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The NBA’s in-season Cup returns with fresh stakes, new logistics and plenty of betting intrigue. Group nights begin at the end of October, the knockout rounds now favor higher seeds at home, and the title game will be staged in Indianapolis. Expect storylines, injuries and shifting odds to dominate headlines as teams race to qualify and sportsbooks roll out promos.
Favorites, sleepers and a pick to lift the NBA Cup
My pick to win the Cup is the San Antonio Spurs. They reached the Cup final and the NBA Finals last season. They have star power in Victor Wembanyama and depth around him. Recent injury news in Oklahoma City moved market shares in San Antonio’s favor.
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- Spurs recent odds: around +370 at DraftKings and +300 at FanDuel after Thunder injuries.
- Why them: elite defense, postseason experience, and a favorable group draw.
- Risks: slow starts and occasional inconsistency from young pieces.
The defending champions, the New York Knicks, head into a tough East group with Philadelphia, Cleveland, Miami and Indiana. No team has won the Cup twice yet, so the field feels wide open.
How the 2026 NBA Cup operates — format and calendar
The Cup follows two clear phases: group play and single-elimination knockouts. All group games count toward the regular season.
- Group play: Oct. 30–Nov. 27 on designated Cup nights, including Thanksgiving week.
- Quarterfinals: Dec. 4–5. Higher seeds host.
- Semifinals: Dec. 8–9. Higher seeds host.
- Championship: Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Thirty teams are split into six groups of five. Each team plays four group games, two at home and two away. Six group winners plus one wild card per conference reach the knockout bracket.
Tiebreakers go in this order: head-to-head, point differential, total points scored, previous season record, then random draw. Point differential can be decisive, so expect teams to keep pressure in late blowouts.
Group-winner picks worth considering with odds and context
East Group A: Toronto Raptors (+160 at DraftKings)
The Raptors surprised last season and added scoring punch by reuniting with Kawhi Leonard. Early games show a stingy defense and reliable offense from Scottie Barnes.
- Why they can win: top-tier defense, favorable home games and manageable opponents.
- Key matchup: a Nov. 20 trip to Detroit could tip the group.
- Market edge: strong defensive point differential helps with tiebreakers.
East Group B: Indiana Pacers (+450 at DraftKings)
This is the tournament’s toughest pool. I like the value on Indiana rather than backing a short-priced favorite. Tyrese Haliburton is back healthy and playing at a high level.
- Reasons to back them: experienced core, home dates versus Philly and New York, and added scoring from Pascal Siakam.
- Motivation: the Cup final is in Indianapolis this year.
West Group B: Minnesota Timberwolves (+270 at DraftKings)
The Timberwolves looked dominant early. Anthony Edwards is putting up big numbers, and the LaMelo Ball trade is already showing chemistry.
- Strengths: explosive scoring, elite point-differential potential, and solid defense.
- Big test: Nov. 25 in Oklahoma City may decide the group.
- Value: +270 looks attractive with Thunder suddenly short-handed.
Top sportsbook offers for NBA Cup bettors
Welcome promos change by state and time. Below are notable offers to watch before you place Cup bets.
- DraftKings: Spend $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets plus three months of NBA League Pass.
- FanDuel: Get $150 in Bonus Bets when you wager $5 across three days.
- BetMGM: $50 Reward Bonus plus up to $1,500 back in bonus bets.
- Fanatics: Bet $20, get $350 in Fan Cash.
- bet365: Bet $10, get $200 win or lose for new users.
- theScore Bet: Up to a $1,000 bet reset.
- BetRivers: Second-chance bonus bet up to $500.
Best bets to reach each knockout stage
To qualify for the quarterfinals: Timberwolves (+170 at DraftKings)
Backing Minnesota to reach the quarterfinals gives a cushion beyond winning the group. They can secure a spot as a group winner or as the West wild card.
- Paths to qualify: win the group or finish 3–1 with strong point differential.
- Why it fits: favorable group opponents and current form.
- Wild-card dynamics: West Group A could produce a 3–1 runner-up, so Minnesota’s blowout wins matter.
To qualify for the semifinals: Spurs (+125 at DraftKings)
The Spurs need to win their group, then take one knockout game at home. Both tasks are realistic given the roster and draw.
- Group outlook: Lakers, Warriors, Trail Blazers and Kings are underdogs versus San Antonio.
- Quarterfinal danger: possible opponent from Denver or Houston.
- Edge: Wembanyama’s rim protection makes them a tough matchup on their floor.
To qualify for the finals: Celtics (+400 at DraftKings)
Boston’s route looks practical. They landed in the conference’s softest group and could host knockout rounds with a 4–0 run.
- Group matchups: Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago and Washington.
- Why this matters: hosting quarters and semis at TD Garden is a real advantage.
- Concerns: roster turnover and early shooting slumps are watch points.
Who could win NBA Cup MVP — frontrunner and dark horse
My top MVP pick for the Cup is Victor Wembanyama (+500 at DraftKings). The award historically goes to a star from the championship team.
- Why Wembanyama: game-changing two-way impact and highlight performances vs. high-profile opponents.
- Competing candidate: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains a statistical machine when healthy.
- Market note: injuries to key Thunder pieces reduce the odds of an Oklahoma City player winning MVP.
Wembanyama’s ability to dominate both ends, combined with a likely Spurs Cup run, makes him a logical MVP bet.
