Celtics guide to the 2025 NBA Cup: Schedule, Group B standings and more

Celtics Guide to the 2025 NBA Cup

The 2025 NBA Cup kicks off Friday night, marking the third season of the league's in-season tournament launched in 2023. The Boston Celtics, reigning NBA champions, are looking to improve after failing to advance past the group stage in 2024.

Group B Overview

The Celtics compete in Group B alongside the Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, Orlando Magic, and Brooklyn Nets. They started the group stage with a narrow 109-108 victory against the 76ers.

Group Stage Format

All 30 NBA teams are divided into six groups of five, based on their conference.
Each team plays four group games — one against every opponent in their group, with two games at home and two on the road.

Advancement Criteria

Eight teams progress to the knockout rounds, which are single elimination:

The top team from each of the six groups.
One wild card team per conference, awarded to the second-place group finisher with the best overall record.

"The Boston Celtics failed to advance past the group stage of the 2024 NBA Cup despite entering the season as the reigning NBA champions."

"The Celtics began the group stage Friday night with a 109-108 win over the Sixers."

Stay updated on Boston's NBA Cup journey and Group B standings as the tournament progresses.

Subscribe to NBC Sports Boston's podcast for insider analysis and the latest team insights.

Author’s summary: The Celtics open the 2025 NBA Cup aiming to advance beyond the group stage after a narrow opening win, competing in a format where only group leaders and top runners-up move forward.

NBC Sports Boston — 2025-11-01