After the hustle and bustle of Black Friday simmers down, it’s time to settle in with some NBA action. It’s the final day of NBA Cup group play, and there are a few games with some meaningful stakes.

Our writers share their early predictions for how the Eastern Conference standings could take shape in the 2025-26 season. NBA.com Staff The Magic are a favorite among our writers to rise into the East’s upper tier in 2025-26. From time to time, NBA.com ...

A trio of NBA Cup matchups take place on Tuesday night before most of the league is in action on Wednesday for another round of NBA Cup Group Play contests. Her

BPI Projection: Raptors by 16.6, straight up 89%, 238.4 total points. BPI Projection: Heat by 0.7, straight up 52%, 248.3 total points. Heat: Andrew Wiggins, (OUT - Hip); Nikola Jovic, (OUT - Hip); Tyler Herro, (OUT - Ankle); Terry Rozier, (OUT - Not Injury Related) BPI Projection: Mavericks by 4.1, straight up 63%, 233.6 total points.

In the nightcap on NBC, the Warriors will visit the Lakers in Los Angeles. The league completely eschewed the Eastern Conference on its first showcase night in four months, indicating it understands something many fans have felt for some time now: The West is the far better conference.

The Suns have won 4 of their last 5 games and 9 of their last 11 overall. They are coming off a 112-100 win over the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday as 4-point road favorites with the Under (234) cashing.

The Oklahoma City Thunder will host the Phoenix Suns on Friday. This is the first matchup of the season between the two squads. It also counts toward the 2025 NBA Cup West Group A standings. The Thunder (18-1) have won 10 in a row.