Sixers 2026 NBA Cup primer: Rules, groups, format and prizes explained
PhillyVoice • • sports
Key Points:
- Sixers head coach Nick Nurse was unaware that their upcoming game was the opener of the NBA Cup Group Play, highlighting the chaotic start to the 2026-27 season.
- The Sixers have never advanced past the NBA Cup Group Play in the tournament's three seasons, and Nurse plans to focus on playing well without overloading key players.
- The Sixers compete in the highly competitive Eastern Conference Group B alongside the Knicks, Cavaliers, Heat, and Pacers, with only four teams advancing to the Knockout Rounds.
- All Group Play and Knockout Round games count toward the regular season except for the NBA Cup Championship, which is an additional game if the Sixers reach that stage.
- The NBA Cup offers financial incentives for players, with last year's champion players earning over $530,000 each, motivating Joel Embiid who joked about needing the prize money.
