NBA Cup 2025: Magic and Thunder grab top seeds in knockout round in final day of group play

The Oklahoma City Thunder secured a victory against the Phoenix Suns, advancing in the NBA Cup, with Jalen Williams returning to the lineup after recovering from wrist surgeries. This match showcased the Thunder's resilience and strategic gameplay, allowing them to maintain their strong performance in the tournament.

The Milwaukee Bucks have suffered their seventh consecutive loss, falling 118-109 to the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden, which marks the first time in the NBA Cup's three-year history that the reigning champions have failed to reach the quarterfinals.

The Detroit Pistons faced the Orlando Magic in a competitive matchup, showcasing their resilience despite a recent loss. Bill Simmons praised the Pistons for their performance, highlighting their status as one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference early in the season. This game reflects the ongoing development of the Pistons as a formidable contender in the league.

The Milwaukee Bucks are set to face the New York Knicks in the NBA Cup, with superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo returning to the lineup after missing four games due to a left adductor strain. The Bucks, currently struggling with an 8-11 record and a six-game losing streak, are in dire need of a win to regain momentum as defending champions.

The Los Angeles Lakers have decided not to play on their specially designed NBA Cup court against the Dallas Mavericks due to reported unplayable conditions, specifically concerns regarding the court's slipperiness. This decision was made to prioritize player safety ahead of the game scheduled for tonight.

The Los Angeles Lakers have opted not to use their specially designed NBA Cup court for an upcoming group stage game against the Dallas Mavericks due to concerns over the court's slipperiness. This decision highlights the team's prioritization of player safety amid competitive play.

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking a cautious approach in the recovery of All-Star Jalen Williams, emphasizing a patient timeline for his return from injury. Head coach Mark Daigneault has indicated that Williams will not rush back to the court, prioritizing his long-term health over immediate team needs.

Jalen Williams is set to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder lineup on Friday after undergoing wrist surgeries, marking a significant boost for the team as they welcome back their No. 2 scorer. This return comes after a prolonged absence due to injury, during which Williams missed multiple games.