Emirates NBA Cup 2026 Group Stage Schedule Announced: Lakers vs Warriors Among Major Clashes
The NBA has officially announced the complete Group Play schedule for the Emirates NBA Cup 2026, with the fourth edition of the in-season competition set to begin on October 30.
All 30 NBA teams will participate in the Group Stage, with 60 games scheduled through November 27. Each team will play four games against the other teams in its group before eight teams advance to the single-elimination Knockout Rounds.
Several high-profile matchups are already set, including Los Angeles Lakers vs Golden State Warriors, Warriors vs San Antonio Spurs and Lakers vs Spurs.
Lakers vs Warriors Headlines Opening Night
The NBA Cup begins on October 30 with a Prime Video doubleheader:
New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers – 7:30 PM ET
Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors – 10:00 PM ET
The defending NBA Cup and NBA champions, New York Knicks, will open their campaign against the new-look Philadelphia 76ers.
The second game brings together two of the league's most popular teams as Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves lead the Lakers against Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and the Warriors.
For NBA fans in India, Lakers vs Warriors should be one of the biggest attractions of the opening stage.
Curry vs Wembanyama on November 13
Golden State will face another major challenge on November 13 when the Warriors travel to San Antonio.
Stephen Curry will go up against Victor Wembanyama and a Spurs team that finished as runners-up in last season's NBA Cup.
The same night also features New York Knicks vs Indiana Pacers, adding another chapter to a rivalry that has produced several memorable playoff battles.
Rockets Take On Nuggets
Houston Rockets will visit the Denver Nuggets on November 20 in an important West Group A contest.
One of the biggest attractions will be the battle between Alperen Sengun and Nikola Jokić.
With both teams expected to compete near the top of the Western Conference, the result could have a major impact on qualification for the Knockout Rounds.
Thanksgiving Eve Tripleheader
ESPN will feature three consecutive NBA Cup games on November 25:
Miami Heat at Philadelphia 76ers
Minnesota Timberwolves at Oklahoma City Thunder
San Antonio Spurs at Portland Trail Blazers
Several major offseason additions will be involved, making this one of the strongest NBA Cup nights on the schedule.
The Timberwolves-Thunder clash should be particularly interesting in the West, while San Antonio will face a new-look Portland side featuring Ja Morant and returning star Damian Lillard.
Lakers vs Spurs to Close Group Play
The Group Play stage concludes on November 27 with another major doubleheader:
Miami Heat at New York Knicks
Los Angeles Lakers at San Antonio Spurs
The final game will feature Luka Dončić against Victor Wembanyama as the Lakers visit San Antonio in a potentially crucial West Group C matchup.
With the Warriors, Lakers, Spurs, Trail Blazers and Kings all placed in West Group C, qualification could remain open until the final Cup Night.
NBA Cup Final Set for December 11
Eight teams will advance from Group Play to the single-elimination Knockout Rounds.
The Quarterfinals are scheduled for December 4 and 5, followed by the Semifinals on December 8 and/or 9.
The Emirates NBA Cup 2026 Championship will then be played on December 11 at the historic Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
With stars including Luka Dončić, Stephen Curry, Victor Wembanyama and Nikola Jokić involved, the 2026 NBA Cup promises several blockbuster matchups even before the Knockout Rounds begin.