The NBA Cup tournament has been one of the biggest topics of discussion in the regular season over the last three seasons, with the Phoenix Suns putting together a better-than-expected performance in two of three runs.
Now, the full schedule is unveiled for this year's group stage play, with Phoenix set to play three of four games in mid-late November.
Suns Roundtable predicts the outcomes of the four games to come below, with rationale following each.
Nuggets: Win
Phoenix was swept in the season series in 2025-26. Denver won the first two matchups in convincing fashion before needing a late basket from MVP center Nikola Jokic to earn the third victory.
However, this is a new season. Denver has many lose ends that haven't been tied on their roster, including a situation with restricted free agent Peyton Watson that has yet to be solved. Phoenix is considerably deeper than Denver from top-to-bottom, while head coach Jordan Ott has proven himself more compared to his Denver counterpart in David Adelman.
Jazz: Win
The Jazz have potential to be the biggest riser in the league this season. Utah is led by respected head coach Will Hardy, while also being remade on paper behind the addition of rookie guard Darryn Peterson.
While the Jazz have potential to be one of the best offenses in the league, they also have just as many challenges as an entire defensive unit despite adding Jaren Jackson Jr.
This should be a competitive contest, but expect the Suns to come out on top when the clock hits zero.
Rockets: Loss
Phoenix and Houston are sure to be locked into a fierce battle for numerous reasons. Most of all is the franchises being tied together due to the trade that sent guard Jalen Green and forward Dillon Brooks to Phoenix for Kevin Durant.
Beyond this, the teams are adopting a similar mentality - building around athletic, physical rosters that complement Booker and Durant well.
The Suns will compete in this game, but Houston holding home-court advantage and Durant's presence gives them an ever-so-slight edge.
Mavericks: Win
Dallas is a challenge that some may not expect them to be. New head coach Dusty May will give them an edge that they didn't have under Jason Kidd last season, while Cooper Flagg and Kyrie Irving give the roster a boost of top-end talent.
Expect Phoenix to end group play on a high end at home despite the potential Dallas has to surprise the NBA world in the early stages of the season.