San-en NeoPhoenix are narrowly favored to win this Emperor’s Cup matchup, with recent market odds typically hovering around 1.75 for San-en NeoPhoenix and about 2.05 for Altiri Chiba. San-en come in with stronger recent B.League form and a more balanced offense, which gives them a slight edge according to most bettors on DexWin - Best Odds on Your Favourite Sports.

The game between San-en NeoPhoenix and Altiri Chiba in the Emperor’s Cup is scheduled to start at 5:00 AM UTC on January 8, 2026, which corresponds to 2:00 PM Japan Standard Time. Fans in Japan should plan for a mid-afternoon tip-off, while international viewers can adjust from the stated UTC time.

This Emperor’s Cup clash is set to be played in Japan at a neutral-style cup venue, typically hosted in indoor arenas that seat between 5,000 and 10,000 spectators with modern hardwood courts and professional facilities. The arena setup usually includes full broadcast lighting, courtside media areas, and fan zones that create an intense knockout-tournament atmosphere.

Prediction: San-en NeoPhoenix are projected to win by a small margin, with a likely spread in the -3.5 to -5.5 range and total points line around 160. Their more consistent perimeter scoring and recent defensive metrics suggest value on San-en to cover a modest spread, while Altiri Chiba’s underdog odds around 2.05 may appeal to those expecting a cup upset.

In recent head-to-head meetings, San-en NeoPhoenix have generally held the upper hand over Altiri Chiba, winning the majority of their clashes by leveraging superior guard play and late-game execution. However, several of those games have been decided by single-digit margins, indicating that Chiba are capable of pushing San-en in a knockout setting like the Emperor’s Cup.