Friday’s 10-game NBA Cup slate is a thrilling spectacle. As group play winds down, every game intensifies with tension and high stakes. In the East, surprises are brewing, as teams anxiously rely on each other’s fate. In the West, the Los Angeles Lakers are set to dominate and shape the tournament’s future. It’s do-or-die, and the drama is about to unfold.

Friday’s games hold the key to 17 unique elimination scenarios across all six groups, where every outcome could reshape the playoff picture. The champions of the inaugural season last year, the Lakers are in a tricky situation despite having the chance to do the impossible. So, what’s going on with them?

Can the Los Angeles Lakers maintain their position or face elimination on Friday?

The Los Angeles Lakers, fresh off their first-ever NBA Cup loss to the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday. They are facing the Oklahoma City Thunder at the Crypto.com Arena on Nov 29. Both teams are fighting for survival, to say the least. LeBron James and the Lakers are desperate to keep the title. But others are eyeing the In-Season trophy.

A loss for the Thunder spells elimination from the NBA Cup. For the Lakers, a defeat could also end their hopes—if the LA Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers win. The Clippers going to take on the Minnesota  Timberwolves, while Portland is hosting the Sacramento Kings. Realistically, Anthony Edwards’ team sits on shaky ground. With an 8-10 record and the Clippers at 12-8 with James Harden, expect the Clippers to win.

However, the Lakers can eliminate OKC, Minnesota, Denver, Memphis, and Sacramento with a win tonight. What are the odds of this happening? Well, start placing your bets! But, JJ Redick‘s team can also face elimination if they finish 2-2. Moreover, a guaranteed 2-2 should finish ahead of them from another group in point differential. Meanwhile, this clause applies to all the teams in the West and East.

Now, moving on from the Los Angeles Lakers and the Western Conference, let’s throw some light on what’s happening in the East.

What are the clinching and elimination scenes in the Eastern Conference?

The Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, and Chicago Bulls can all advance with a win and some help. What help? Well, the other teams need to lose their games! Meanwhile, Group C of the East has been a wild ride in the NBA Cup. Four teams have one loss, and only the Washington Wizards (0-3) are out. The Atlanta Hawks have already beaten the Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers, though their win over Cleveland wasn’t in the NBA Cup.

Friday’s Cavs vs. Hawks game is about to be massive. If the Hawks win and the Bulls lose, Atlanta will clinch Group C. Meanwhile, Cleveland must win both remaining games to stay alive. In addition, along with the Thunder, teams like the Timberwolves, Cavaliers, Grizzlies, Nets, Hornets, Pacers, and Heat will face elimination with a loss. Furthermore, the Philadelphia 76ers are on thin ice—if the Hawks, Magic, or Pistons win, Philly’s out.

On the other hand, the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets have secured a spot in the knockout stage. They, along with the Milwaukee Bucks, are the only teams 3-0 in group play. Meanwhile, Orlando Magic and the Knicks can join the 3-0 club if they both win on Friday.

While the West relies on the Los Angeles Lakers, the East is all haywire. Friday is indeed the night of action for the NBA as the In-Season games gradually march toward the playoffs. The final day of group play in the NBA Cup will be on Tuesday. Moreover, the quarterfinals will be played on Dec. 10-11. The semifinals and finals will be played in Las Vegas on Dec. 14 and 17.

So, mark the dates and keep a close watch on the games. The stakes couldn’t be higher!