Group assignments for the Emirates NBA Cup 2026 place teams into six five-team pods based on 2025-26 standings, with each squad playing four group games on designated Cup nights beginning October 30. The six group winners plus one wild-card team per conference advance to the single-elimination knockout rounds starting December 4. Early betting markets highlight the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs as the strongest implied favorites to advance and contend, reflecting their recent regular-season and playoff performance. Roster continuity, injury reports entering the 2026-27 campaign, and group matchups—such as the loaded East Group B featuring the Knicks and 76ers—will shape advancement odds as group play unfolds through late November.