Bucks vs. Thunder | NBA Cup Final: Predictions, Odds & Best Bets

One game on the schedule today, but it’s a big one. The NBA brought us the first iteration of the NBA Cup last year and it was an absolute hit. Both the Lakers and Pacers went a perfect 6-0 through their respective conferences, on their way to clash in the Final. Los Angeles would take home the inaugural NBA Cup with Lebron James taking home the inaugural Most Valuable Player award. 

This year’s Cup Final looks a little different. We’ve got the Oklahoma City Thunder representing the Western Conference with the Milwaukee Bucks coming out the East. Both teams have played some of their best basketball this year during the tournament and I’m expecting more of the same in this NBA Cup Final. 

Here are our best bets for the Bucks vs. Thunder!

• Giannis Antetokounmpo o30.5 Poinrs (-111)
• Jalen Williams o21.5 Points (-120)

Bucks vs. Thunder  Game Information

T-Mobile Arena; Las Vegas, Nevada

Matchup Information

• Location: T-Mobile Arena; Las Vegas, Nevada
• Date: Tuesday, December 17th, 2024
• Kickoff: 8:30 PM EST

Betting Odds

Odds via BetOnline, an industry leader in the sports betting world.

Spread

• Milwaukee Bucks +5 (-105)
• Oklahoma City Thunder -5.5 (-106)

Money Line

• Milwaukee Bucks (+175)
• Oklahoma City Thunder (-150)

Total

• Over 215.5 (-110)
• Under 215.5 (-110)

Get 50% up to $1,000 on your NBA picks today at BetOnline

Bucks vs. Thunder Analysis & Breakdown

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is playing at an MVP level this year.

The Bucks started this season looking COMPLETELY different. Through their first 10 games of the year, the Bucks went 2-10, losing 6-straight games after a win on opening night. The Bucks were allowing 118.5 PPG in those 8 losses, allowing their opponents to score in every way imaginable.

Since then, the Bucks have gone 12-3; they’ve got the 8th best defense and their holding their opponents to just 109.3. PPG. Milwaukee ranks 4th in opponent shooting percentage in that time and they’ve held their opponents to just 35% from beyond the arc. Something clicked for this Bucks team and it’s not completely clear what it was, yet.

Khris Middleton is back in the lineup for the Bucks and he’s provided a great option for the team’s 2nd unit leader. He’s still playing under 25 minutes per game, but the Bucks are 3-1 with him in the lineup and they’ve won both Cup Games with him on the floor.

On the other side, you’ve got the #1 defense in the NBA. The Thunder rank 1st in points allowed, 1st in opponent shooting percentage, 1st in opponent 3-point percentage and they’re giving up the least amount points per game in the painted area.

Both the Bucks and the Thunder have a plethora of talent on the roster, but both teams are led by absolute superstars.Giannis Antetokounmpo and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have both been playign MVP-eqsue basketball and tonight both have a chance to take home their first NBA Cup MVP. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo o30.5 Points (-111)

Dame & Giannis seem to finally be figuring it out. The Bucks are 12-3 over their L15 games.

We’re not overthinking this one. Giannis has been an absolute force over the Bucks last 10 games. Over his L10 games, Giannis is averaging 34.4 PPG, shooting 63% and he’s averaging 13.6 free throw attempts per game. He’s been as close to unstoppable as you can get.

Over their L15 games, the Bucks have gone 12-3, averaged 115.3 PPG and they’ve managed to go a perfect 6-0 so far through the tournament. In these L15 games, Giannis has seen a 36.2% usage rate, he’s scoring 38.4% of the Bucks’ points and taking nearly 60% of the team’s free throw attempts.

In NBA Cup Games, Giannis has seen a 33.8% usage, scoring 37.2% of the team’s points and shooting 63.4% of the team’s free throws. He played 38 minutes in the team’s Semi-Final win and 36 minutes in the Quarter-Final; finishing with 32 and 37 points, respectively.

Antetokounmpo is shooting 62% from the field this year and has yet to finish a game shooting under 50% this year. Yeah, you read that right, he hasn’t had a game this season in which he shot below 50% from the field.+

“We were struggling early, and the cup started and we said let’s win it.”

Doc Rivers talks about how the #EmiratesNBACup sparked the Bucks this season!

🏆 #EmiratesNBACup Championship Game: MIL-OKC, tomorrow, 8:30pm/et on ABC pic.twitter.com/I7qLrCS01i

— NBA (@NBA) December 16, 2024

Against the #1 defense in the league, the Bucks will need Giannis’ scoring more than ever. With Khris Middleton still on a minutes restriction and Damian Lillard facing one of the toughest matchups in the league; the burden of putting up points falls on Giannis once again.

The Bucks have their eyes on the NBA Cup and anything less would be a failure for Giannis. We know how he comes out in big games, tonight should be no different.

Giannis Antetokounmpo o30.5 Points (-111) via BetOnline

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Jalen Williams o21.5 Points (-120)

Jalen Williams has been great for the Thunder this year. He’s taken on the role of the #2 option for this offense and he’s even played center for this team when that was what they needed. Williams is averaging career-highs across the board, putting up 21.7 PPG, 6.1 RPG and 5 APG.

He’s playing 32 MPG and that’s with the way the Thunder have been blowing teams out this year. Williams sits 2nd in usage on the Thunder, seeing 27.1% usage rate and scoring 27.6% of the Thunder’s points.

Milwaukee’s defense has stepped up over the last few weeks but we know how much this team has struggled against opposing guards. With Shai on the floor, Williams should have the exact 1 on 1. matchups he wants and with it, I love for him to get us over this points line tonight.

He’s struggled through the first two elimination games, but look for Williams to come out looking better against this Bucks squad.

30% off all Betalytics Packages, Code: BNEWS

Jalen Williams o21.5 Points (-120) via BetOnline

Get 50% up to $1,000 on your NBA picks today at BetOnline

To Recap, NBA Bets for December 17th, 2024:

In the Bucks vs. Thunder game today, we’re rolling with 2 props. Giannis Antetokounmpo o30.5 Points (-111), & Jalen Williams o21.5 Points (-120); both via BetOnline

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