The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals are set to commence on Tuesday, following the conclusion of group play on November 28. The matchups that will determine which teams advance to the semifinals on Saturday in Las Vegas include a showdown between the Miami Heat and the Orlando Magic, as well as a contest where the Toronto Raptors will host the New York Knicks. Each of these games represents the Eastern Conference’s opportunity to secure a final four spot.
On Wednesday, action shifts to the Western Conference, where the high-flying Oklahoma City Thunder, boasting a remarkable 23-1 record, will face off against the Phoenix Suns. Additionally, the Los Angeles Lakers will take on the San Antonio Spurs in another key matchup.
Orlando heads into their game against Miami without star player Franz Wagner, who was sidelined with a high ankle sprain sustained during Sunday’s game. However, the Magic received a boost with the return of Paolo Banchero, who had been out since November 12 due to a groin injury. Despite the absence of Wagner, who has been pivotal with averages of 22.7 points and 6.1 rebounds, Banchero will need to lead the charge offensively alongside teammates Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs.
Meanwhile, in Miami, Tyler Herro, who has been recovering from a toe injury, is listed as probable for the game. The Heat have struggled recently, losing four of their last five matches, but Herro’s potential return could provide the spark they desperately need.
As the New York Knicks prepare for their bout against the Raptors, they come in hot, riding a 7-1 streak. However, they will be facing a Toronto team that is reeling, having lost five of their last six games after an impressive 13-1 start. The Raptors will be without forward RJ Barrett, sidelined due to a knee sprain, but ON Anunoby’s return might offer some respite.
The Western Conference games present a different landscape. The powerhouse Thunder are off to a historic start, having matched a feat achieved by only two other teams in NBA history. They overcame their lone season loss with a current streak of 15 straight wins, demonstrating a formidable point differential indicative of their supremacy this season. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s stellar performance, including a recent 37-point game, has been instrumental in keeping the Thunder on their winning trajectory.
On the Spurs side of things, they will navigate their matchup without the rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama. Despite this setback, they have managed to post an impressive record, suggesting a resilient team spirit. However, the challenge against the Lakers is daunting, particularly with Luka Doncic back in the fold after missing time for personal reasons.
As this quarterfinal round unfolds, it sets the stage for thrilling basketball action with exciting implications for postseason hopes, rivalries, and individual player performances. The question remains: Can the Thunder maintain their dominance, and how will the absence of key players like Wagner and Wembanyama impact their respective teams’ chances? The answers will begin to unfold as the games tip off this week.
