2025 Emirates NBA Cup Knockout Phase
The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup is entering its knockout phase, featuring eight teams—four from each conference—set to face off in crucial quarterfinal games. The matchups are scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, with the winners securing their place in the semifinals in Las Vegas. These teams are not only competing for the prestigious title but for significant financial rewards as well, with each player on the winning team in line to receive $530,933 according to the latest growth in basketball-related income (BRI). Miami Heat forward Pelle Larsson succinctly expressed the motivation behind the competition:
“$500,000 is $500,000 for anyone.”
Recapping the East
The excitement from the group stage has set the scene for an electrifying knockout round. The Eastern Conference looked particularly intense leading up to the quarterfinals, especially during the final group play night. Three spots were heavily contested, with Detroit’s Pistons and the Orlando Magic embroiled in a nail-biter that saw the Magic clinch the top seed in East Group B after edging out Detroit 112-109. Cade Cunningham of the Pistons, who had a standout performance with 39 points, suffered a critical turnover that halted a potential comeback in the last minute. This win secured Orlando a stunning 4-0 record in group play thanks to their impressive point differential.
The drama didn’t stop there; in a separate matchup at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks secured their quarterfinal berth against the Milwaukee Bucks in a tightly contested game. A robust run from the Bucks attempted to shift momentum, but Jalen Brunson’s late-game prowess ensured a solid 118-109 victory for the Knicks. Consequently, the Bucks were eliminated, and now Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team must confront bigger challenges ahead.
With this, the Eastern Conference’s final four was set, ushering in an exciting clash of rivals: Orlando Magic, who topped the conference, will face the fourth-seed Miami Heat, while the second-seeded Toronto Raptors will take on the New York Knicks.
Matchup Insights
As the Miami Heat prepare to visit the Orlando Magic, they face the daunting task of containing key player Franz Wagner. Although Wagner has previously dominated the Heat in their encounters, he is now sidelined with a high left ankle sprain, leaving a significant gap in Orlando’s lineup. His absence could shift the advantage toward Miami, which has been known for its stellar defensive performance this season. Although the Magic are hoping Paolo Banchero, who recently returned from injury, can step up, the team may find it hard to maintain their offensive flow without Wagner.
In contrast, the New York Knicks will battle the Toronto Raptors, who will have to manage without their prominent scorer RJ Barrett, out due to a knee injury. In their earlier meeting, the Knicks showcased a commanding win, displaying their depth by having multiple players in double figures. The Raptors, now reeling from Barrett’s absence, must find creative solutions against a Knicks team that is brimming with confidence and momentum, winning seven of their last eight games.
What’s Next?
The quarterfinals kick off on Tuesday, and with the stakes rising, each team will need to deliver its best performance to continue their journey toward the championship, set for December 16. On the line is more than just a trophy; these teams are vying for the financial boost that can transform players’ careers. With the quarterfinals guaranteeing a payout for all participants, the pressure is on to secure a place in the finals even as the remaining teams adapt to missing stars and shape their game to capitalize on available talent.
