The second batch of NBA Cup group play games will take place on Friday, Nov. 6, with nine games on the schedule.

The schedule includes heavyweight matchups, with Western Conference contenders such as the Los Angeles Lakers facing the surprising Portland Trail Blazers, while the defending conference champion San Antonio Spurs look to maintain their strong start against the lowly Sacramento Kings.

The East slate of games features a stacked and balanced Philadelphia 76ers team taking on the Cleveland Cavaliers, plus an intriguing matchup between the Washington Wizards and Atlanta Hawks to start the evening.

Best NBA Cup games Friday

Portland at Los Angeles Lakers

The Luka Doncic train keeps rolling, as he's scored 40+ points in four of his last five games. Portland has the best record in the Western Conference, but will miss Ja Morant, sidelined for at least a month with a hamstring strain.

San Antonio at Sacramento

Can Victor Wembanyama possibly top his 52-point, 24-rebound performance in his last outing against the Dallas Mavericks? It's possible against the 1-7 Kings, who ranked 28th in defensive efficiency.

Oklahoma City at Memphis

Oklahoma City has surprised despite a rash of devastating injuries, but most contain Grizzlies guard Ty Jerome, who has become a walking bucket over the first weeks of the season, with two 40-point games to his credit.

Philadelphia at Cleveland

A possible Eastern Conference final matchup as Cleveland looks for revenge after blowing a 29-point lead to Philadelphia on Oct. 22. The 76ers have three 20-point-per-game scorers and have gotten off to an 8-1 start.

Boston at Charlotte

The Celtics have done just fine with Jaylen Brown, as Paul George has picked up the scoring slack from a formidable duo with Jayson Tatum. The Hornets have struggled, losing their last five games and are the only team in the league that doesn't average 100 points a game.

NBA Cup schedule Friday and how to watch

• Washington Wizards at Atlanta Hawks (East Group C) — 7 ET, NBA League Pass

• Boston Celtics at Charlotte Hornets (East Group C) — 7 ET, NBA League Pass

• Philadelphia 76ers at Cleveland Cavaliers (East Group B) — 7:30 ET, Prime

• Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks (West Group A) — 8 ET, NBA League Pass

• Oklahoma City Thunder at Memphis Grizzlies (West Group B) — 8 ET, NBA League Pass

• Toronto Raptors at Milwaukee Bucks (East Group A) — 8 ET, NBA League Pass

• Minnesota Timberwolves at New Orleans Pelicans (West Group B) — 8 ET, NBA League Pass

• Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Lakers (West Group C) — 10 ET, Prime

• San Antonio Spurs at Sacramento Kings (West Group C) — 10 ET, NBA League Pass

What is NBA Cup?

The 30 NBA teams are split into six groups of five (three in the Eastern Conference and three in the Western Conference, playing four group-stage games (two home, two away).

Each tournament game counts as a regular-season game, except the championship game on Dec. 11. Each team will play the other four teams in its group once, and its record in those games will determine whether it qualifies for the Knockout Rounds.

Eight teams will advance to the Knockout Rounds: the six Group Play winners and one wild card team from each conference.