We are gradually reaching the end of the NBA Cup group stage, and we are starting to see things more clearly.
In the West, we already knew two of the four qualified for the quarter-finals since the Warriors and the Rockets are guaranteed to finish at the head of their groupswith their three victories in three matches.
Since last night, we have known the first qualifier in the East, the Hawks having validated their place for the elimination phase of the competition by winning their group, following their success against the Cavaliers.
It thus settled well in the East since the SixersTHE NetsTHE HornetsTHE HeatTHE RaptorsTHE PacersTHE BullsTHE Riders and the Wizards are now all out of the race. The last three qualifying places will therefore be played out between the MagicTHE KnicksTHE BucksTHE Pistons and the Celtics.
Two “finals” in the East on Tuesday
There will even be two group “finals” on Tuesday, since the Bucks (3-0) host the Pistons (3-0) for first place in Group B of the East when the Magic (3-0) will host side the Knicks (3-0) for first place in Group A in the East. The two losers will then be on waivers with the Celtics (3-1) for the “wild card” for best second in the conference. And in this game, it's the “point average” that will come into play, hence the fact that Boston (+23) played hard last night, and until the end, against the Bulls.
In the West, it's always more vague, even if we already know two qualified for the quarter-finals, the Warriors and the Rockets. Only the PelicansTHE Kings and the Jazz are officially eliminated.
In Group B of the West, it is particularly undecided since the Spurs, the Thunder and the Suns are all at 2 wins for 1 loss. San Antonio will advance to the quarterfinals with a victory Tuesday in Phoenix. Otherwise, they will have to hope to recover the “wild card” for best second by going through a mouse hole, because Victor Wembanyama and his troupe will have to count on a defeat for Oklahoma City, at home, against the Jazz… but also a very heavy setback for the Mavericks on the Grizzlies' field.
With their defeat against the Thunder, and their poor “point average” (-24), the Lakers no longer have any chance of reaching the quarterfinals, and therefore of defending their title, unless an improbable combination of circumstances occurs. .
