# 2026 NBA Cup Predictions

> Houston Rockets win 2026 NBA Cup after early-season success.
- Title: 2026 NBA Cup Predictions · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: nba cup, houston rockets, 2026 nba cup, detroit pistons, boston celtics, portland trail blazers, san antonio spurs, los angeles lakers, CBS Sports
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nba/news/bold-predictions-2026-nba-cup-new-champion
- Published: 2026-10-30T12:26:05+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nba cup, houston rockets, 2026 nba cup, detroit pistons, boston celtics, portland trail blazers, san antonio spurs, los angeles lakers, 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.
## Key takeaway

Houston Rockets will win the 2026 NBA Cup after a strong start, proving they can compete beyond regular-season performance.