2026 Emirates NBA Cup Groups Revealed: Complete Team-by-Team Breakdown
The Emirates NBA Cup returns for its fourth season in 2026, with all 30 NBA teams competing through a group-stage format before the tournament moves into the knockout rounds.
The NBA officially announced the six groups on August 12, 2026. The teams are divided into five-team pools, with three groups in the Eastern Conference and three in the Western Conference.
Each team will play four group-stage games, including two home games and two road games. The group winners and wild-card teams will advance to the single-elimination knockout stage.
All NBA Cup group-stage games count toward the regular-season standings.
2026 NBA Cup Western Conference Groups List.
West Group A
Dallas Mavericks
Denver Nuggets
Houston Rockets
Phoenix Suns
Utah Jazz
West Group A brings together several teams with strong expectations entering the 2026-27 season.
Denver remains a major contender behind Nikola Jokić, while Houston and Dallas will look to make deep postseason runs. Phoenix brings veteran talent to the group, while Utah adds another unpredictable element to the competition.
West Group B
Los Angeles Clippers
Memphis Grizzlies
Minnesota Timberwolves
New Orleans Pelicans
Oklahoma City Thunder
West Group B could be one of the most competitive pools in the Western Conference.
Oklahoma City enters the NBA Cup as one of the conference's leading teams after strong recent seasons. Minnesota and the Clippers bring playoff experience, while Memphis and New Orleans have the talent to challenge the group favorites.
West Group C
Golden State Warriors
Los Angeles Lakers
Portland Trail Blazers
Sacramento Kings
San Antonio Spurs
West Group C features several of the NBA's most recognizable teams.
The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors bring a long-running California rivalry to the group. San Antonio adds major interest with Victor Wembanyama leading its young core.
Sacramento and Portland round out the group and could play an important role in determining which teams advance to the knockout stage.
2026 NBA Cup Eastern Conference Groups, Teams List
East Group A
Brooklyn Nets
Detroit Pistons
Milwaukee Bucks
Orlando Magic
Toronto Raptors
East Group A includes Milwaukee and Orlando, two teams expected to compete for a place near the top of the Eastern Conference.
Detroit, Toronto and Brooklyn add young talent and could create difficult matchups during group play.
East Group B
Cleveland Cavaliers
Indiana Pacers
Miami Heat
New York Knicks
Philadelphia 76ers
East Group B is one of the most anticipated groups in the 2026 NBA Cup.
Philadelphia features a star-studded roster led by LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Cleveland and Miami also bring significant postseason experience, while Indiana has the potential to challenge every opponent.
East Group C
Atlanta Hawks
Boston Celtics
Charlotte Hornets
Chicago Bulls
Washington Wizards
Boston enters East Group C as one of the leading teams on paper.
How the 2026 NBA Cup Group Stage Works
The 30 NBA teams are divided into six groups of five teams each.
Three groups are located in the Western Conference and three groups are in the Eastern Conference.
Each team plays four group-stage games against the other teams in its group.
Teams play two games at home and two on the road.
The group-stage games count toward each team's regular-season record and standings.
The five group winners and three wild-card teams advance to the single-elimination knockout stage.
2026 NBA In-Season Tournament Key Dates, Schedule for NBA Cup, Knockout Stage Dates.
Group Stage Games Dates
Tuesday, Oct. 30
Friday, Nov. 6
Tuesday, Nov. 13
Friday, Nov. 20
Tuesday, Nov. 24
Friday, Nov. 25
Sunday, Nov. 27
Knockout stages dates
Quarterfinals — Friday, Saturday Dec. 4-5
Semifinals — Saturday, Dec. 8 OR 9
Final Championship — Friday, Dec. 11.
The NBA Cup championship will be played at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
2026 NBA Cup Groups Summary
The six groups set up several major early-season matchups across the NBA.
East Group B stands out because it includes the Knicks, 76ers, Cavaliers, Heat and Pacers. West Group C also offers significant star power with the Lakers, Warriors and Spurs.
The group stage begins October 30 and runs through November 27. Teams will then compete for places in the December knockout rounds, with the 2026 NBA Cup champion crowned on December 11 in Indianapolis.
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