The field is locked. After five weeks of competitive group play across both conferences, the NBA has finalized the 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinal bracket, with eight teams advancing to the knockout stage beginning December 9 and 10.

Thunder, Lakers, Spurs, Suns advance out West

Defending NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder headline the Western Conference after sweeping Group A and opening Cup play with the same dominance they’ve shown all season. They are joined by the Los Angeles Lakers, who also topped their group, and the San Antonio Spurs, who punched their ticket on the final night thanks to a dramatic comeback win over the Denver Nuggets.

The Phoenix Suns claimed the West’s wild-card spot, edging out several contenders through point differential and closing the group phase with momentum.

Magic, Raptors, Knicks, Heart complete East bracket

In the East, the Orlando Magic clinched Group B behind strong two-way play, the Toronto Raptors taking Group A, while the New York Knicks took Group C after stringing together consistent defensive performances. The Miami Heat emerged as the wild-card qualifier, setting up the slate for the East that features familiar playoff-style matchups.

Quarterfinal Matchups (Dec. 9–10)

December 9 – Eastern Conference

• Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
• New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors

December 10 – Western Conference

• Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder
• San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers

A pathway through Las Vegas

As with last season, the Emirates NBA Cup knockout games carry regular-season implications, with the exception of the championship game. Winners of next week’s quarterfinals will advance to Las Vegas for the semifinals on December 13, with the Cup final scheduled for December 16 at T-Mobile Arena.

Storylines to watch

• The champs look locked in: The Thunder continue to play like a team eyeing back-to-back banners, maintaining one of the best records in the league through Cup play.
• The Spurs’ late surge: San Antonio’s dramatic final-night win over Denver showcased their improvement and composure – and set up a compelling showdown with the Lakers. It remains to be seen if star Victor Wembanyama will be available to suit up for this big matchup.
• Wild-card intrigue: The Suns in particular pose a threat, especially after stabilizing their play late in the group stage.
• The East is wide open: With Orlando emerging as one of the NBA’s strongest defensive teams and the Knicks riding momentum, the Heat and Raptors will look to steal a path to Las Vegas.

The quarterfinals now bring single-elimination stakes, star-powered matchups, and an early-season playoff feel – with one team just three wins away from lifting this year’s NBA Cup.