Regardless of what happens, there will be a newNBC Cupchampion.
After theLos Angeles Lakerswon the inaugural event in 2023 – then called the NBA In-Season Tournament – and after theMilwaukee Buckswon it last season, the NBA Cup trophy will now go to one of the four semifinal teams: theOrlando Magic,New York Knicks,San Antonio SpursorOklahoma City Thunder.
Both East and West games will take place Saturday, Dec. 13 in Las Vegas, with the final set for Tuesday, Dec. 16.
Here's everything you need to know about the two matchups in the 2025 NBA Cup semifinals: theOrlando Magic vs. the New York Knicksand theSan Antonio Spurs vs. the Oklahoma City Thunder:
NBA CHAMPS:Insane stats show just how dominant Thunder are this season
Oct. 26: The Brooklyn Nets' Michael Porter Jr. dunks in front of the San Antonio Spurs' Victor Wembanyama at Frost Bank Center." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" /> 
Dribble into this collection of dunk photos as NBA stars posterize opponents
Orlando Magicvs.New York Knickspreview
It's mid-December and these two teams might already be tired of one another.
Saturday's showdown will mark the fourth matchup between these two teams, and, interestingly, all of them have come in the last month. The Magic won the first two contests, though New York took the more recent meeting, 106-100, on Sunday, Dec. 7.
The Knicks are playing their best basketball of the season, having won eight of their last nine. During this recent stretch,Jalen Brunsonhas been stellar, averaging 28.2 points and 5.7 assists per game over that stretch.
Karl-Anthony TownsandMikal Bridgeshave also produced big games over this recent stretch, though New York's most promising development has been the return of forwardOG Anunoby, who had missed nine games with a hamstring injury. Since his return, Anunoby has helped spark intense defensive effort from the Knicks, who have allowed opponents to score just 104.3 points per game in that span.
While New York got healthy, Orlando will be without one of its stars.
ForwardFranz Wagnersuffered an awkward fall during this most recent loss against the Knicks Sunday and waslater diagnosed with a high-ankle sprainthat will likely sideline him for at least a couple of weeks.
While the Magic won their following game,Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal against the Miami Heat, Wagner leads the Magic in scoring (22.7 points per game), so Orlando will need to adjust.
The good news for the Magic is that guardDesmond Bane, after a slow start to the season, has picked up his scoring; over his last six games, he has produced three separate 37-point performances.
This matchup, however, will be strength on strength, and could very well be a future preview of a playoff showdown. The Magic rank sixth in the NBA in defensive rating (111.5), while the Knicks rank second in offensive rating (121.8).
∎Prediction: Knicks win, 116-107
San Antonio Spursvs.Oklahoma City Thunderpreview
The Thunder are the best team in basketball. The Spurs, with their core of young talent, might be the squad to eventually contend with Oklahoma City, in what could be a blossoming rivalry in the West.
But, right now, it's theThunder who are dominant. They have sprinted out to a 24-1 record and are on pace to obliterate the single-season record for scoring margin – which they set last season.
Because late leads have been so out of hand, reigning Most Valuable PlayerShai Gilgeous-Alexanderhas sat more fourth quarters (13) than ones he has played (11). Despite that, he's averaging 32.6 points per game, which is second best in the NBA.
Yet, the wild thing is that the Thunder's preferred starting lineup still hasn't played a single minute this season, asJalen Williamsmissed extended time before his return Nov. 28, and centerIsaiah Hartensteinis currently out.
For the Spurs, it's a different story. The team isexpected to have star phenom Victor Wembanyama backfrom a left calf strain, as San Antonio upgraded him to probable on the injury report that dropped Friday, Dec. 12.
Wembanyama has missed the last 12 games with the injury, but the Spurs have been steady – if not stellar – in his absence. San Antonio has gone 9-3 in that span, and guardsDe'Aaron Fox,Stephon CastleandDylan Harperhave been the catalyst in getting the Spurs to push tempo.
It will be interesting to see if San Antonio opts to keep that strategy now that Wembanyama is expected back. The main issue, however, is that the Thunder are not only the best defensive team in basketball – and by a wide margin – but they also excel in transition, clogging lanes.
San Antonio, though, presents unique matchup problems for Oklahoma City.Chet Holmgrenwill likely be tasked with defending Wembanyama, though it will take an overall concerted effort. This could very well be a preview of the Western Conference finals.
∎Prediction: Thunder win, 109-108
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Knicks, Magic, Thunder, Spurs play in NBA Cup semifinals. Who wins?
