– The Thunder are +320 favorites for the 2026 NBA Cup, followed by the Cavaliers (+700) and Rockets (+900).
– An exciting Luka vs. Mavs matchup in West Group B might decide the group winner.
– View the full NBA Cup odds below, along with early group winner predictions.
The Emirates NBA Cup is back for its third edition, and DraftKings Sportsbook has released the odds. Reigning NBA champions, the Thunder, lead at +320, but the tournament has several compelling narratives that could shift the dynamics.
Group play starts on October 31, earlier than prior years. The format is unchanged: six groups with five teams each compete for eight knockout spots. The title game is set for December 16 in Las Vegas.
**NBA Cup Winner Odds**
The Thunder’s NBA championship odds match their Cup odds. OKC had 68 wins last season but lost to Milwaukee in last year’s Cup final, 97-81, which was their lone defeat during a 15-game regular-season winning streak.
Cleveland and Houston follow closely, with a 200 basis point gap. The Rockets’ addition of Kevin Durant propels them into the contender category, while the Cavs maintain their top-tier offense.
*Odds as of July 9th. Get the DraftKings promo code before betting on the NBA Cup.*
**West Group A Winner Odds**
**OKC Faces West Finals Rematch**
The Thunder’s toughest group competition comes from Minnesota, who they beat in five games during the West Finals. This playoff experience could benefit OKC in this early tournament.
Phoenix becomes a wildcard after trading Durant to Houston. The Suns now have Devin Booker, Jalen Green, and Dillon Brooks, but this group lacks the cohesion to challenge the Thunder. Utah is projected as the league’s weakest team with 18.5 wins, practically gifting OKC a victory.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has signed the richest annual NBA contract and aims to win the elusive trophy from last season. Lock in the Thunder at -165 before the odds shift further.
– **The Pick: Oklahoma City Thunder (-165)**
**West Group B Odds**
**Luka-Mavs Showdown Highlights Group**
This group offers the most compelling storyline: Luka Dončić facing the Mavericks. The Lakers, who acquired Luka via trade, are slight favorites in this competitive group.
Dallas at +500 shouldn’t be underestimated. Cooper Flagg, the most NBA-ready rookie in years, joins Anthony Davis, Dereck Lively, and Daniel Gafford in a formidable frontcourt. Their defense could overwhelm teams early when offensive chemistry is lacking.
The Mavericks have extra motivation due to the PR issues from Dončić’s trade. Expect their defense to be intense, something many teams won’t match early in the season. Flagg’s early impact could determine the group outcome.
– **The Pick: Dallas Mavericks (+500)**
**East Group C Odds**
**Knicks Catch Break With Draw**
The Knicks benefit from their draw. Milwaukee, last year’s Cup winners, released Damian Lillard and faces uncertainty about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s future. Miami added Norman Powell but still lacks depth, while Chicago remains mediocre.
New head coach Mike Brown’s championship experience will maximize the Knicks’ improved bench. Jordan Clarkson adds instant offense, and Guerschon Yabusele enhances frontcourt depth. The team’s depth is crucial for the compressed Cup schedule.
At nearly even odds, the Knicks offer the best value. They had their deepest playoff run in 25 years and face a weakened conference, so act quickly before the odds fall below plus-money.
– **The Pick: New York Knicks (+105)**
**NBA Cup Best Bets**
**Atlanta Hawks to Win East Group A (+220)**
The Hawks have quietly built one of the East’s strongest rosters, adding Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Luke Kennard, and Kristaps Porzingis while retaining core players. NAW provides elite perimeter defense, and Kennard has twice led in three-point percentage.
Jalen Johnson returns after an All-Star trajectory interrupted by injury, and Dyson Daniels, the Most Improved Player, joins them. This team’s elite defense surrounds Trae Young, who had a career-high assist average last season.
Cleveland is the favorite but generally starts slowly. The Hawks made last year’s Cup quarterfinals and have championship experience with Porzingis. At +220, they offer great value in a group missing key players (Haliburton injured, Turner gone).
**Houston Rockets to Win NBA Cup (+900)**
The Rockets tackled their major weakness by acquiring Kevin Durant, who brings the clutch scoring missing in last year’s first-round exit. Durant remains top-tier when healthy, and Houston’s defensive setup complements his talent.
Additions like Dorian Finney-S
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