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The 7 NBA Cup teams with the easiest past to winning it all, ranked

mike d. sykes, ii
·4-min read
Dec 9, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver presents the NBA Cup to the Los Angeles Lakers after winning the in season tournament championship final against the Indiana Pacers at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2023; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver presents the NBA Cup to the Los Angeles Lakers after winning the in season tournament championship final against the Indiana Pacers at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA Cup is back, folks. After a moderately successful inaugural year, the league's in-season tournament is officially back on Tuesday.

All 30 teams will compete throughout the next month for a chance to win the cup. The question is, who has the best shot at it? That's what we're here to find out today.

NBA Cup Explained: Here we explain all the rules for the tournament and how it all works.

This isn't about who might win or lose. It's not about who will make it to the finals. It's about who has the easiest path to getting there. One of the teams who may end up winning it all might not make this list. For example, Group C in the West (Nuggets, Mavericks, Pelicans, Warriors and Grizzlies) is this year's toughest group. Yet, it wouldn't surprise you if any of those teams went on to win it all.

We'll review those teams here and what their groups look like. Let's dive into it.

New York Knicks

Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) shoots the ball against Cleveland Cavaliers forward Dean Wade (32) and Cleveland Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen (31) during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

East Group A opponents: Magic, Nets, 76ers, Hornets

The Knicks' path got a lot easier with Paolo Banchero missing a ton of time due to a torn oblique. Joel Embiid will return for the 76ers, but it's still early and he hasn't played with this team yet. There might be an adjustment period. At the very least, this team should be a good bet for a wild card spot.

Philadelphia is the only team that should be in the Knicks' way.

Philadelphia 76ers

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 14: Paul George #8 of the Philadelphia 76ers drives against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at State Farm Arena on October 14, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) ORG XMIT: 776204101 ORIG FILE ID: 2178446710

East Group A opponents: Knicks, Magic, Hornets, Nets

The same argument you could make for the Knicks, you could make for the 76ers here. Outside of New York, the competition won't be too stiff. With Joel Embiid back in the lineup along with Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, this should be a pretty formidable team.

We'll just have to see how well this squad meshes together. They're playing from behind a bit with Embiid, who has already missed so much time.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Oct 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts on the bench with forward Evan Mobley (4) during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizardsat Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Oct 26, 2024; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (45) reacts on the bench with forward Evan Mobley (4) during the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizardsat Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

East Group C opponents: Celtics, Wizards, Bulls, Hawks

The Cavaliers' path isn't necessarily the easiest — the reigning NBA champs do stand in their way. But the Celtics aren't healthy. They won't have Kristaps Porzingis back and the Cavaliers are still rolling. Their size and wing depth are a strength this year. Best of all, Cleveland is healthy.

Cleveland should demolish the Wizards, Hawks and Bulls. If they can pull out a close one with Boston, then they should be a shoo-in to get to the knockout round — even if it's just a wild card spot.

Boston Celtics

Nov 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots a jumper defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second quarter at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
Nov 1, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) shoots a jumper defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Miles Bridges (0) during the second quarter at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

East Group C opponents: Wizards, Cavaliers, Bulls, Hawks

The Celtics are the Celtics. You can never count them out — even without Porzingis. This is a championship outfit with championship aspirations. There aren't too many teams out there who can handle Boston's offense, even when it isn't at full strength.

They're still a solid pick to win the Cup.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Nov 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates as he walks-off the court after a game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
Nov 7, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) celebrates as he walks-off the court after a game against the Chicago Bulls at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images

West Group A opponents: Rockets, Clippers, Trail Blazers, Kings

The Timberwolves have a relatively easy group here. There's not a title contender in this group. The Trail Blazers will surely be one of the worst teams in the league. The Kings, Clippers and Rockets are competitive, but shouldn't be too tough for Minnesota.

This is a group the Wolves should win easily.

Indiana Pacers

Nov 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) hits a three then celebrates by calling Timeout for the other team in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
Nov 6, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) hits a three then celebrates by calling Timeout for the other team in the second half against the Orlando Magic at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

East Group B opponents: Bucks, Heat, Raptors, Pistons

The Pacers have the in-season tournament experience from last year to lean on, which should help them here in this group. The Bucks have been the biggest disappointment of the season so far. The Raptors are terrible. The Pistons are competitive but are still the Pistons.

The biggest competition here should be the Heat and this is not the sort of competition Miami has ever cared about.

Los Angeles Lakers

(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

West Group B opponents: Thunder, Jazz, Spurs, Suns

Good fortune is shining on the Lakers with the NBA Cup. Winning the cup last year is a big plus, but beyond that, their stiffest competition in Group B won't be whole. Kevin Durant is out for the next two weeks, at least, with a calf injury. Chet Holmgren's pelvic fracture will keep him out for the next few weeks for the Thunder.

The Lakers had one of the tougher groups out there, but with those injuries, the path to winning the group gets a lot easier.

This article originally appeared on For The Win: The 7 NBA Cup teams with the easiest past to winning it all, ranked