The Emirates NBA Cup begins on Friday, October 30, with a doubleheader built around Knicks–76ers and Lakers–Warriors. Group Play adds a second competition to the regular-season calendar, and every result will count toward both the team’s regular-season record and its Cup group standings.
The opening game is already final: Philadelphia beat the New York Knicks 98–93, with LeBron James hitting the go-ahead fadeaway late and Tyrese Maxey scoring 27. The second headline fixture, Lakers at Warriors, is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET on Friday at Chase Center; no final result is included here until the NBA game centre confirms it.
Friday’s NBA Cup doubleheader
| Matchup | US tip-off (ET) | India time (IST) | Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Knicks at Philadelphia 76ers | 7:30 p.m. Fri Oct 30 | 5:00 a.m. Sat Oct 31 | East Group B |
| Los Angeles Lakers at Golden State Warriors | 10:00 p.m. Fri Oct 30 | 7:30 a.m. Sat Oct 31 | West Group C |
Both games are scheduled for Prime Video in the United States. The Knicks and 76ers meet in an early rematch that gives New York a chance to reinforce its status as the reigning Cup champion. The Lakers–Warriors matchup brings together two high-profile Western Conference teams and a second opportunity for each side to establish an early Cup position.
Group Play games count in the regular-season standings and the NBA Cup table. Teams cannot treat the competition as a separate exhibition or sacrifice league results to chase the Cup.
Opening-night result: 76ers edge Knicks 98–93
Philadelphia began its Cup campaign with a 98–93 home win over New York. Tyrese Maxey led the 76ers with 27 points, while LeBron James scored 20 and delivered the decisive fadeaway with 1:10 remaining. V.J. Edgecombe added an insurance three-pointer as Philadelphia protected the lead in the closing seconds.
Jalen Brunson scored 24 for the Knicks, who briefly moved ahead 90–89 with 1:32 left. Karl-Anthony Towns collected 12 rebounds, but Philadelphia’s late execution proved the difference in a tight, defence-first contest.
Brunson gave New York a 90–89 lead, but James answered with the go-ahead fadeaway and Philadelphia closed out the final minute.
Lakers at Warriors: second Cup headline game
The Lakers–Warriors game is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET on Friday, October 30, at Chase Center and is listed as a West Group C fixture. At the time of this update, a confirmed final score was not available in the official game listing, so this guide keeps the match as a scheduled fixture rather than reporting an unverified result.
How the NBA Cup format works
All 30 teams have been drawn into six groups of five, three in each conference. Each team plays four designated Group Play games—one against every other team in its group. The group winners and one wild-card team from each conference advance to the eight-team knockout stage.
Group Play runs from October 30 through November 27, with Cup Nights scheduled on Fridays and two additional dates on November 24 and 25. The quarter-finals are set for December 4–5, the semi-finals for December 8 or 9, and the championship for December 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
Three storylines to watch
Can the Knicks defend their Cup crown?
New York arrives as the reigning NBA Cup and NBA champion after becoming the first team to win both in the same season. The Cup format is short enough that a strong start can matter, but one poor shooting night can quickly complicate qualification.
Philadelphia’s response at home
The 76ers begin Group Play with a home game against the defending champions. Their ability to protect the ball, rebound misses and create good looks late in the shot clock will be tested against a team already comfortable in high-pressure games.
Lakers and Warriors renew their early-season contest
The late game offers a high-profile test of half-court offence and transition defence. Golden State will look to create movement and open perimeter shots, while the Lakers will want to use their size and attack the paint. Defensive rebounding may determine which team can control the tempo.
The opening weekend beyond the Cup
Regular-season games continue around the Cup doubleheader. The NBA’s official schedule lists ten games on Friday, including Hornets–Wizards, Bulls–Celtics, Pistons–Nets and the two national doubleheader games. Thursday’s completed slate included Atlanta’s 114–111 win over Cleveland, New Orleans’ 132–120 win over Sacramento and Memphis’ 124–103 victory over Portland.
Sportimatic outlook
The Cup gives the early season a clear competitive thread. The Knicks will be measured against the pressure that comes with defending a title, Philadelphia can make an immediate statement at home, and the Lakers–Warriors game offers a compelling western matchup. Strong defensive possessions and execution in the final minutes will matter more than the tournament branding.
Sources and further reading
Updated October 31, 2026. Philadelphia’s 98–93 win over New York is final. Lakers–Warriors remains listed separately as a scheduled West Group C game until an official final is posted. US start times are Eastern Time; India times are IST.