NBA Cup Odds & Favorites 2026: Spurs Favored to Win In-Season Tournament
The San Antonio Spurs lead the 2026 NBA Cup odds at +425, followed by the Oklahoma City Thunder at +500. San Antonio reached last year's championship game before falling to the New York Knicks, who return looking to defend their title.
Oklahoma City's championship hopes have taken a significant hit after two serious injuries. All-Star Jalen Williams suffered a fractured left fibula and a dislocated ankle that will require surgery, while Cason Wallace also needs surgery for a torn labrum in his left shoulder. Neither player has a confirmed return timetable, adding uncertainty to the Thunder's chances.
The Boston Celtics have the third-shortest odds at +900, followed by the Detroit Pistons (+1500). The Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Toronto Raptors are tied at +1600, while the Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers follow at +1700. The Denver Nuggets sit at +2000.
The fourth annual NBA Cup tips off Friday, Oct. 30, with group play running through Nov. 27. All 30 teams will compete in six groups of five, with eight advancing to the single-elimination knockout rounds. Opening night features the defending champion Knicks visiting the 76ers and the Los Angeles Lakers facing the Golden State Warriors.
The tournament concludes Friday, Dec. 11, with the NBA Cup championship game at historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Read on for the latest 2026 NBA Cup odds, tournament favorites, and key dates.
NBA Cup Live odds
NBA Cup opening odds
NBA odds via DraftKings, as of July 21.
| Team | Odds | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thunder | +285 | Trail Blazers | +4500 |
| Spurs | +450 | Pacers | +4500 |
| Celtics | +1100 | Warriors | +4500 |
| Knicks | +1300 | Suns | +5000 |
| Pistons | +1400 | Hornets | +6000 |
| Raptors | +1600 | Wizards | +7000 |
| Timberwolves | +2000 | Mavericks | +10000 |
| Nuggets | +2000 | Jazz | +30000 |
| 76ers | +2200 | Clippers | +40000 |
| Magic | +2500 | Pelicans | +50000 |
| Lakers | +2500 | Bulls | +80000 |
| Hawks | +2800 | Grizzlies | +90000 |
| Heat | +3000 | Kings | +100000 |
| Rockets | +3000 | Bucks | +100000 |
| Cavaliers | +3000 | Nets | +100000 |
NBA Cup betting history
| Year | Team | Preseason odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Knicks | +550 |
| 2024 | Bucks | +850 |
| 2023 | Lakers | +1300 |
NBA Cup FAQs
Who is the NBA Cup favorite?
The Thunder are a +285 betting favorite to win the 2026 NBA Cup.
Who won the NBA Cup last season?
The Knicks beat the Spurs in the 2025 NBA Cup final.
How does the NBA In-Season Tournament work?
All 30 teams are randomly drawn into six groups of five (three groups per conference) based on their win-loss records from the 2025-26 regular season.
Beginning in late October and continuing through late November, each team plays four designated group-stage games on Cup Nights (held on Tuesdays and Fridays) - one game against each opponent in its group. Two games are played at home and two on the road.
Eight teams advance to the single-elimination knockout rounds: The six group winners plus two Wild Cards (the team in each conference with the best standing among second-place finishers).
The knockout stage begins with the quarterfinals hosted in local NBA team markets. The tournament then culminates with the semifinals and the championship game in December at a designated host venue. All games (except the championship) count toward regular-season standings.
What do you get for winning the NBA In-Season Tournament?
Teams compete for a prize pool and the NBA Cup championship trophy.
When will the NBA Cup be decided?
The 2025 NBA Cup final was on Dec. 16, so expect the 2026 in-season tournament to finish in mid-December.
Do NBA In-Season Tournament games count toward team records?
All 67 games across both stages of the NBA Cup will count toward the regular season standings, except the championship.
Each team will continue to play 82 regular-season games in the 2026-27 season, including those games that are part of group play and the knockout rounds.
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