It’s time for the NBA Cup knockout rounds! Here are six predictions for the latter stages of the competition.
The last group play games took place about a week ago, and the final eight teams in the tournament were decided.
Those teams will now compete for a place in the semi-finals in Vegas before the champion is crowned at the T-Mobile Arena next week.
The NBA Analysis experts have predicted the winners of each of the four quarterfinals, the NBA Cup champion, and the Most Valuable Player.
- READ MORE: The New York Knicks are the only team to accomplish this in the NBA Cup’s existence
Miami Heat vs Orlando Magic
James Shearman: Orlando Magic
The Magic’s chances have decreased since Franz Wagner’s injury, but they still have Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and, crucially, home-court advantage. I’m expecting the fans in Orlando to get behind the team and help them advance past the Heat.
Luca Rosano: Miami Heat
The Miami Heat come into this game on a three-game skid, but the Orlando Magic won’t have Franz Wagner, who has sustained a high left ankle sprain. The Magic have been playing well, but I think Wagner’s absence will be too much to overcome. The Heat get back on track with a win here.
Aaditya Krishnamurthy: Orlando Magic
This Heat side is surprising everyone with the way they’ve started the season. Despite not having legitimate star power, the arrival of Norman Powell has helped them significantly. But now that the Orlando Magic have found their form, they’re probably going to get past the Heat because of their star power.
Do you care about the NBA Cup?
“Yeah, that’s how I was. The first few, I was like, ‘Oh my god, come on.’ But I was like that with the Play-In game, too. I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, what are we doing?’
“But you’ve got to give Adam and the decision-makers a lot of credit for trying to find ways to be creative and to help add to the energy of the game.
“With both of those things, the Play-In game and the cup, they have done a tremendous job.”
Mike Brown on NBA Cup
New York Knicks vs Toronto Raptors
James Shearman: New York Knicks
The Toronto Raptors have lost three consecutive games, whereas the Knicks have won three in a row. Especially if Karl-Anthony Towns returns, Mike Brown’s team should have too much for Toronto, even though they are on the road.
Luca Rosano: New York Knicks
The New York Knicks head into Toronto playing solid basketball. Meanwhile, the Toronto Raptors have declined. After their hot 9-game win streak, the Raptors have lost five of their last six games, including three in a row. They won’t have RJ Barrett again for this one, which will result in another loss for the Raptors.
Aaditya Krishnamurthy: Toronto Raptors
The Raptors have been consistent this season, while the Knicks just haven’t. With Brandon Ingram playing like a superstar, it’s hard to look past Toronto.
Phoenix Suns vs Oklahoma City Thunder
James Shearman: Oklahoma City Thunder
The Phoenix Suns have exceeded expectations this season, but they are not the OKC Thunder. The home team will probably win by double digits, with at least 30 points from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Luca Rosano: Oklahoma City Thunder
The Suns have been one of the most exciting teams this season. I don’t think anyone had them in the quarterfinals of the NBA Cup. Call me crazy, but I actually think they make this game competitive. In their last meeting against the Thunder, the Suns only lost by four. Suns keep it close again, but the Thunder win again.
Aaditya Krishnamurthy: Oklahoma City Thunder
While the Phoenix Suns gave the OKC Thunder a heck of a fight a few weeks ago, this Thunder side just can’t be beaten right now. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is on the run of a lifetime.
San Antonio Spurs vs Los Angeles Lakers
James Shearman: Los Angeles Lakers
Even if Victor Wembanyama returns, the LA Lakers should get the job done here. LeBron James just had his best game of the season, and you can always count on him, Luka Doncic, or Austin Reaves to go off.
Luca Rosano: Los Angeles Lakers
This is going to be the best game of the NBA Cup quarterfinals. Give the San Antonio Spurs a lot of credit; they have been able to play well and have stayed afloat with Victor Wembanyama out. However, the Lakers’ star power will be too much for the Spurs to handle here. Lakers win.
Aaditya Krishnamurthy: Los Angeles Lakers
If Victor Wembanyama is playing, the Spurs can topple the LA Lakers, especially as Marcus Smart, the man who helped stop him last time, is unlikely to play. But it’s hard to look past the LA Lakers when LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves are scorching hot.
Who will win the NBA Cup?
James Shearman: New York Knicks
As great as the OKC Thunder are, they will lose again eventually, and I think it could be to the Lakers in the NBA Cup semifinals. However, after slaying the dragon, the Lakers could then come unstuck against the Knicks in the final. It wouldn’t end their championship drought, but I’m sure Knicks fans would still be ecstatic.
Luca Rosano: Oklahoma City Thunder
It’s hard to pick against the Thunder right now, who have been historically dominant to begin the season. They are 23-1 through 24 games and just the third team to ever accomplish that. I think a potential semifinals showdown between them and the Los Angeles Lakers will be very interesting, but the Thunder will win that. Then the Thunder will meet the New York Knicks, who will come out of the Eastern Conference side of the bracket. The Thunder won’t lose back-to-back NBA Cup Finals. They beat the Knicks to win the 2025 NBA Cup.
Aaditya Krishnamurthy: Oklahoma City Thunder
The OKC Thunder will redeem their NBA Cup outing from last year and topple the LA Lakers in the semi-final. They will then get rid of the one blemish on their record last year and win the In-Season Tournament.
Do you like the NBA Cup?
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Which player will be the NBA Cup MVP?
James Shearman: Jalen Brunson
The Knicks have so many talented players, but Jalen Brunson is the head of the snake. He could easily score 30+ points in the final and take home the MVP award.
Luca Rosano: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai is averaging 32.8 points, 6.4 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game on 55.6 percent shooting from the field, 44.3 percent shooting from three, and 88.1 percent from the foul line. He is doing all this while only playing 33 minutes per game, as he sits out most fourth quarters. He will lead the Thunder all the way and will win the NBA Cup MVP.
Aaditya Krishnamurthy: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for NBA Cup MVP.
Join the debate; share your insight. Use the comment button on the bottom left to have your say