Celtics guide to the 2025 NBA Cup: Schedule, Group B standings and more

Celtics Guide to the 2025 NBA Cup

The 2025 NBA Cup, the league's third in-season tournament since its launch in 2023, starts Friday night with group stage games.

Boston Celtics in Group B

The Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions, enter the 2025 NBA Cup aiming to improve after failing to advance past the group stage in 2024.

They are placed in Group B alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets.

The Celtics opened their group stage with a narrow 109-108 victory over the Sixers on Friday night.

NBA Cup Structure and Schedule

All 30 NBA teams compete in the group stage, which is divided into six groups of five teams within each conference.

Each team plays the other group members once, totaling four games: two at home and two away.
The top team in each group advances to the knockout stage.
An additional wild card spot in each conference goes to the second-place team with the best record.
This leads to eight teams entering a single-elimination knockout round.

What the Celtics Need to Advance

To reach the knockout rounds, Boston must strive to finish first in Group B or secure the wild card spot by having one of the best second-place records in their conference.

"As 2025 NBA Cup play begins Friday night, here's a look at where the Celtics stand in Group B action."

"The Celtics are in Group B along with the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic and Brooklyn Nets, and began the group stage Friday night with a 109-108 win over the Sixers."

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Author's summary: The Boston Celtics start the 2025 NBA Cup with a win and must perform strongly in Group B—competing against four teams—to reach the single-elimination knockout stage.

NBC Sports Boston — 2025-11-01