No NBA Cup pool this year but I just can’t quit the majesty that is The Cup. Pool play is mostly half done, so let’s look at the groups.
Reminder, tie breakers are record, head to head, then point differential.
East A
Tor 2-0, +23
Cle 1-1, +22
Atl 1-1, +8
Ind 0-1, -20
Was 0-1, -33
Toronto is in great shape to win this group, with wins over Cle and Atl already. One win at home over either Indy or Wash should probably be enough lock up the group.
East B
Det 2-0, +27
Orl 2-0, +20
Bos 1-1, -12
Phi 0-2, -10
Bkn 0-2, -25
Orlando at Detroit on the last day looks like the decider, but Boston isn’t out of it yet with home games left vs Brooklyn and Detroit.
East C
Mil 2-0, +16
Chi 1-1, -6 (beat NY)
NYK 1-1, -2 (beat Mia)
Mia 1-1, +10
Cha 0-2, -18
Bucks still play at NY and Mia, plus Miami still plays at Chicago, so lots still up in the air here.
West A
Min 2-0, +54
OKC 1-0, +31
Pho 1-0, +22
Sac 0-2, -45
Uta 0-2, -62
The top three teams all still play each other, but with the current point differentials, this group’s 2nd place team could be in good shape for the wild card (assuming they’re not 2-2).
West B
LAL 2-0, +19
LAC 2-0, +2 (OT points don’t count for differential or points for)
Mem 1-1, +9
Dal 0-2, -14
NO 0-2, -16
Battle for LA on 11/25 looks huge here.
West C
Den 1-1, +23
Hou 1-1, +13
SAS 1-1, +10
Por 1-1, -22
GS 1-1, -24
LOL, group of death indeed.