2026 NBA Cup Odds and Betting Preview: Thunder, Spurs Top the Board

The Oklahoma City Thunder enter the 2026 NBA Cup as one of the favorites, and it’s easy to understand why. Led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City has established itself as one of the NBA’s most dangerous teams. The Thunder have the talent, depth, and defensive strength to beat almost anyone on a given night.

Gilgeous-Alexander remains the engine of Oklahoma City’s offense. His ability to create shots, attack the basket, and control the pace makes him especially dangerous in close games. Chet Holmgren provides another major advantage with his shot-blocking, rebounding, and ability to stretch the floor. However, the injury to Jalen Williams will be a big loss for the rest of the season.

The Thunder also have an excellent supporting cast that can make life difficult for opposing offenses. Their defensive pressure and ability to force turnovers could prove valuable in the NBA Cup’s single-elimination rounds.

Oklahoma City competes in West Group B alongside Minnesota, the LA Clippers, Memphis, and New Orleans. The Timberwolves present the biggest threat, but the Thunder should be favored to advance.

At +375, Oklahoma City is a strong championship contender. However, the unpredictable nature of knockout basketball makes backing them less appealing, especially after the Williams injury.

The San Antonio Spurs have quickly become one of the NBA’s most exciting teams. With Victor Wembanyama leading the way, San Antonio has the talent and experience to finish the job after falling short in last season’s championship game.

Wembanyama is already one of basketball’s most difficult players to defend. His combination of size, shooting, and ball-handling creates problems for almost every opponent. He’s equally dangerous defensively, where his shot-blocking ability can completely change a game’s momentum.

The Spurs also benefit from a talented backcourt featuring De’Aaron Fox, Dylan Harper, and Stephon Castle. Fox provides speed and scoring, while Castle brings toughness, playmaking, and defensive versatility, and Harper brings a little of everything to the table. Together, they give San Antonio several ways to attack opposing defenses.

San Antonio faces the Lakers, Warriors, Trail Blazers, and Kings in West Group C. It’s a competitive draw, but the Spurs have the tools to finish on top.

At +375, San Antonio offers an attractive combination of talent and motivation. After losing to New York in last year’s final, Wembanyama and company have unfinished business.

The Philadelphia 76ers could be one of the most interesting teams in the 2026 NBA Cup. With a revamped roster featuring Joel Embiid, LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown, Philadelphia has enough star power to compete with the NBA’s best teams.

Embiid remains one of the league’s most dominant centers when healthy. His ability to score inside, draw fouls, and protect the rim gives Philadelphia a major advantage. Meanwhile, James brings championship experience and elite playmaking, while Brown provides another reliable scoring option.

The biggest question is whether Philadelphia’s stars can develop chemistry quickly enough. With several players accustomed to leading their own offenses, finding the right balance could take time. Health will also be a major factor, particularly for Embiid.

Philadelphia competes in East Group B alongside New York, Cleveland, Miami, and Indiana. It’s arguably the toughest group in the tournament, with many teams capable of advancing.

At +1100, the 76ers offer an interesting alternative to the favorites. Their difficult group makes them a risky pick, but if Philadelphia’s stars click, they have enough talent to win the entire tournament.

The Minnesota Timberwolves have the talent to make a serious run at the 2026 NBA Cup, especially with Anthony Edwards leading their offense. Minnesota has become a regular contender in the Western Conference, and its combination of scoring and defensive toughness makes it dangerous in a knockout tournament.

Edwards is the biggest reason to believe in the Timberwolves. His explosive scoring, athleticism, and ability to take over games make him one of the NBA’s most exciting players. He’s also capable of delivering big performances when the pressure is highest.

Minnesota added LaMelo Ball to its backcourt, giving Edwards another talented playmaker. Ball’s passing and outside shooting could make the Timberwolves more difficult to defend, although building chemistry between the two guards will be important.

The Timberwolves face Oklahoma City, the Clippers, Memphis, and New Orleans in West Group B. Their matchup against the Thunder could determine who advances, making the group stage a difficult challenge.

At +1400, Minnesota offers solid potential value. The Timberwolves have enough offensive firepower to beat anyone, but their difficult group and the need to build chemistry make them a less reliable pick than the top favorites.

The Toronto Raptors are an intriguing contender for the 2026 NBA Cup, particularly after their impressive performance in last season’s tournament. Toronto went undefeated during group play before losing to the eventual champion New York Knicks in the quarterfinals.

The Raptors have an exciting roster built around Scottie Barnes and the returning Kawhi Leonard. Barnes provides versatility on both ends of the floor.

Leonard’s return could be the difference-maker. The former Raptors’ star brings championship experience and remains an excellent two-way player when healthy. However, his injury history makes his availability one of Toronto’s biggest concerns.

The Raptors compete in East Group A alongside Detroit, Orlando, Milwaukee, and Brooklyn. The Pistons should present their toughest challenge, although Orlando also has enough talent to cause problems.

At +1800, Toronto could offer better value than several teams with shorter odds. The Raptors have already shown they can succeed in this format, and Leonard adds another level of experience. If their stars stay healthy, Toronto could make a surprising run to the championship game.

The Los Angeles Lakers have already experienced NBA Cup success, winning the inaugural tournament in 2023. Now, with Luka Dončić leading the way, Los Angeles hopes to capture another championship and prove it can compete with the Western Conference’s strongest teams.

Dončić is the biggest reason the Lakers remain dangerous. His scoring, passing, and ability to control games make him one of the NBA’s most valuable players. In a single-elimination tournament, having a superstar who can deliver a 40-point performance is a major advantage.

The Lakers also have Austin Reaves, who provides another reliable scoring option. His shooting and ability to create offense should help take some pressure off Dončić, particularly against teams with strong perimeter defenses.

Los Angeles faces San Antonio, Golden State, Portland, and Sacramento in West Group C. The Spurs are the clear favorites, but the Lakers have enough talent to challenge them for first place.

At +2500, Los Angeles is an interesting sleeper. Dončić gives the Lakers a chance against almost anyone, but their defensive consistency, even with Walker Kessler, remains a concern. If their supporting cast steps up, another NBA Cup championship isn’t out of the question.

The Indiana Pacers enter the 2026 NBA Cup as one of the bigger longshots, but they shouldn’t be completely overlooked. Indiana has shown it can compete in high-pressure games, and its fast-paced offense could make it a dangerous opponent.

Tyrese Haliburton remains the key to Indiana’s success. His passing, court vision, and outside shooting make him one of the league’s most talented point guards. When healthy, Haliburton can control the tempo and create scoring opportunities for his teammates.

Pascal Siakam provides another important offensive weapon. His ability to score inside, attack mismatches, and contribute defensively gives Indiana a reliable option when its outside shots aren’t falling.

However, the Pacers face a difficult path through East Group B. They’ll compete against Philadelphia, New York, Cleveland, and Miami, leaving very little room for mistakes during group play.

At +3500, Indiana offers a potentially attractive payout, but there’s plenty of risk involved. The Pacers need Haliburton healthy and their offense operating at a high level to challenge the favorites, but they’re capable of surprising stronger opponents!