Emirates NBA Cup Group Play: Predictions from national media

For all 30 teams, class is in session. The Emirates NBA Cup tips October 30 on Prime.

2026 Emirates NBA Cup

We asked nine NBA media members for their Emirates NBA Cup Group Play predictions.

Prior to Friday’s NBA Cup tip-off, check out the following picks from veterans of the NBA media.

Who are your group winners and wild cards? What teams will make it to Hinkle Fieldhouse for the Cup Championship?

The tournament gets underway tonight with a

10-game slate

, including a Prime doubleheader.

2026

@emirates

NBA Cup Group Play begins TONIGHT!

🏆 Brunson, NYK visit Maxey, PHI

🏆 #1 scorer Luka, LAL vs. #3 scorer Steph, GSW

🏆 HOU seeks 6-0 start, DAL seeks 3rd straight W

🏆 Joker coming off 200th triple-double

🏆 #1 pick Dybantsa coming off 19p debut

pic.twitter.com/jg3jXM6pfx

— NBA (@NBA)

October 30, 2026