The 2025 Emirates NBA Cup is about to tip-off! This tournament represents the exciting third edition of the league’s highly anticipated in-season competition. As teams prepare for this once-every-four-year competitive spectacle, analysts and supporters everywhere are evaluating the contenders’ frontrunners and dark horses. Perhaps the most memorable debate involves Stephen A. Smith passionately proclaiming that the Philadelphia 76ers would be true threats for the NBA championship. He thinks their championship prospects are improved by the skills of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and a healthy Joel Embiid.
The tournament now sets the stage for an incredible collection of established powerhouses and rising, new contenders. The Oklahoma City Thunder comes in with the league’s best BPI rating, a testament to their great form heading into the tournament. In the meantime, other squads are establishing themselves as contenders to do the same, making for a highly-anticipated showdown between the two.
Analyzing Group A Favorites
Meanwhile in the East, the New York Knicks have become clear front runners in what most still believe is the overall best and deepest pod. With a scary 38% chance of victory, they’ve proven to be a force with which to be reckoned. The Milwaukee Bucks and Miami Heat right behind them, each with a 22% shot at winning it all. Both squads are extremely experienced and talented, especially come playoff time, so they are just as dangerous.
Hiding behind them, ready to pounce, are the Chicago Bulls and Charlotte Hornets, sitting at 11% and 7%, respectively. So while they aren’t favored to win these races—even if it’s statistically possible—these are the opportunities for upset that must be kept in mind. The fierce competition in Group A showcases firsthand the surprises that this tournament has to offer and the exciting rematches that are possible.
Boston’s downturn has left Group B wide open, creating opportunities for other teams to seize the moment. As of now, the Denver Nuggets are the runaway favorites as a group with a 27% chance of winning it all. Their deep roster and impressive start to the season has them as one of the teams to keep a closest eye on. Tied for 24th overall are the Houston Rockets, Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs. They all have good odds of turning into serious contenders, with 26%, 21%, and 19% probability, respectively.
Emerging Contenders in Group C
The Philadelphia 76ers have set themselves apart as the overwhelming group favorites in Group C, with a 34% chance to win it all. Analysts cite their possible playoff run as they hone in on their full power for the entirety of the postseason. The inclusion of Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe with a healthy Joel Embiid really stacks the odds in their favor.
The Orlando Magic ostensively remain the favorites with a 25% chance. At the same time, the Detroit Pistons compete for these odds with a 20% chance. Both teams proved their brilliance at some point of the season, being a big danger to the 76ers’ dreams.
And don’t forget about the Boston Celtics, who are lurking in the background with a 19% chance to steal this. In actuality, the Brooklyn Nets have only an extremely unlikely 2% chance. The Celtics have faltered and this has created an opportunity for every other team to exploit Boston’s deficiencies. This change would bring a fascinating new layer of intrigue to Group C.
Dark Horses and Potential Surprises
As excitement builds for the Emirates NBA Cup, several teams could play spoiler and disrupt predictions. The Minnesota Timberwolves have earned recognition as a contender with a 17% chance of winning, demonstrating that they can compete with top-tier teams when it matters most.
Additionally, teams like the Sacramento Kings (8%), Utah Jazz (5%), and Phoenix Suns (4%) are lurking quietly in the background. Their odds might seem worse than the top few favorites. Don’t forget that any sport can quickly change the tide in just one game.
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