Celtics Eye NBA Cup Run Beginning Oct. 30

Neemias Queta says Boston is motivated to win the in-season tournament, which begins with a home-and-away Group C schedule.

Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Basketball

Celtics Eye NBA Cup Run Beginning Oct. 30

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Boston Celtics center Neemias Queta said the team is motivated to win the NBA Cup this season, noting the added atmosphere of the in-season tournament. The Celtics have not advanced far in previous NBA Cup appearances.

Why it matters

The NBA Cup gives Boston a reason to compete for a trophy beyond regular-season standings, and the league's in-season format is designed to create more meaningful matchups early in the schedule for Celtics fans in Boston.

The Celtics' Group C schedule opens Oct. 30 against the Bulls, with home games against Chicago and Atlanta at TD Garden and road games at Charlotte and Washington. The extraction does not provide prior NBA Cup win totals or advancement figures for comparison.

The players

Neemias Queta

Neemias Queta is a center for the Boston Celtics who spoke about the team's motivation to win the NBA Cup this season.

The details

Queta said he enjoys the added atmosphere surrounding the NBA Cup and believes winning it would be a significant accomplishment for Boston. He noted that the tournament gives teams a chance to compete for something beyond the regular season.

Oct. 30: Celtics begin Group C NBA Cup play against the Bulls.

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Season Trajectory

The NBA Cup, introduced as an in-season tournament, is designed to give teams a trophy to play for beyond regular-season standings. Boston's Group C slate begins the tournament's early-season competition, though the Celtics have not advanced far in previous appearances.

Boston opens Group C play against the Bulls on Oct. 30 and hosts Chicago and Atlanta at TD Garden. Its road games at Charlotte and Washington will determine how much of the group-stage picture is settled at home.

The takeaway

The NBA Cup adds early-season stakes to Boston's schedule, and the Celtics' Group C games beginning Oct. 30 will show whether the team's stated motivation translates into results. Fans can track the group standings as the first games are played.