Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Prediction and Betting Tips for 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Finals | Dec. 17
The Milwaukee Bucks and the OKC Thunder will duke it out in the 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Finals at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas on Tuesday. The matchup also pits two of the season's bonafide MVP contenders, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander against each other in an all-out bucket-fest.
The former has already made it clear about gunning for a third MVP title, while SGA has been in the reckoning for a couple of seasons now. He finished second in the MVP voting last season, and his string of consistent performances — including leading the Thunder to a 3-1 run in the in-season tournament further strengthens his case to win the elusive piece of silverware.
The grand $500k moolah aside, the NBA Cup Finals also presents Antetokounmpo and the Bucks with the distinction of being the first Eastern Conference team to win the title. LeBron James and the LA Lakers won the inaugural edition by getting the better of the Indiana Pacers. With two new teams at the helm, a win also serves as a massive confidence boost for winning the NBA championship in June.
The fact that the Bucks and Thunder have vaulted highly-pegged teams as the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers in the East, the Lakers, Denver Nuggets, or even the Dallas Mavericks in the West, is indeed a pleasant surprise. While there have been reports about ticket sales plummeting, it's hard to ignore the fact that these two sides have in fact played quality ball throughout the season.
Milwaukee has bounced back admirably after a tumultuous 2-8 start to their season. Much has been primarily due to Antetokounmpo's monster run averaging a league-high 32.7 points, while also tallying a staggering 11.5 rebounds, 6.1 assists, and 1.6 blocks per contest on 64.1% shooting to be their Messiah. His scintillating run saw the outfit make a comeback with a 14-11 run, winning eight of their last 10 games and carving out a three-game winning streak while at it.
Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be his usual 30-point metronome self. OKC were dealt with a Chet Holmgren injury blow early into their season, but the guard has been mercurial on both ends of the floor making sure the Thunder still lead the West with a healthy 20-5 record and boast of a five-game winning run. He is third in scoring in the NBA this season with 34.4 points per game while recording 5.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.9 steals in his 25 appearances so far.
Both teams met twice last season, splitting the series. This year, they meet two more times in February and March. The Bucks lead the head-to-head matchup 77-74 in 151 regular season games.
Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Preview, Predicted Starting Lineups, Betting Tips, Odds, and Prediction | 2024 Emirates NBA Cup Finals
The Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder tips off at 8:30 pm ET. The showdown will be televised on ABC. The game can be streamed live on Fubo TV (regional restrictions may apply) and on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.
Here's a look at the odds as listed at the time of writing:
Note: Odds are subject to change closer to tip-off.
Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Preview
Great offense and an equally brilliant defense have been bedrocks of Thunder's success so far. Their key objective will be defending Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, and in Alex Caruso, Luguentz Dort, and Isaiah Hartenstein, they have enough artillery to close out his preferred ways of barrelling to the rim. The young OKC team isn't afraid to play bruiser ball, and they emerge as favorites on paper to win this matchup.
The Thunder are 10th in scoring offense averaging 115.6 points per game and propping up 112.9 points per every 100 possessions. They are 12th in FG offense nailing 46.5% of their attempts. Their 35.1% 3-point offense isn't the greatest (19th in the NBA) — an area that Milwaukee could exploit with some stifling defense.
OKC is second in scoring defense, allowing a paltry 104.1 points per 100 possessions. The Bucks are 12th in that area conceding 110.5 points per every 100 possessions.
Offensively, the Bucks have surged with Antetokounmpo getting the right kind of support from his starters. Lillard and Taurean Prince have had mixed outings, but have been solid in games that have mattered. The Bucks are 14th in scoring offense with 113.2 PPG and averaging 112.2 points per 100 possessions. They better OKC in FG% (48.4% and seventh in the league). They are third in 3-point offense swishing 38.9% from beyond the arc.
Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Predicted Starting Lineups
The Milwaukee Bucks have listed superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo (right patellar tendinopathy) and Damian Lillard (right calf contusion) as probable. Khris Middleton (non-COVID illness) is probable as well, while Liam Robbins (left ankle sprain) is questionable. The Bucks will most likely field the same starters as they did against the Hawks.
OKC will be without Chet Holmgren (Iliac wing fracture), Jaylin Williams (right hamstring strain), Nikola Topic (left knee surgery), Adam Flagler (right metacarpal fracture), Alex Ducas (lower back sprain), Ousmane Dieng (finger fracture). Like Milwaukee, they will start with their lineup from their last game.
Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Betting Tips
For the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed with an o/u of -115/-115 on points + rebounds. Khris Middleton is +104/-110 on points, and Damian Lillard is -112/-120 on points. For the Thunder, Isaiah Hartenstein is -120/-115 points + boards, and Shai Gilegous-Alexander is -118/-118 on points + assists.
Milwaukee Bucks vs OKC Thunder Prediction
The OKC Thunder are dominant on defense despite the absence of second-year big Chet Holmgren. Their offense has been clinical and they find a way to keep scoring. Pace and control have been key to their winning, and the Milwaukee Bucks will need to outplay them on both ends of the floor. It's form and depth that determines the winner on Tuesday, and with OKC rolling on both, chalk up a Thunder win against the defiant Bucks.