Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander drives to the basket against San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama during the third quarter of Game Seven in the NBA Western Conference Finals at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, on May 30, 2026. (Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
NBA Cup Friday is built for upsets. Every team plays just four Group Play games, one loss can change the entire group race, and plenty of underdogs walk in knowing a road win would put them in the driver’s seat. BetMGM is offering new users bonus code FOXNEWS to unlock up to $1,500 in First Bet Cover. If your first wager loses, BetMGM refunds your stake in bonus bets.
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How to Sign Up and Claim the BetMGM Sportsbook Bonus Code
- Click any of the “Claim Bonus” buttons on this page. This will take you directly to the BetMGM app or website and automatically apply the promo code.
- Select Sign Up and create a new account by entering personal details (name, email, date of birth, address and last 4 digits of SSN).
- When prompted, enter bonus code FOXNEWS to ensure the offer is applied.
- Make your first deposit of at least $10 using an accepted payment method (PayPal, Venmo, debit card, online banking, etc.).
- Place your first real-money wager of up to $1,500 on any NBA Cup game.
- If your first bet wins, you’re paid out in cash as normal.
- If it loses, BetMGM refunds your stake in bonus bets.
- Bonus bets are credited to your account within 24 hours once the qualifying bet settles.
Why First Bet Cover Fits Cup Night
A protected first bet is most valuable when you’re taking a plus-money shot. The NBA Cup is full of them. Group Play games are high-stakes regular-season games with short memories, and teams fighting for one of eight knockout spots don’t play like it’s early November. Here are three underdogs worth a look.
Three Underdogs Worth a Look
76ers at Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET
LeBron James returns to Cleveland with Philadelphia, and he’ll have Tyrese Maxey alongside him. The Cavs have the home crowd and a new backcourt pairing of James Harden and Donovan Mitchell that’s still learning how to share the ball. East Group B is the toughest group in the tournament, with the defending champion Knicks, Miami and Indiana also in the mix. A road win here would be a massive early statement for Philly.
Grizzlies vs. Thunder, 8:00 p.m. ET
Oklahoma City has the reigning MVP in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, but it’s also missing Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren and Cason Wallace. Memphis gets the Thunder at home, and a depleted favorite on the road is a classic Cup-night trap.
Wizards at Hawks, 7:00 p.m. ET
Trae Young heads back to Atlanta with Washington, where he’ll pair with Anthony Davis against the team that drafted him. Revenge games bring out the best in stars, and the Wizards have the top-end talent to steal one on the road in East Group C.
The Pick: 76ers Moneyline
Of the three, Philadelphia has the best mix of talent and motivation. LeBron in a homecoming game, Maxey’s ability to take over and a Cavs team still sorting out its rotation make this the cleanest plus-money shot of the night. With First Bet Cover backing you, a loss just means bonus bets for the rest of the weekend.
Friday’s NBA Cup Schedule
- Wizards at Hawks, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Celtics at Hornets, 7:00 p.m. ET
- 76ers at Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET
- Jazz at Mavericks, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Thunder at Grizzlies, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Raptors at Bucks, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Timberwolves at Pelicans, 8:00 p.m. ET
- Trail Blazers at Lakers, 10:00 p.m. ET
- Spurs at Kings, 10:00 p.m. ET
Pick your favorite Cup game and take a swing. New users can unlock up to $1,500 in First Bet Cover on any NBA Cup matchup with BetMGM bonus code FOXNEWS.