The NBA Cup for the 2025-26 season has drawn its groups, revealing intriguing matchups for teams across the league. Each group consists of five teams, competing from the end of October through November, with the top performers progressing to knockout rounds in Las Vegas in December. East A stands out as the easiest group, featuring the Cleveland Cavaliers and Atlanta Hawks, while West C is seen as the toughest, showcasing playoff contenders like the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors.

The Cavaliers, with a strong recent record, and an improved Hawks team face off against teams in varying levels of rebuild, including the Washington Wizards. Conversely, the Nuggets and Warriors will look to capitalize on their playoff experience against a Houston Rockets team that has made significant changes to bolster its roster, including the addition of Kevin Durant.

The Houston Rockets face a competitive challenge in the 2025 Emirates NBA Cup, drawn into Group C alongside the Denver Nuggets, Golden State Warriors, Portland Trail Blazers, and San Antonio Spurs. This in-season tournament features a round-robin format where each team plays four games starting October 31. The top teams from each group will advance to knockout stages, ultimately leading to a championship game in Las Vegas.

Last season, the Rockets reached the semifinals before falling to the Oklahoma City Thunder, and they aim to build on that success with a stronger squad featuring newly acquired superstar Kevin Durant. Expectations are high as the Rockets, with their solid roster, prepare to face off against their rivals in an effort to secure a deep playoff run.

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively reshaping their roster during the early days of free agency. While LeBron James has opted to stay, the team has also re-signed Jaxson Hayes. Notably, Dorian Finney-Smith has joined the Houston Rockets, prompting the Lakers to sign Jake LaRavia and former No. 1 pick Deandre Ayton.

With a focus on enhancing their defensive capabilities, the Lakers are exploring trade options to pair James and Luka Dončić with effective point-of-attack defenders. Targets reportedly include Matisse Thybulle and Marcus Smart, among others. As the team prepares for the Las Vegas Summer League, general manager Rob Pelinka aims to create roster space for potential trades, while looking ahead to the stacked 2027 free agent class.

The Phoenix Suns are actively reshaping their roster this offseason, starting with the blockbuster trade of Kevin Durant to the Houston Rockets. In return, they received Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks, the draft rights to Khaman Maluach, and five second-round picks. Additionally, they acquired Mark Williams from the Charlotte Hornets and selected Rasheer Fleming and Koby Brea in the 2025 NBA Draft.

Efforts to retool the team around Devin Booker are evident, with speculation surrounding Bradley Beal's future. Reports indicate that Beal and the Suns are discussing a potential buyout, which, if executed, would make the 32-year-old guard an unrestricted free agent. Several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Milwaukee Bucks, are rumored to be interested in signing him. Beal, despite injury concerns over the past seasons, averaged 17.0 points per game last season, showcasing his scoring prowess. His addition could significantly elevate any contending team’s championship aspirations.

As the Houston Rockets gear up for the 2025-26 season, second-year guard Reed Sheppard is set to play a significant role on a team brimming with championship aspirations. General Manager Rafael Stone emphasized that Sheppard, who was limited in his rookie season due to team depth and a thumb injury, has shown readiness to step up following extensive preparation and impressive practice performances.

Sheppard's health is a pivotal factor as he aims to carve out a solid spot in the Rockets' rotation, likely as the backup to Fred VanVleet. The Rockets believe in Sheppard's talent and work ethic, which could translate into a breakout season as he gains more playing time.