OKC Thunder 2025 NBA Cup Preview

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – DECEMBER 17: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks brings the ball up the court against Cason Wallace #22 of the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second quarter of the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup at T-Mobile Arena on December 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bucks defeated the Thunder 97-81. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

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Following an 8-1 start to the 2025-26 season, the Oklahoma City Thunder will enter NBA Cup play on Friday night against the Sacramento Kings. The Thunder fell short in the NBA Cup Championship last season, losing to the Milwaukee Bucks, which makes this year’s run feel like a revenge tour.

It’s rare to get games of real consequence during the regular season, and that’s something Oklahoma City values as a franchise. Expect the Thunder to take these Cup matchups seriously. That doesn’t mean a playoff-style rotation where the lineup shrinks, but rather a balance between competing to win and providing opportunities for younger players and end-of-bench pieces to gain experience. The organization views the NBA Cup as a valuable way to grow within a competitive environment.

Oklahoma City is part of Western Conference Group A, which also features the Minnesota Timberwolves, Sacramento Kings, Phoenix Suns, and Utah Jazz. As expected, the Thunder enter group play as the favorite. Minnesota may pose the toughest challenge, but this is the NBA — nothing comes easy, and that’s why the games are played.

The NBA Cup format remains largely the same as last season. All 30 teams are divided into six groups of five — three groups per conference — based on last year’s regular season standings. Each team plays four group play games (two home, two away) on designated “Cup Nights,” which are the only NBA games scheduled for those days. Each team faces every opponent in its group once, meaning the Thunder will get one shot at beating each of the teams in its group.

• Nov. 7: at Sacramento Kings | 9:00 p.m. CT
• Nov. 21: at Utah Jazz | 9:00 p.m. CT
• Nov. 26: vs Minnesota Timberwolves | 6:30 p.m. CT
• Nov. 28: vs Phoenix Suns | 8:30 p.m. CT

Group standings are determined by record in NBA Cup play, with tiebreakers including head-to-head results, point differential (with overtime excluded), and total points scored. If teams remain tied, additional criteria such as last season’s record and, if necessary, a random draw will determine seeding.

Eight total teams advance to the Knockout Rounds — the six group winners and two wild cards, which are the best second-place finishers from each conference. The Knockout Rounds are single elimination, with quarterfinals taking place in team markets on Dec. 9-10. The semifinals and championship will both be held in Las Vegas on Dec. 13 and Dec. 16, respectively.

All games count toward the regular season standings except for the championship game. Teams that don’t advance out of group play will each play two additional regular season games during the Dec. 11–15 window.

For Oklahoma City, this tournament carries real significance. It’s another chance to avenge last year’s loss to Milwaukee and prove that this group remains among the most complete and competitive rosters in basketball. It’s also an opportunity to continue building chemistry and confidence through meaningful games that replicate a playoff atmosphere — travel, pressure, media attention and more. Winning the NBA Cup would further cement Oklahoma City’s position as a legitimate title favorite in the Western Conference and set the tone for another championship pursuit.

As for Friday night, this matchup against Sacramento means more than just a tournament opener. It’s a chance to bounce back after the team’s first loss of the season, which dropped the Thunder to 8-1. Oklahoma City didn’t lose many consecutive games last year, and maintaining that consistency will be key.

So while Friday against the Kings doubles as an NBA Cup game, it’s also a prime opportunity to get back on track and begin another deep run toward hardware.