Daily preview - NBA Cup game day 1

The NBA Cup competitions on Sorare's Daily Hoops start today, and we've got you covered with all the matchups and value plays. Let's dive in!

Miami Heat vs. Detroit Pistons

The Miami Heat (4-5) take on the Detroit Pistons (4-7) at Little Caesars Arena. The Heat, led by Bam Adebayo and Tyler Herro, aim to get winning streak going against a young Pistons squad struggling to find consistency. Detroit's Cade Cunningham has shown flashes of brilliance but needs more support from his teammates. Given Miami's experience and depth, they are favoured to win this matchup.

Value Play: Haywood Highsmith (Cap: 16)

With Jimmy Butler sidelined, Highsmith is expected to see increased minutes and offensive opportunities, making him a potential standout performer.

Atlanta Hawks vs. Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics (9-2) host the Atlanta Hawks (4-7) at TD Garden. Boston, boasting a strong start to the season, relies on the dynamic duo of Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown who got back from his injury. The Hawks, missing star guard Trae Young due to injury, will depend on Jalen Johnson to lead the offense. The Celtics' cohesive play and home-court advantage position them as favourites in this contest.

Value Play: Zaccharie Risacher (Cap: 24)

With Trae Young out, Risacher is likely to take on a more significant role in Atlanta's offense, providing an opportunity for increased production. We've already seen a ceiling game from the first overall pick in this year's draft, that being his 66 Sorare score vs the Knicks, and tonight could be the perfect opportunity for him to do it again - First NBA Cup game, vs the reigning champions at their homecourt. It won't be easy against the tough Celtics defence, but Risacher could be in for an impressive performance.

Charlotte Hornets vs. Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic (5-6) face the Charlotte Hornets (4-6) at Amway Center. Orlando's young core has shown promise but lacks consistency. Charlotte, dealing with some injuries, will look to LaMelo Ball to orchestrate their offense. This matchup is expected to be closely contested, with the Magic holding a slight edge due to their home advantage and their backcourt defence, led by Jalen Suggs, who is expected to make this a hard night for LaMelo.

Value Play: Franz Wagner (Cap: 33)

Wagner has been a consistent performer for the Magic, and against a Hornets team struggling defensively, he could have a standout game. Franz is yet to put up a standout game this year and against a struggling Hornets team, and with Banchero still being out, Franz is the main option for the Magic's offence.

New York Knicks vs. Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers (2-7) host the New York Knicks (4-5) at Wells Fargo Center. Philadelphia, welcoming back Joel Embiid from suspension and injury, aims to turn around their slow start to the season. The Knicks, led by Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, have been solid but face a tough challenge against a motivated Sixers squad. Embiid's return could tilt the game in Philadelphia's favor.

Value Play: Kyle Lowry (Cap: 20)

Lowry's veteran presence and playmaking ability will be crucial in managing the game's tempo and providing leadership on the court. He's expected to start due to the absence of Maxey. Jalen Brunson is expected to continue leading the ball for the Knicks with Lowry guarding him, and with a few defensive stats and a little more on offence Lowry could put up a Sorare score of more than 20, as he last did against the Suns lately putting up a Steal and a Block in that game.

Toronto Raptors vs. Milwaukee Bucks

The Milwaukee Bucks (2-8) take on the Toronto Raptors (2-9) at Fiserv Forum. Raptors are coming in to this game as the worst team in the NBA, and strangely enough they will be facing the second worst team in the league. The Bucks have had a horrendous start to the season, and they will start their NBA Cup journey tonight without star guard Damian Lillard. Nevertheless, the Bucks' depth and home-court advantage, as well as them still having a top 5 player in the league in Giannis, makes them favourites in this matchup.

Value Play: AJ Green (Cap: 13)

With Lillard out, Green is expected to see increased minutes and could provide a scoring boost. AJ has been shooting lights off from 3 having a 60.5% from 3 this season, and although it's a small sample size, Green can pass his cap by quite a bit, needing only 3 3-PT to get near it with 12 pts.

Phoenix Suns vs. Utah Jazz

The Utah Jazz (2-7) host the Phoenix Suns (8-2) at Delta Center. The Jazz have struggled offensively, while the Suns, even without Kevin Durant due to injury, have maintained strong form. Phoenix's depth and experience gives them the upper hand in this contest.

Value Play: Grayson Allen (Cap: 16)

Allen has been a reliable contributor for the Suns, and with Durant out, he may take on a larger offensive role. We've seen Allen put up Sorare scores in the high 50's and even low 60's last season, so the ceiling is definitely there for him.

Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Portland Trail Blazers

The Portland Trail Blazers (3-8) face the Minnesota Timberwolves (6-4) at Moda Center. Portland's young roster is still finding its footing, while Minnesota, led by Anthony Edwards, has been impressive. The Timberwolves' balanced attack makes them favorites in this matchup.

Value Play: Donte DiVincenzo (Cap: 25)

Donte DiVincenzo has been a reliable asset for the Timberwolves, offering strong perimeter defence and timely scoring. His versatile skill set and cap of 25 make him a high-value pick, especially against the struggling Trail Blazers.

Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors

The Golden State Warriors (8-2) host the Dallas Mavericks (5-5) at Chase Center.

The one everyone are waiting for - Klay's return to Golden State. Thompson will go back to Chase center to face off his former Splash brother, Steph Curry, and he will do it in a Mavs jersey. Curry continues to perform at an elite level with the rest of the squad putting up impressive performances thus far as well, while Dallas may struggle to keep pace. The Warriors' offensive firepower and home advantage might give them the edge in this game.

Value Play: De'Anthony Melton (Cap: 18)

Melton, returning from injury, has been hot and, as a starter, is expected to contribute significantly on both ends of the floor. In his last game against a tough Thunder team he put up 41 Sorare points, so he could definitely keep his momentum going against the Mavs.