The weekly games with added intensity are through with their first stage. The riveting NBA Cup group stage came to an end with an array of fascinating results. Kings upset the Rockets, the Bucks remained undefeated, and the Mavs overcame a 15-point disadvantage! The rousing action is now one step closer on the road to Sin City.

The knockouts of the NBA Cup will feature 8 teams. Six group winners will join the race alongside a wildcard from each conference. However, who are these teams? Here’s a look at the teams that remain in the hunt for the half-a-million prize and a trip to Las Vegas.

NBA Cup Group winners

West Group A: Houston Rockets 

The Rockets have experienced a stellar rise this season, currently sitting 2nd in the West. Likewise, in the In-Season Tournament, the Houston side has been exemplary. Before tonight’s hard-fought loss to the Sacramento Kings, the franchise hadn’t lost any of their three games. Despite the mark of a defeat on their record, they go through to the knockouts with the best record in Group A.

West Group B: Oklahoma City Thunder 

After a loss to the Spurs in their second game, the top-seeded OKC saw their qualification chances shrink. But with the return of Isaiah Hartenstein, the team has looked superb. Winning their last 2 games against the Lakers and the Jazz, OKC secured their place in the knockout stages. Despite having the same record as the Suns, the Thunder’s win against them, saw OKC be crowned group winners.

West Group C: Golden State Warriors 

The Warriors began the season on a steaming roll. They didn’t lose any of their three NBA Cup games and were the first side to qualify for the knockout stages. Even an agonizing defeat against the Denver Nuggets tonight didn’t shake their position!

East Group A: New York Knicks 

Powered by a starting five that has dynamic talent, the Knicks are among the only two teams to remain undefeated in the NBA Cup group stage. Their last win against the Magic secured them a spot in the knockouts and also home-court advantage for the next round!

East Group B: Milwaukee Bucks  

Similar to the Knicks, the Milwaukee Bucks also remain unwounded during their NBA Cup journey. While their regular season got off to an uneventful start, the Doc Rivers-led side has quickly recovered and found their footing. Not only have the Greek Freak and Co. won their last seven games, but the Deers also hold the best point differential out of all the 30 teams.

East Group C: Atlanta Hawks 

Probably the biggest surprise of them all was the Atlanta Hawks emerging victorious in Group C. The group included the top two teams in the NBA – the Boston Celtics and the Cleveland Cavaliers. Despite all the odds being stacked against them, the Trae Young-led Hawks defeated both of them during their NBA Cup games and sit atop Group C.

NBA Cup wildcards and matchups

The race for the group leaders was somewhat largely predictable. However, the battle to be the wildcard went down to the wire. To start with the West, a masterful comeback by the Mavericks against the Grizzlies tonight earned them the spot for the Western Conference wildcard. The Mavs have the best point differential among all teams at +46.

On the other hand, the Orlando Magic, a team that is prevailing without Paolo Banchero, continues their majestic run. Their point differential, +45, is the best in their group. However, their defeat to the Knicks deprived them of a key advantage of playing the knockout game at home. Albeit, that won’t matter much to the team who may be pleased about staying in the race.

Los Angeles Lakers‘ elimination means the NBA Cup will have a guaranteed new champion! And here is what the quarterfinal bracket looks like.

• Magic at Bucks
• Hawks at Knicks
• Mavericks at Thunder
• Warriors at Rockets

Which team do you think will advance? Let us know your views in the comments below.