The 2025 NBA Cup, the league's third in-season tournament since its 2023 launch, begins Friday night with group play games. The Boston Celtics are competing in Group B alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets. They opened the group stage with a close 109-108 win over the Sixers.
Despite entering the 2024 NBA Cup as the reigning NBA champions, the Celtics did not advance beyond the group stage. This season, they aim to change that and secure a spot in the knockout rounds.
All 30 NBA teams participate in the group stage, divided into six groups of five teams each within their conference. Each team plays four group games—facing every opponent in their group once, with two games at home and two on the road.
Eight teams move on to the single-elimination knockout rounds: "the top team in each of the six groups and a wild card team in each conference that's awarded to the second-place finisher with the best overall record."
Stay updated on the Celtics' progress and Group B standings as the tournament unfolds.
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Author's summary: The Boston Celtics start their 2025 NBA Cup journey aiming to improve on last year's group stage exit as they battle in a competitive Group B for a spot in the knockout rounds.