The third edition of the Emirates NBA Cup kicks off on Friday, October 31, 2025, marking a thrilling start to the in-season tournament on Halloween night. 

Group play begins with a slate of games designed to ramp up the competition early in the 2025-2026 NBA season, which officially started on October 21. 

This year's tournament runs through December 16, featuring high-stakes matchups that count toward regular-season records while vying for Cup advancement.

The opening night features eight exciting group play games across the league, with a Prime Video doubleheader highlighting two marquee matchups. 

 

 

 

NBA Cup Opening Night Schedule: Group Play Kicks Off On Halloween

The full schedule for Friday, October 31, 2025, includes the following NBA Cup group play games:

As of October 31, the 76ers enter undefeated at 4-0, showcasing strong early-season form with Joel Embiid averaging just over 21 minutes per game in three appearances. The Celtics, despite missing key players, recently dominated the Cleveland Cavaliers by 20 points. In the West, the Lakers are coming off a buzzer-beater win over the Timberwolves, led by Austin Reaves' recent scoring outbursts of 41 and 51 points in back-to-back games. The Grizzlies, meanwhile, also secured a dramatic win via Ja Morant's buzzer-beater.

 

 

 

NBA Cup Opening Night Picks for Friday’s Halloween Games

Halloween night delivers spooky-good betting opportunities with these two NBA Cup Group Stage games. Drawing from expert analysis, here are the top picks, incorporating up-to-date stats, injuries, and team performances as of October 31, 2025.

For the Celtics vs. 76ers matchup, the best bet is VJ Edgecombe Over 17.5 Points (-115 at Fanatics). The rookie sensation has been on fire, averaging over 22 points through Philly's first four games, including a 34-point explosion against Boston in the season opener. 

With Tyrese Maxey dishing out 8+ assists in each of the last three contests, Edgecombe is primed for another big night. Injury updates play a role: 

Boston is without Jayson Tatum, forcing a heavier reliance on defense, while Philly misses Dominick Barlow and recently sat Paul George.

Depth chart notes show Embiid still on limited minutes (around 21 per game), but the 76ers' undefeated start suggests they're clicking.

Shifting to Lakers vs. Grizzlies, the top pick is Jaren Jackson Over 18.5 Points (-128 at Novig). Jackson torched the Lakers last season, averaging 24.5 points across four meetings, and faces a favorable matchup against Deandre Ayton, who's bounced between teams since 2023 and isn't the defensive anchor Anthony Davis is. 

The game is projected to be close, with both teams fresh off buzzer-beater victories. Lakers' injuries are piling up: LeBron James is out, Luka Doncic (recently acquired in a blockbuster trade) is questionable, alongside Marcus Smart, Gabe Vincent, Max Kleber, and Adou Thiero. 

This leaves L.A. depleted on their third road game in four nights. For Memphis, Zach Edey, Brandon Clarke, Scotty Pippen Jr., and Ty Jerome are sidelined long-term, but Ja Morant is confirmed to play after missing time earlier. 

Depth charts highlight Reaves as the Lakers' go-to scorer lately, but Memphis holds the edge at home.

 

 

 

NBA Cup Best Bet Opportunities & Value Plays

Beyond the featured picks, opening night offers several value plays across player props and game totals, especially with the tournament's intensity amplifying early-season efforts. For Celtics-76ers, consider Tyrese Maxey assists over, given his recent 8+ average and Edgecombe's scoring reliance. Value lies in underdog Boston's team total under, as Tatum's absence hampers their offense against a stingy Philly defense.

In Lakers-Grizzlies, Ja Morant's points over stands out as a value play, with his return boosting Memphis' attack against a shorthanded L.A. squad. The game's total under could offer value if fatigue hits the Lakers hard. Broader Cup group odds favor teams like the 76ers to advance from their group, providing futures value for bettors eyeing tournament progression. Always check live injury reports, as updates for Doncic and others could shift lines.

 

 

 

How to Watch NBA Cup Opening Night?

Fans can catch the NBA Cup opening night action live on Prime Video, which streams the doubleheader exclusively as part of its inaugural NBA coverage. The Celtics-76ers game starts at 7:00 PM ET, followed by Lakers-Grizzlies at 9:30 PM ET. The remaining games are available on NBA League Pass. Local broadcasts are available on regional sports networks for in-market viewers. For international audiences or cord-cutters, NBA League Pass offers streaming options, with blackouts applying to national games. Prime Video's coverage includes pre-game analysis and is part of a broader Friday night package through November.

 

 

 

NBA Cup Opening Night Odds & Betting Lines Provided By Novig

Novig, a leading betting platform, provides competitive lines for Halloween's games. For Celtics vs. 76ers, Philadelphia is favored on the spread, with lines shifting toward the home team as tip-off nears due to Boston's injuries. Boston enters as underdogs, reflecting Tatum's absence.

In Lakers vs. Grizzlies, Memphis is the favorite, bolstered by home-court advantage and L.A.'s depleted roster. Key player prop from Novig: Jaren Jackson Over 18.5 Points at -128. Lines are subject to change based on final injury reports. Monitor for updates on stars like Doncic. For full odds, visit Novig's site or app.
 

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