NBA Cup Friday: Nine games and a few notable reunions

Friday brings nine NBA Cup Group Play matchups, including two returns to former teams. Every club has just four games in the group stage, so there isn’t much room to ease into things.

Trae Young assists (higher) | Wizards at Hawks, 7 p.m. ET

Young heads back to Atlanta, where he played throughout his career before joining Washington alongside Anthony Davis. A return like this could put the ball in his hands often, and he’ll have Davis as a dependable option near the basket. The matchup is part of East Group C.

Donovan Mitchell points (higher) | 76ers at Cavaliers, 7:30 p.m. ET

LeBron James’ return to Cleveland is likely to draw plenty of attention, which could leave Mitchell with room to make an impact. Cleveland is in East Group B, alongside the Knicks, Miami and Indiana. With James Harden directing the offense, Mitchell may have more chances to work away from the ball against a Philadelphia defense focused on James.

Cooper Flagg points (higher) | Jazz at Mavericks, 8 p.m. ET

Flagg has a bigger role in his second season, and Dallas will be looking to protect its home court in West Group A, which also includes Denver and Houston. Utah looks like a favorable opponent, giving Flagg space to attack.

Kawhi Leonard points (higher) | Raptors at Bucks, 8 p.m. ET

Leonard leads Toronto into Milwaukee in East Group A. When healthy, he remains a highly efficient scorer. In a group without an obvious favorite, his experience could matter late in a close road game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and a depleted Oklahoma City team visit Memphis at 8 p.m. ET. Later, Luka Dončić’s Lakers host Portland, while Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs travel to Sacramento; both games are scheduled for the 10 p.m. ET window.

Tonight’s NBA Cup schedule

Friday’s slate includes nine games and two returns to familiar arenas, with several high-profile players in action.