The Washington Wizards have officially released their 2026-27 NBA Cup group stage schedule, kicking off with a home game against the Charlotte Hornets on October 30. The Wizards, coming off a dismal 0-5 run in their last five games (most recent: a 130-117 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on April 12, 2026), will look to turn things around in the upcoming tournament.
What’s on the schedule?
The Wizards open their NBA Cup campaign at Capital One Arena against the revamped Charlotte Hornets, who traded LaMelo Ball and Miles Bridges this offseason. The matchup tips off at 7 PM, with Washington aiming to reverse last season’s 0-4 record against Charlotte. Next, they travel to Atlanta on November 6 to face Trae Young and the Hawks, a reunion for Young after his midseason trade to Washington. The Wizards lost three of four against Atlanta last year.
Key matchups to watch
A highlight of the group stage is the November 20 road game against the Chicago Bulls, where top draft picks AJ Dybantsa and Caleb Wilson will face off for the first time. The Wizards were swept by the Bulls last season. The group stage concludes on November 27 with a nationally televised showdown against the Boston Celtics at Capital One Arena. The Celtics, who traded Jaylen Brown for Paul George this offseason, dominated Washington 3-0 last year.
What’s at stake for the Wizards?
After a disastrous 1-11 record in last year’s NBA Cup, the Wizards need a strong start. The tournament’s knockout rounds begin December 4, with the championship game set for December 11 at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. With Dybantsa leading the way, Washington aims to avoid another early exit.
