The NBA Cup returns tonight with nine Group Play games, and the defending champions are already in a tough spot. The Knicks visit Indiana at 7 p.m. ET on Prime Video, with both teams looking for their first Cup win of the season. Fanatics Sportsbook is offering new users promo code FOXNEWS350 to bet $20 and get $350 in FanCash on Knicks-Pacers or any other NBA Cup game.
The Cup format leaves almost no room for error. All 30 teams are split into six groups of five, and each team plays just four Group Play games. Only the six group winners and one wild card from each conference advance to the knockout rounds, which begin Dec. 4.
New York lost its Cup opener to Philadelphia, 98-93. Indiana lost its opener to Miami, 145-125. Whoever drops to 0-2 tonight will need help to reach the knockout rounds. There’s also a little extra meaning in the setting. This year’s Cup championship will be played Dec. 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis.
New York is 6-5 and coming off a 115-107 loss to Cleveland on Wednesday. The defending champs have been inconsistent through the first few weeks, and road games against desperate teams have been a challenge.
Odds are subject to change
The Knicks’ championship pedigree will draw public money, but the number is small for a reason. Indiana is at home, needs this game just as badly and gets a New York team that has dropped two of its last three. A home underdog catching points in a must-win Cup game is a spot worth backing. Take the Pacers and the points. Your $350 in FanCash arrives win or lose.
A must-win spot for the defending champions and eight more Cup games to choose from. New users can bet $20 on Knicks-Pacers or any NBA Cup game and get $350 in FanCash with Fanatics Sportsbook promo code FOXNEWS350.