Cleveland, Ohio Cleveland’s route through East Group A was formally laid out on Wednesday when the NBA released the 2025 NBA Cup Group Play schedule.
In order to advance to the knockout phase and the regular-season rankings, the Cavaliers will have two Cup Nights at Rocket Arena and two away.
In a group that also includes Toronto, Washington, and an Indiana squad minus star guard Tyrese Haliburton for the season due to an Achilles injury, Cleveland appears to be the overwhelming favorite on paper.
However, the Atlanta finale is the one game that needs a red circle on the calendar.
East Group A Dates and Times
-
Fri, Oct. 31 vs. Raptors | 7:30 p.m. ET | Rocket Arena
-
Fri, Nov. 7 at Wizards | 7:00 p.m. ET
-
Fri, Nov. 21 vs. Pacers | 7:00 p.m. ET | Prime Video (national)
-
Fri, Nov. 28 at Hawks | 7:30 p.m. ET
More Cavs coverage
-
Which champion should return to the Cavs bench: Kevin Love or Tristan Thompson? Wine and Gold Talk podcast
-
The Guardians ace; Does Steven Kwan need a break? What s up with Shedeur Sanders
-
Why the NBA is banking on Cavs-Knicks as the Eastern Conference s top rivalry
Matchups and meaning
Oct. 31 vs. Toronto The new-look Raptors
The Cleveland S Cup opening serves as the team’s first opportunity to see Toronto while Brandon Ingram is wearing the uniform.
Due to injuries, the All-Star forward has not played since being transferred north last season. The Cavaliers’ depth and unity should give them a definite edge to begin group play 1–0, but a healthy Ingram adds size and shot creation on the wing.
Nov. 7 at Washington Youth and veterans on a mission
The Wizards are a study in contrasts, with young players attempting to establish themselves and veterans seeking their final shot to remain in the league or earn another paycheck.
If the Cavaliers let their guard down, Washington’s free-flowing style of play could lead to issues. The kind of professional effort Cleveland needs to avoid the scoreboard math that has previously tripped them up is a clean road victory.
Nov. 21 vs. Indiana National spotlight
One of just 15 nationally televised group play games, this Prime Video showcase will not include the Pacers’ two mainstays.
Myles Turner left for Milwaukee after Tyrese Haliburton’s injury changed Indiana’s course, as Haliburton is lost for the season due to an Achilles injury.
They will be replaced by Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin, who will be put to the test against Cleveland’s perimeter pressure and length. The Cavs should take advantage of every chance to secure a resounding victory at home, even though it’s still a national stage.
Nov. 28 at Atlanta The real test
Atlanta is one of the few teams in the conference that could be a threat in a seven-game playoff series and the only club in East Group A that can match Cleveland’s skill level.
The Hawks’ nucleus of Jalen Johnson, Trae Young, and Dyson Daniels is now surrounded by the size and floor spacing of Kristaps Porzi, Luke Kennard’s shooting, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s defense.
It’s the kind of group that demands real-time adjustments due to its star power and matchup versatility.
Another element is added by the Cup history between these two teams: Atlanta advanced to the elimination round last season after the Hawks defeated the Cavaliers 117-101.
That last group play match this year might once more determine Cleveland’s chances of earning a trip to Las Vegas.
How the Cavs have to play
Cleveland has not yet made it to the NBA Cup knockout stage.
Despite having one of the greatest group play records, they were disqualified two years ago due to a tiebreaker based on point differential.
Every defensive stop, every free throw, and every possession counts.
The Cavaliers must treat every Cup Night like a playoff game in order to prevent scoreboard heartbreak in the future: improve execution, hold onto leads, and create separation when it’s possible.
When the math demands it, run up the score. Minimize delays in garbage time. Above all, avoid letting hypothetical situations determine the group’s conclusion.
The road to Vegas
The top team in each of the six groups and the second-place club with the best group play record will each receive two wild cards, advancing eight teams to the knockout stages.
The quarterfinals will take place in NBA arenas on December 9–10, while the knockout rounds will be single elimination. Las Vegas will host the semifinals on December 13 and the championship game on December 16. The NBA Cup championship trophy and a prize fund will be up for grabs for the eight remaining clubs.
