NBA Cup: Who’s in charge? Analysis and favorites for the quarterfinals

In-Season NBA Tournament Deep Dive

The NBA tournament, the Emirates Cup, concluded its group stage this Friday, defining the matchups for the knockout stage. The teams will face each other in search of a place in Las Vegas, in duels that promise strong emotions. The matchups are: Toronto Raptors against New York Knicks and Orlando Magic against Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference; while, in the Western Conference, Oklahoma City Thunder will face Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Lakers against San Antonio Spurs.

Before the exciting knockout matches begin on December 9th, our NBA experts analyze the teams’ performance in the group stage and offer their predictions for the quarterfinals. Which player stood out above the rest during the first four games? Which surprise team will continue its journey in the Cup? And, most importantly, do any of these teams have a chance against Oklahoma City?

Group Stage MVP: Expert Predictions

Luka Dončić received the majority of the votes. Vincent Goodwill highlights the “masterpieces” of the Mavericks player. Tim MacMahon agrees, emphasizing his impressive averages in points, rebounds, and assists. Dave McMenamin, for his part, bets on Devin Booker, who led the Suns. Kevin Pelton and Ohm Youngmisuk, although acknowledging Dončić’s performance, lean towards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Dončić averaged 36.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 10.5 assists with 49.4% field goal shooting and 45.5% from three-pointers.

Tim MacMahon

Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 34.5 points, 6.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, with exceptional shooting percentages. Booker, for his part, led the Suns in a difficult group, averaging 23 points, 7.8 assists, and 6.0 rebounds.

The Biggest Surprise of the Group Stage

The biggest surprise of the group stage was the Heat’s ability to stay relevant. The team, after a season of ups and downs, has shown resilience. The Spurs, despite the absence of Victor Wembanyama in the last week, also surprised, winning Group C. The Raptors, for their part, led Group A, exceeding expectations.

The Heat have scored at least 130 points seven times this season, averaging 123.6 per game, the second-highest total in the league.

Ohm Youngmisuk

The Magic have also seized their opportunity, showing great performance despite some initial setbacks. The combination of Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram could lead the Raptors to the Cup title.

The Most Attractive Quarter-Final Duel

Heat vs. Magic is the most anticipated matchup, with a Florida rivalry at stake. The Heat’s offense, based on individual play, will face the Magic’s defense. The encounter between Suns and Thunder also promises excitement, with Booker seeking revenge against OKC’s defense. The duel Spurs vs. Lakers could be a clash of stars, with Wembanyama and Dončić as protagonists. Finally, the match between Knicks and Raptors is an opportunity to relive the 2023 player exchange.

What to Expect in the Qualifiers?

Oklahoma City could reach the final without Gilgeous-Alexander playing much in the quarterfinals. The Heat, with their unpredictable style, could surprise. Wembanyama, if he returns, could shine in the Spurs. The Raptors could continue their surprising performance.

The Raptors are the team that could give Oklahoma City problems.

Vincent Goodwill

The Magic might not risk Banchero, as his absence has allowed the development of other players. The Lakers, with their stars, are the ones with the most chances of beating OKC.

Will we see the 2026 Finalists in the Quarter-Finals?

Most experts rule out this possibility. Although the Eastern teams have chances, the Western champion might not be among the teams in this phase. Surprises are always possible in the NBA.