The NBA Cup kicks off, with an undercurrent surging: The new generation is competing for power, and it’s time to restructure the structure.

On November 1, the battle for the 2025-26 NBA Cup group stage was ignited. The eight duels were not only a touchstone of the team's strength, but also a microcosm of the evolution of the league's structure. Amid the intertwining of star injuries and the rise of a new generation, the NBA is ushering in a new era full of changes.

NBA Cup: A new balance between honor and actual combat

The NBA Cup officially kicked off on November 1. This innovative event has entered its third season, cleverly combining honor competition with actual regular season combat. In the group stage, the three groups in the Western Region and the three groups in the Eastern Region will compete fiercely. In the end, the six top-ranked teams and two wild card teams will enter the knockout stage on December 10th and 11th, and the champion will be born on December 17th.

It is worth noting that the court design of this NBA Cup has also been completely new. NBA officials announced the exclusive court design plans for 30 teams on October 25, adding more visual highlights and team recognition to the event.

The battle for the undefeated Eastern Conference: The transformation of the 76ers and the resilience of the Bulls

In the Eastern Conference, the two undefeated teams are facing a critical test. The 76ers' 4-game winning streak at the start became the biggest surprise of the season. Their success no longer relies on Embiid or Paul George, who has not yet played, but is based on the wild offensive system composed of Maxey, Edgecombe and Grimes. This multi-point play puts the Celtics, who are about to face them, facing a severe challenge.

The Bulls, who also remain undefeated, showed amazing resilience in the absence of Coby White. The addition of Gidi has completely revitalized the team. The 35-year-old Vucevic has a second spring, and the performance of rising star Buzelis is remarkable. The trio has become the key to the Bulls' 5-game winning streak. They will face the challenge of the Knicks, who have yet to regain the dominance of last season after Mike Brown took over. Towns needs to show a greater advantage in the paint.

Western Conference Focus: Hope amid the Lakers injury crisis

The Lakers have been experiencing a surge of injuries recently. James continues to miss the game due to sciatica on his right side, and it is expected that it will take two to three weeks to recover. However, there is a glimmer of hope for the team - the status of Doncic and Smart has been upgraded to doubtful.

In the three games that Doncic was absent, Reeves performed at a phenomenal level, averaging 34.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 10 assists per game, and hit his first career buzzer-beater in the second game against the Timberwolves. This kind of outburst in adversity shows the depth and resilience of the Lakers' lineup.

New Generation Showdown: The Legacy Moment of Yang Hansen and Jokic

In the battle between the Nuggets and Trail Blazers, in addition to Jokic’s historic performance of 4 consecutive triple-doubles in the opening games, the most eye-catching is the potential showdown between Chinese rookie Yang Hansen and idol Jokic.

The Trail Blazers started the season with 3 wins and 2 losses, relying on the combination of Avdija, Sharp, Holiday and Grant to form a good chemical reaction. The Nuggets, under the leadership of Jokic, showed strong overall strength. In the battle with the Pelicans, they blasted an astonishing 32.4 attack waves in the third quarter.

For Yang Hansen, this is not only a confrontation with his idol, but also an opportunity to prove himself. The Trail Blazers previously used the No. 11 pick to select Cowherd and then traded him to the Grizzlies. The No. 16 pick in exchange was Yang Hansen. Coward has performed well in the Grizzlies' recent games, which has put Yang Hansen under certain pressure from public opinion. With Rowe about to return, Yang Hansen needs to seize the limited playing time and show his ability to finish at the basket and protect the frame.

East-West Dilemma: The Struggles of Losing Teams

The first day of the NBA Cup will also witness the fate of many struggling teams. The Pelicans in the Western Conference are currently on a 4-game losing streak and are the only team in the Western Conference without a win. The conflicts in the locker room and three consecutive away schedules have made their situation worse. The Pacers in the Eastern Conference are plagued by injuries. Haliburton, Marcelin, Toppin and many other main players are absent, making it difficult for the team to win.

The Raptors, who also suffered a 4-game losing streak, were useless on the defensive end, conceding more than 120 points during the period. They even lost 139 points against the Mavericks and Rockets. During the rebuilding process, the Suns' lineup is unbalanced, lacks organizational points, and their defense is fragile. In the absence of Dillon and Jaylen Green, it is difficult to get rid of the losing streak.

Conclusion: NBA territory on the eve of change

The opening of the NBA Cup coincides with a time when the league's structure is in turmoil. Star injuries have given rise to the emergence of new stars like Reeves; the 76ers and Bulls' undefeated streak challenges the authority of traditional strong teams; and the potential dialogue between Yang Hansen and Jokic symbolizes the intergenerational inheritance of the basketball spirit.

On the eve of this change, every team is looking for its own position. Whether it is striving for cup glory or getting rid of the haze of losing streak, the NBA Cup group stage will become an important indicator of the direction of each team's season. As the new generation of players continues to compete for power, the competitive landscape of the NBA is quietly being restructured, and this is the most fascinating charm of professional sports.