Boston Celtics favored for 2026 NBA Cup after offseason trades

Following a significant offseason, the Boston Celtics are favored by oddsmakers to represent the Eastern Conference in the 2026 Emirates NBA Cup championship. This outlook comes after the franchise traded Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers in exchange for Paul George and various draft picks.

DraftKings Sportsbook has placed the Celtics in a favorable position for the tournament, assigning them to East Group C alongside the Atlanta Hawks, Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, and Washington Wizards. This group is considered less competitive than East Group B, which contains the New York Knicks, 76ers, Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Indiana Pacers.

The Celtics are projected to achieve 51.5 regular-season victories, placing them just behind the defending champion Knicks in the Eastern Conference futures market. The team's success will likely depend on Paul George's health and his integration into the existing roster.