NBA Cup Quarterfinals Preview

Last Updated on December 8, 2025 1:10 pm by Erwin Noguera

The 2025 NBA Cup enters its decisive moment. The group stage is now behind us, and only one simple truth remains: losing means being eliminated.

December 9 and 10 mark the start of the quarterfinals, a round with no safety net where eight teams will test not only their talent but also their ability to respond under immediate pressure.

The road to this point has been marked by consistency and strength. Oklahoma City, the Lakers, the Spurs, the Magic, the Raptors, and the Knicks all excelled in their respective groups. Meanwhile, the Suns and the Heat clinched their wild-card spots by achieving solid records. Their impressive point differentials ultimately proved to be decisive in securing those spots. The format rewards performance: the top four seeds (Thunder, Lakers, Magic, and Raptors) will be the home teams in this round.

After the quarterfinals are completed, the competition will shift entirely to Las Vegas. The tournament will then take on a new dimension, with the semifinals scheduled for December 13 and the final on December 16. First, however, the four matchups promise intense competition, contrasting playing styles, and exciting generational rivalries that capture the essence of this NBA Cup.

At Gambyl Exchange, you can explore all NBA predictions, the final bets for this matchday, and the odds for each match.

NBA Cup 2025: Magic vs. Heat

Orlando opens the quarterfinals with a presentation that is as surprising as it is compelling. The Magic were perfect in the group stage, finishing 4-0 and leading the East in point differential, all without Paolo Banchero, who has been out since mid-November with an injury. In that context, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs took the reins of a young team that not only competes but is growing at a rapid pace and today remains firmly at the top of the conference.

Miami, on the other hand, comes in with experience as its main asset. Its wild card berth was built on a team effort, with Bam Adebayo as the linchpin and a balanced cast involving Tyler Herro, Andrew Wiggins, and Norman Powell. The Heat stands out for its defensive discipline, overall efficiency, and high offensive tempo, which often unsettles less seasoned opponents.

This matchup pits youth against stability. Orlando has already shown that it can beat Miami early in the season, but now there is no margin for error, and the context favors a Heat team accustomed to this type of scenario.

Magic vs. Heat Betting Pick: Heat

NBA Cup 2025: Raptors vs. Knicks

Toronto is one of the tournament’s big surprises. After a quiet previous season, the Raptors have made a remarkable leap in 2025, backed by solid defense, organized team play, and a consistently productive offensive trio. Brandon Ingram, Scottie Barnes, and RJ Barrett account for much of the scoring and force any opponent to make constant adjustments.

New York, meanwhile, has found stability after a change on the bench. The team looks balanced, with an efficient offense led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, and reliable defensive support from Bridges, Hart, and Anunoby. In addition, the Knicks have a strong track record: they are the only team to have reached the quarterfinals in every edition of the tournament.

The immediate precedent favors New York, which clearly dominated the last head-to-head matchup. In a single-elimination game, experience and consistency often make the difference.

Raptors vs. Knicks Betting Pick: Knicks

NBA Cup 2025: Thunder vs. Suns

Oklahoma City arrives as the team to beat. The Thunder has not lost in thirteen games, and its start to the season puts it in historic territory. Its profile is overwhelming: the most efficient defense in the league, an elite offense, and the best overall record. Leading the way is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has established himself as one of the most dominant players of the moment.

Phoenix, however, is not giving up without a fight. Although they only lost once in the group stage, the real challenge will be competing without Devin Booker, whose injury completely changes the offensive landscape. The Suns’ strategy is to tighten up their defense and force mistakes, an area where they have shown significant improvement this season.

The Thunder already beat Phoenix in the group stage, and with Booker out, the margin is even narrower for the visitors. Everything points to Oklahoma City having the tools to impose its rhythm once again.

Thunder vs. Suns Betting Pick: Thunder

NBA Cup 2025: Lakers vs. Spurs

The Lakers close out the round backed by a flawless group stage and an offense revolving around a historic Luka Dončić. The Slovenian leads the league in scoring with numbers not seen in years, and far from being an individual effort, he finds in Austin Reaves a partner who is enjoying the best moment of his career. Add to that LeBron James, who, when available, continues to be a determining factor.

San Antonio arrives with a different narrative, marked by resilience. The losses of Victor Wembanyama and Stephon Castle seemed to condemn them, but the return of De’Aaron Fox revitalized the team. His leadership, coupled with outstanding offensive performances from Devin Vassell and the return of Dylan Harper, keeps the Spurs competitive despite the absences.

The Lakers’ depth and offensive power, especially at home, put them one step ahead. Still, San Antonio has shown it has the resources to make things uncomfortable and demand the most.

Lakers vs. Spurs Betting Pick: Lakers