The Atlanta Hawks saw some good fortune go their way when the NBA revealed its groups for the third annual NBA Cup on Wednesday afternoon.
After being drawn into East Group B, Atlanta will face off against the likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, and Washington Wizards. Though the Hawks were dealt a more difficult group last season (Boston, Cleveland, Chicago, Washington), they were still able to advance past the group stage. This time around, the team has an even better chance of making it to the knockout rounds in Las Vegas.
NBA Cup groups are selected by randomly assigning teams to three groups of five based on their previous regular season conference standings. The top three seeds are assigned to groups, then the 4-6 seeds, and so on. The Hawks caught a break by landing the Pacers, who will be missing star Tyrese Halliburton, as their 4-6 seed matchup. The Cavaliers are a formidable opponent, but Atlanta now matches up well against Cleveland after adding length this offseason.
Breaking down the matchups
Cleveland Cavaliers
Last season: 64-18, No. 1 seed, lost in conference semifinals
Key additions: Lonzo Ball, Larry Nance Jr., Tyrese Proctor
Key losses: Ty Jerome, Isaac Okoro
Season outlook: This is clearly the team to beat in the group. Cleveland earned the top seed in the East last season, and it was no fluke. Their stalwart defense carried them, with Evan Mobley taking home Defensive Player of the Year honors. They’re a contender to win the NBA Cup, and NBA Finals outright. The only question is how they handle prosperity. They were the hunter last year, trying to chase down defending champion Boston. Now that they are the hunted, can they replicate that same success?
Matchup X-factor: It’ll be a battle of the big men when Atlanta and Cleveland square off. The Hawks won 2 of 3 last regular season, and that was without new arrival Kristaps Porzingis. He andOnyeka Okongwu against Mobley and Jarrett Allen will be must-see television. The Cavaliers‘ offense is led by an elite backcourt of Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland. With the addition of Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Atlanta now has two plus defenders to match up with Cleveland’s guard duo.
Indiana Pacers
Last season: 50-32, No. 4 seed, lost in NBA Finals
Key additions: Jay Huff, Kam Jones
Key losses: Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton (injury)
Season outlook: Indiana seems to be a team destined for an in-between season. After losing Haliburton to a ruptured achilles and seeing Turner leave for Milwaukee, the Pacers are suddenly without two of the pillars of their Finals run. Pascal Siakam does return, but the pieces around him are lacking. They’re still a quality opponent that can be dangerous on any given night, but not enough to challenge for the east.
Matchup X-factor: Similarly to Cleveland, Indiana features quality frontcourt play. Pascal Siakam should battle with Porzingis and Okongwu inside and out. If the Pacers take down the Hawks, Siakam will almost certainly be the reason why.
Toronto Raptors
Last season: 30-52, did not qualify for postseason
Key additions: Sandro Mamukelashvili, Collin Murray-Boyles
Key losses: none
Season outlook: The Raptors look to regain relevance in the East with the new pairing of forwards Scottie Barnes and Brandon Ingram. Though the team as a whole is rebuilding, that pairing should (when healthy) prove valuable.
Matchup X-factor: When facing wings like Barnes and Ingram, second-year playerZaccharie Risacherwill be tasked with defending each of them. He’s a quality defender in his own right, but will need to stay out of foul trouble against a pair of potent scorers.
Washington Wizards
Last season: 18-64, did not qualify for postseason
Key additions: Cam Whitmore, Dillon Jones
Key losses: C.J. McCollum, Kelly Olynyk
Season outlook: Washington looks to continue their rebuild in 2025-26, and have gone even younger this offseason. Trading veterans like McCollum and Olynyk made their intentions clear. They profile as a fast-paced young team with some long-term potential.
Matchup X-factor: Trae Young will be tasked with defending the young Wizards as they run up and down the floor. Standout second-year guard Bub Carrington leads the attack, and will likely be matched up with Young countless times. Despite Washington’s inexperience, Atlanta must be ready for the fight that comes with facing a high-paced offense.