From CBS Sports · · 1m 30s
2026 NBA Cup Predictions
Houston Rockets win 2026 NBA Cup after early-season success.
In brief
Houston Rockets win 2026 NBA Cup after early-season success. Houston Rockets will win the 2026 NBA Cup after a strong start, proving they can compete beyond regular-season performance. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
2026 NBA Cup starts
The 2026 NBA Cup begins on Friday, Oct. 30, as the fourth season of the NBA's in-season competition tips off.
Knicks' Cup history
The New York Knicks won the 2025 NBA Cup and NBA championship, becoming the first team to pull off the NBA double.
Group stage format
The 2026 Cup will be decided over six weeks with four group-stage games determining the eight teams that reach the knockout rounds.
East Group B teams
East Group B includes the New York Knicks, Philadelphia 76ers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat.
Knicks won't advance
The New York Knicks won't make it out of the group stage in 2026, continuing their streak of defending Cup champs failing to advance.
Trail Blazers win West Group C
The Portland Trail Blazers win West Group C, with Damian Lillard and Ja Morant leading the team to the knockout rounds.
Kings set record
The Sacramento Kings set a record for negative point differential in four group stage games.
Celtics and Pistons battle
The Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons will decide the East finalist in the semifinals.
Rockets win Cup
The Houston Rockets win the 2026 NBA Cup after a strong start, proving they can compete beyond regular-season performance.
In short
Houston Rockets will win the 2026 NBA Cup after a strong start, proving they can compete beyond regular-season performance.
