The 2025 NBA Cup group stage intensifies on Friday night with an 11-game lineup. The Boston Celtics aim to climb the standings in Group B.
The Celtics are 10th in the Eastern Conference with a 4–5 record after a mixed start to the 2025–26 season. A win against the Orlando Magic on Friday could move them into first place in Group B of the in-season tournament.
Boston is part of Group B alongside the Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Brooklyn Nets. The Celtics began their Cup campaign with a narrow 109–108 victory over the 76ers last Friday.
The Celtics’ 109–108 win against the Sixers remains the only completed Group B matchup so far.
The Magic, Pistons, and Nets have yet to play their opening Cup games but will all be in action Friday night. Detroit faces Brooklyn at 7:30 p.m. ET, while Boston meets Orlando.
Point differential serves as a major tiebreaker in the NBA Cup group stage. As a result, both the Celtics and Magic are expected to compete aggressively through the final moments of their game, regardless of the score margin.
The Celtics have an early chance to top Group B with a win over the Magic, but competition remains close as all teams begin their Cup journeys.
Author’s Summary: The Boston Celtics could seize Group B leadership in the 2025 NBA Cup with a victory over Orlando, as point differential looms large in the tiebreak race.