NBA Cup Friday is built for upsets. Every team plays just four Group Play games, one loss can change the entire group race, and plenty of underdogs walk in knowing a road win would put them in the driver’s seat. BetMGM is offering new users bonus code FOXNEWS to unlock up to $1,500 in First Bet Cover. If your first wager loses, BetMGM refunds your stake in bonus bets.
A protected first bet is most valuable when you’re taking a plus-money shot. The NBA Cup is full of them. Group Play games are high-stakes regular-season games with short memories, and teams fighting for one of eight knockout spots don’t play like it’s early November. Here are three underdogs worth a look.
76ers at Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET
LeBron James returns to Cleveland with Philadelphia, and he’ll have Tyrese Maxey alongside him. The Cavs have the home crowd and a new backcourt pairing of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell that’s still learning how to share the ball. East Group B is the toughest group in the tournament, with the defending champion Knicks, Miami and Indiana also in the mix. A road win here would be a massive early statement for Philly.
Grizzlies vs. Thunder, 8:00 p.m. ET
Oklahoma City has the reigning MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but it’s also missing Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace. Memphis gets the Thunder at home, and a depleted favorite on the road is a classic Cup-night trap.
Wizards at Hawks, 7:00 p.m. ET
Trae Young heads back to Atlanta with Washington, where he’ll pair with Anthony Davis against the team that drafted him. Revenge games bring out the best in stars, and the Wizards have the top-end talent to steal one on the road in East Group C.
The Pick: 76ers Moneyline
Of the three, Philadelphia has the best mix of talent and motivation. LeBron in a homecoming game, Maxey’s ability to take over and a Cavs team still sorting out its rotation make this the cleanest plus-money shot of the night. With First Bet Cover backing you, a loss just means bonus bets for the rest of the weekend.
Pick your favorite Cup game and take a swing. New users can unlock up to $1,500 in First Bet Cover on any NBA Cup matchup with BetMGM bonus code FOXNEWS.