Overview
- The NBA finalized the knockout schedule: quarterfinals Dec. 9–10 at higher seeds’ arenas, then semifinals Dec. 13 and the final Dec. 16 at T‑Mobile Arena in Las Vegas; Prime Video will carry the knockout games.
- Toronto has clinched East Group A and remains the lone confirmed qualifier, while the Pacers, Jazz and Pelicans have been eliminated ahead of the week’s remaining group games.
- Seven knockout berths will be settled by Friday, with notable scenarios including the Lakers clinching West Group B with a win over the Clippers on Tuesday, Bucks/Heat paths tied to Knicks results in East C, and the Trail Blazers taking West C by beating the Spurs.
- Per Front Office Sports, 2025 player bonuses rose with BRI growth to $530,933 for champions, $212,373 for runners‑up, $106,187 for semifinal losers and $53,093 for quarterfinal losers; two‑way players receive half shares.
- Head‑to‑head results and point differential are the primary tiebreakers in group play, underscoring incentives to build margins in the final slate.