The group stage of the 2025 NBA Cup accelerates Friday night with an intense 11-game lineup. The Boston Celtics currently hold 10th place in the Eastern Conference at 4-5 after a mixed start to the 2025–26 season.
However, with a win against the Orlando Magic on Friday, the Celtics could jump to first place in Group B of the NBA Cup. This marks the league’s third annual in-season tournament, featuring several critical matchups that directly impact Cup standings.
Boston stands at 1-0 in the group stage after narrowly defeating the Philadelphia 76ers, 109–108, last Friday in their Cup opener.
“That Celtics–Sixers game has been the only Group B game to date.”
The Magic, Pistons, and Nets have yet to play, but all three teams will be in action Friday night—Detroit and Brooklyn tip off at 7:30 p.m. ET—making for potential shifts in the standings.
Point differential serves as a major tiebreaker in NBA Cup play. Both the Celtics and Magic are expected to compete hard through the final minutes, regardless of the score margin.
Basketball fans can follow the action through NBC10 Boston’s free live stream, available 24/7.
Author’s Summary: The Celtics aim to seize first place in Group B of the 2025 NBA Cup as the tournament’s second week delivers a full slate of decisive matchups.