The NBA Cup Championship Game is between the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. Although this is not a regular season game, a win will earn the team a banner for the NBAÂ in-season tournament and some extra cash for its players.
Here’s what the AI Model thinks of the big game tonight. Don’t miss out on any action at the top-rated sportsbooks! And don’t forget to check out our YouTube channel for more betting advice. For today, our expert covered this game by providing some alternative betting angles.
NBA Pick: Bucks-Thunder Over 227.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
Tuesday, December 17, 2024 – 08:30 PM ET at T-Mobile Arena
Milwaukee’s Three-Game Winning Streak
The Milwaukee Bucks have won three consecutive games. They’re now three games above .500 despite an abysmal start to the season.
The Bucks have scored 115 points per 100 possessions and have shot an effective field goal percentage of 57.5%. They’re getting really good looks at limiting turnovers to below 14%.
However, the Bucks have only earned 21.1% of offensive rebounds, the worst rate in the NBA. If they grab below 22% of offensive rebounds, they won’t be able to take advantage of second-chance opportunities against the Thunder.
Recently, though, they’ve prided themselves on defense. The Bucks only rank 17th in points per 100 possessions. However, the defense has allowed no more than 113 in each of their last four games. Of those four games, the Bucks have won three of them.
Meanwhile, the Bucks’ defense has earned just 12.7% of turnovers. They’ll provide some good rebounding on the defensive end and limit the Thunder from getting to the foul line. However, the lack of turnovers could be the difference.
The Thunder Are the NBA’s Hottest Team
The Oklahoma City Thunder haven’t been fully healthy this season. They started the year without their new acquisition, Isaiah Hartenstein. Once he returned, Chet Holmgren was injured and on the sidelines.
The pairing of those two will do wonders; we just haven’t seen it yet. Despite this, the Thunder are 9-1 in their last 10 games and on a five-game winning streak. They’re also the top team in the Western Conference standings now.
Hartenstein has really helped on the defensive end. The Thunder currently rank No. 1 in defensive points per 100 possessions. They’ve also held teams to a 50% effective field goal percentage and have earned 19% of turnovers. Both of those numbers rank No. 1 in their respective categories, too.
The Thunder haven’t been good at preventing offensive rebounds. However, with the Bucks ranking last in offensive rebounds, they could escape without allowing too many second chances.
Additionally, the Thunder have turned the ball over just 11.7% on defense, which is why they win many games. They can win the turnover battle and take more shots while also allowing teams to shoot just a 50% effective field goal percentage.
It’s a terrific recipe for success.
Ultimately, the Thunder scored 116.7 points per 100 possessions and had an effective field goal percentage of 54.5%. When the defense plays as well as it has, these offensive numbers are more than enough.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander averages more than 30 points per game, shooting 51% from the floor. He’ll eventually have more help, but he’s been a workhorse throughout the year.
This should be an exciting NBA Cup Championship Game. Both teams have been playing incredibly well lately, which is why they are playing in this game.
That said, the Thunder should win the turnover battle. There’s also a good chance Oklahoma City doesn’t get beat up on the defensive glass. After all, the Bucks are weak on the offensive glass, which favors the Thunder despite their struggles on the defensive glass. Let’s back the Thunder at -5.5 as the best play for this game.
NBA Pick: Thunder -5.5 (-110) at Bet365
*21+ Seek help with a gambling addiction at 1-800-Gambler
*The line and/or odds referenced in this article might have changed since the content was published. For the latest information on line movements, visit OddsTrader’s free betting odds tool.
