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The stage is set for the 2025-26 Emirates NBA Cup quarterfinals. After five weeks of group play, eight teams remain in the running, with single-elimination games tipping off on December 9 and 10. The winners will advance to Las Vegas, where the semifinals and final will take place later next week — and for players and fans alike, the stakes are anything but minor.
Thunder Cruise, Spurs Crash the Party
Oklahoma City looks like a team with no intention of slowing down. Fresh off their championship season, the Thunder swept Group A and head into the knockout round with one of the best records in the league. They’ll host the Phoenix Suns, who clawed their way in as a wild-card team on point differential. After a shaky start, the Suns have tightened things up and could offer more resistance than expected.
Meanwhile, the Lakers will host the Spurs in a high-interest matchup. San Antonio needed a dramatic final-night comeback against Denver to secure their spot, showing real composure under pressure. Whether or not Victor Wembanyama is available could change everything, but even without him, this game is a solid test of the Spurs’ growth against a more seasoned Lakers squad that breezed through their group.
Magic Making Noise, Knicks Catching Fire
In the East, things are less predictable. Orlando emerged from Group B by leaning into their defense and disciplined play. They’ll now take on the Miami Heat, who grabbed the wild-card slot and bring plenty of playoff experience to the table. The Magic have looked solid, but the Heat know how to grind out wins when it counts.
The other East quarterfinal features the Knicks and Raptors — two teams that have found success by locking things down defensively. New York strung together strong performances to top their group, while Toronto played with just enough edge to claim theirs. With both teams capable of controlling tempo, this game may come down to late-game execution.
What’s at Stake — Beyond the Trophy
While the Emirates NBA Cup offers a new prize, these games still impact the regular season standings — with the exception of the championship match. For players, that matters. So does the $500,000 payout each winner gets. For fans and online bettors, that incentive shows up in the energy on court and the unpredictability of outcomes.
Oklahoma City has been one of the most reliable teams to back all season, routinely covering spreads and handling business with minimal drama. But the Suns, now finding their footing, could be a profitable underdog if they keep the game tight.
The Spurs’ momentum makes them one of the most intriguing plays in the West. San Antonio’s ability to handle pressure late against Denver suggests they’re learning how to close — a trait that can swing bets, especially on quarters or alternate spreads. If Wembanyama suits up, watch how quickly odds shift.
The East is far more of a toss-up. Orlando and New York have been steady, but Miami and Toronto both have players who can flip a game in minutes. There’s no heavy favorite, which opens up value across the board — from moneylines to player props.
And then there’s Vegas. With the semifinals set for December 13 and the final on December 16 at T-Mobile Arena, motivation is peaking. Every team is just three wins away from lifting the Cup and locking in a serious payday. That’s the kind of drive bettors should factor in.
Quarterfinal Schedule
December 9 – East
- Miami Heat at Orlando Magic
- New York Knicks at Toronto Raptors
December 10 – West
- Phoenix Suns at Oklahoma City Thunder
- San Antonio Spurs at Los Angeles Lakers
