NBA Cup: What It Is, Who’s Playing, and Why It Matters

When you hear NBA Cup, a new annual tournament within the NBA regular season that pits teams against each other in group play before a knockout stage. Also known as the NBA In-Season Tournament, it was introduced to add meaning to early-season games that once felt like glorified exhibitions. This isn’t just another exhibition—it’s a real trophy, real stakes, and real money on the line. Teams fight for seeding, pride, and a $2 million prize pool for the winning squad. The NBA Cup reshapes how fans watch November and December basketball, turning routine matchups into must-watch events.

The Oklahoma City Thunder, a young, fast-paced team with elite defensive talent and rising stars, entered the 2025-26 season as favorites in their group after a breakout year. Their opener against the Houston Rockets, a revamped roster built around veteran superstar Kevin Durant—now playing for Houston after a decade with Phoenix—was one of the most talked-about games of the tournament. The odds? Thunder by 6.5 points. Why? Because Durant’s presence alone shifts how defenses play, but his new teammates are still learning how to move with him. Meanwhile, the Thunder’s depth and cohesion make them dangerous in short bursts.

The NBA Cup isn’t just about the big names. It’s also about teams like Memphis, Denver, and Charlotte using it as a springboard to prove they belong. For franchises stuck in rebuild mode, winning even one game in the Cup can spark momentum. For contenders, it’s a chance to test lineups and rotations before the real grind of the playoffs begins. And for fans? It means more high-stakes games in November—no more waiting until January for something that matters.

What you’ll find in this collection are the stories behind the scores: how Kevin Durant’s move to Houston changed the league’s balance, why the Thunder are suddenly favorites, and how teams like the Lakers and Warriors are navigating this new format. You’ll see how injuries, trades, and coaching tweaks play out under pressure. This isn’t just basketball—it’s strategy, drama, and identity all rolled into one tournament. The NBA Cup didn’t just add a trophy. It added urgency to every game.