The 2025 NBA Cup tips off Friday night, marking the third edition of the league’s midseason tournament since its debut in 2023. The Boston Celtics, entering another year with championship ambitions, aim to improve on their 2024 campaign, when they were eliminated in the group stage despite being the reigning NBA champions.
Boston competes in Group B alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics opened their group play with a tight 109–108 win over the Sixers, giving them an encouraging start toward advancing.
The NBA Cup begins with group play involving all 30 teams, divided into six groups of five within each conference. Every team plays four games in this phase—two at home and two on the road—facing each group opponent once.
After the group phase, eight teams move forward to the single-elimination knockout rounds. The top finisher in each group qualifies automatically, joined by one wild card from each conference. The wild card spot goes to the second-place team with the best overall record.
“Can they flip that script in 2025?” — NBC Sports Boston
Fans can keep track of Boston’s Cup schedule and Group B standings while tuning in to NBC Sports Boston’s podcast network for insider analysis and updates throughout the tournament.
Author’s summary: The Celtics start the 2025 NBA Cup with renewed focus, chasing redemption after last year’s early elimination and aiming to reach the knockout rounds this season.