Mostly, it means these games matter a bit more because if you win the NBA Cup, you win extra money.For some of the players, it means they basically double their salary - these are mostly role players and some rookies.
However, the NBA Cup is also pretty cool because the teams actually seem to care about winning it.Tonight the Hornets take on the Wizards and I'm a bit baffled at the line on the game.This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners.
If you sign up or place a wager, FOX News may be compensated.This content was created by a team that works independently from the FOX newsroom.The Charlotte Hornets are not as terrible as you might think if you haven't followed the game recently.
They don't have LaMelo Ball, but for this team, that might actually be a good thing.They are able to unleash Brandon Miller a bit more.
Kon Knueppel showed that he might be the best rookie from last year (and certainly the best not named Cooper Flagg).The team has Naz Reid, Dennis Schröder, and a ton of role player/veterans that actually do make a difference.CLICK HERE FOR MORE OUTKICK SPORTS COVERAGEBrandon Miller of the Charlotte Hornets looks on after a preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, N.C., on Oct.
6, 2026.(Getty Images)So far, the team is 3-2 and has beaten the Nets, Heat, and Wizards.
The Nets are a bad team.The Heat and Wizards games were in Charlotte.
Their two losses were to Detroit and Atlanta, both playoff teams.I do expect Washington to be a playoff team.
I wouldn't be surprised to see the Hornets find their way into the postseason, but most likely they will be a play-in team.The biggest issue for the Hornets right now is the health of their team.
They are without Coby White, Knueppel, Grant Williams, and Schroder is a game-time decision.The Washington Wizards mascot performs during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Capital One Arena on Jan.2, 2026.
(Daniel Kucin Jr./Imagn Images)COOPER...