The NBA Tournament in Progress: Analysis and Predictions from Alofoke Deportes
The Emirates NBA Cup has concluded its group stage, defining the exciting quarter-final matchups. Four high-caliber clashes promise an unforgettable spectacle, with a trip to Las Vegas at stake. The teams that will face each other are: Toronto Raptors against New York Knicks and Orlando Magic against Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference; Oklahoma City Thunder against Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers against San Antonio Spurs in the Western Conference.Before the excitement of the knockout stage begins on December 9th, our Alofoke Deportes experts analyze the group stage and anticipate the quarterfinals. Which players stood out above the rest in the first four matches? Which unexpected team will continue their journey in the Cup? And, most importantly, does anyone have a chance against the fearsome OKC?
The NBA Cup group stage MVP is…Luka Doncic, based on the two masterful performances he starred in. His game against the Los Angeles Clippers, with a performance of 43 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists, and then against the Lakers, with 35 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists, demonstrate his worth.
Vincent Goodwill
Doncic. Although Shai Gilgeous-Alexander also had impressive numbers, Doncic averaged 36.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 10.5 assists, with 49.4% field goal shooting and 45.5% on three-pointers.
Tim MacMahon
Devin Booker. It’s difficult to ignore Gilgeous-Alexander or Doncic, but Booker led a surprising Suns team, averaging 23 points, 7.8 assists, and 6.0 rebounds, and pulling Phoenix out of a tough group.
Dave McMenamin
Gilgeous-Alexander. He had a better rating per possession and played fewer minutes than Doncic. He has been fundamental to the success of Oklahoma City.
Kevin Pelton
The biggest surprise of the group stage was…Gilgeous-Alexander. The current league MVP is playing at an even higher level. He’s averaging 34.5 points, 6.2 assists, and 58.9% field goal shooting in four games.
Ohm Youngmisuk
The Heat, which has managed to stay relevant. Despite the challenges of last season and Tyler Herro’s injury, Miami has surprised with its performance. The incorporation of Norman Powell and the contribution of players like Andrew Wiggins, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Bam Adebayo, and Kel’el Ware have made the Heat a dangerous team.
McMenamin
The Spurs winning Group C without Victor Wembanyama during the last week. San Antonio defeated Houston and then achieved two crucial away wins against Portland and Denver.
Pelton
The Raptors’ outstanding performance in Group A. Toronto has been the most pleasant surprise of the season, establishing themselves as a contender in the East.
MacMahon
The Magic making the most of their opportunities. Despite a complicated start to the season, they have achieved good results. Three of their four Cup victories were without Paolo Banchero. The most intriguing quarter-final match is…The Raptors leading Group A, surpassing the Cavaliers, a team that was expected to be at the top of the conference. If Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram continue their good performance, the Raptors could aim for the Cup title.
Youngmisuk
Heat vs. Magic. Miami’s offense relies on individual play, something difficult to counter against Orlando’s starting five. A lower-scoring game than usual is expected. Suns vs. Thunder. It will be an exciting rematch. The Suns will have to deal with OKC’s defense, which already caused Booker problems. Spurs vs. Lakers. Will Wembanyama be back for the Spurs’ trip to Los Angeles? If so, it would be a great matchup with Doncic. It will be the dominant defensive force against an elite offensive player.Heat vs. Magic. A Florida rivalry seeking a pass to Las Vegas. The Heat, with a renewed offense, has scored at least 130 points on seven occasions. The Magic, for their part, have improved their pace of play and are regaining their defensive identity.
Youngmisuk
Don’t be surprised if… in the elimination rounds.Knicks vs. Raptors. A matchup that revives the 2023 trade. The Raptors are ahead of the Knicks in the Eastern Conference standings, and will host the quarterfinals.
McMenamin
Oklahoma City easily reaches the title of the Cup without its MVP playing in the last quarter of an elimination game. Gilgeous-Alexander has had to be decisive in close victories, but he has rested in many quarters.
MacMahon
Wembanyama shines in this new stage if he is recovered. If Wembanyama is back, he can cause problems on both sides of the court and help the Spurs advance.The Heat surprises everyone. With the improvement of Herro and Powell, the Heat could surprise.
Goodwill
The Raptors continue their surprising start. Don’t underestimate the motivation to win the Cup and how it could inspire a team. The Raptors could be the ones to ruin the party.
Youngmisuk
Of the other seven teams, _____ has the best chance to defeat OKC.The Magic are not risking Banchero’s health for the Cup. Although Banchero is important, his absence has allowed other players to shine.
Pelton
The Lakers. They have three stars capable of leading them to victory on any given night. It’s difficult to trust that the Lakers or another team can beat the Thunder.
MacMahon
The Knicks. They have an offense that can keep up with the Thunder’s scoring pace and a team that has played in many important games.
McMenamin
The Lakers. Doncic can take control of the game and has the ability to match Gilgeous-Alexander. The Lakers could take advantage of their home advantage in Las Vegas.
Youngmisuk
The Lakers. The Lakers benefited from the crowd advantage in the first NBA Cup in 2023, and that would be even stronger this time.
Pelton
Reality or fiction: Will both finalists of the 2026 NBA play in the quarterfinals of the Cup? Fiction. It is not certain that the champion of the East will come from this group. However, it is not certain that the champion of the West will come from these four teams. Fiction. I don’t see the Eastern champion in this field. Fiction. It’s tempting to pick the Knicks, but they haven’t impressed in the first quarter of the season. Any surprise contender can make interesting personnel moves.The Raptors. They have players who can make Gilgeous-Alexander’s game difficult. Toronto keeps teams away from three-pointers and has players who can create offense.
Goodwill
Fiction. The Nuggets and Rockets are not in the Cup quarterfinals. The Cavs, Pistons, and Wolves could also make a run. Trying to win the Cup can affect a team during the season.Fiction. There are too many good teams in both conferences that are not included to definitively declare that we will not see them in June. Particularly, Denver in the West and Cleveland in the East.
McMenamin
