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The 2026 NBA Cup tips off on Friday, October 30, marking the fourth season of the league’s in-season competition. Over the next six weeks, four group-stage games will determine the eight teams advancing to the knockout rounds, culminating in the championship game at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis on December 11.
Teams Competing for the Cup
Thirty franchises will battle for group stage supremacy across the league. The participating teams include the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Atlanta Hawks, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, Los Angeles Lakers, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Charlotte Hornets, Phoenix Suns, Los Angeles Clippers, Portland Trail Blazers, Milwaukee Bucks, Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Indiana Pacers, Washington Wizards, Utah Jazz, Memphis Grizzlies, and Sacramento Kings.
Defending Champions Face an Early Exit
Last year, the New York Knicks made history by winning both the NBA Cup and the NBA championship in the same season. However, according to CBS Sports Headlines, the Knicks drew a difficult assignment in East Group B alongside the 76ers, Cavaliers, Heat, and Pacers. They are predicted to continue a trend where defending Cup champions fail to advance out of the group stage the following year, following similar early exits by the Lakers and Bucks.
Portland and Houston Eye Deep Runs
In the Western Conference, the Portland Trail Blazers are projected to win West Group C. Propelled by a healthy backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and Ja Morant, Portland is expected to navigate past Victor Wembanyama and the San Antonio Spurs to reach the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, the Houston Rockets are predicted to claim the 2026 NBA Cup title. Despite an early back injury to Alperen Sengun, the Rockets benefit from a favorable group path and the presence of Kevin Durant, fitting the mold of past finalists eager to prove themselves in high-stakes environments following a postseason exit.
Battles in the East and Struggles in Sacramento
The Eastern Conference finalists are projected to be the Boston Celtics and the Detroit Pistons, both aided by early-season continuity and favorable group paths. On the other end of the spectrum, the Sacramento Kings are predicted to set a new negative record for point differential. Playing in a challenging West Group C with the Spurs, Lakers, Blazers, and Warriors, the Kings risk breaking the previous low mark of -85 set by the 2025 Utah Jazz.
The tournament group stage begins on Friday as teams fight to secure their place in the knockout rounds.
