset. Especially with James Harden’s recent high scoring streak. But Luka Doncic was too difficult to overcome. His 43-point outing tonight was complemented with Austin Reaves’ 31 points and LeBron James’ 25. After starting the season shorthanded, the Lakers at full strength look ready to win their second inseason tournament.