The 2026 Emirates NBA Cup tips off group play with 20 teams in action on October 30, bringing a champion’s rematch in Philadelphia, a high-profile West Coast clash in San Francisco, and a shift in venue for the tournament’s final round.
The league’s annual in-season tournament begins Friday with group-play matchups stretching across late November before moving into the single-elimination knockout rounds in December. All 30 teams return to the familiar four-game group format drawn from last season’s regular-season records.
Knockout Stage Moves to Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis
After three years in Las Vegas, the Emirates NBA Cup is leaving Las Vegas for its championship round. Butler’s Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis will host the final game on December 11.
Group Play games in the Emirates NBA Cup 2026 will take place on "Cup Nights" from Oct. 30 – Nov. 27.Each team will play one game against each of the four opponents in its group.The six group winners and one wild card from each conference will advance to the… https://t.co/cvMhIjeSs2 pic.twitter.com/mxgEdKfcPP
The journey to Indiana runs through a tight schedule of single-elimination games. The eight surviving teams from group play advance to the quarterfinals on December 4 and 5, hosted by the higher-seeded teams in their home arenas. Semifinals follow on December 8 and/or 9 ahead of the title clash.
Opening Night Drama Across East Group B and West Group C
Opening night delivered high-intensity basketball right out of the gate. In East Group B action, the New York Knicks traveled to face the Philadelphia 76ers in a rematch of their October 20 season opener. Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe helped push Philadelphia ahead during a quick start in the opening quarter against the Knicks.
Out west, the Los Angeles Lakers visited the Golden State Warriors for a West Group C showdown. Luka Dončić, who has led the Lakers with 36.0 points per game, helped stake the team to an early lead before the Warriors played the Lakers in the early season.
We all need to catch our breaths.
Michael Grady, via Europesays
Rookies and Stars Shine Through Group Play
Young talent made immediate waves on opening night. Washington Wizards rookie AJ Dybantsa squared off against the Charlotte Hornets after receiving pregame advice from John Wall, a former Wizards player.
Very excited, very mature. Fits in with the team. He didn’t try to do too much. He let the game come to him.
John Wall, via Europesays
Dybantsa backed up the praise by grabbing a defensive rebound, driving coast-to-coast, and finishing with a behind-the-back move.
Elsewhere, Scottie Barnes set a new career high with 41 points for the Toronto Raptors in a narrow win over the Orlando Magic.
