The Emirates 2024 NBA Cup is finally here! It should be a thrilling game between two teams that deserve to be in this position. The Oklahoma City Thunder and Milwaukee Bucks have both won their group and beat worthy opponents to have a chance to be the second team to lift the Trophy/Cup.

This could be a possible NBA Finals preview as the Oklahoma City Thunder are first in the Western Conference and the Milwaukee Bucks have the sixth best record in the Eastern Conference, and on a three-game win streak. The Bucks have been the most dominant team of the Emirates 2024 NBA Cup, and the Thunder have the best record of any team that made it past the group stage.

It is just like a heavyweight boxing era. The former champion, Milwaukee, has a comeback from unexpected knockouts to be a contender again. After easy paydays it’s time to play the up-and-coming contender.

 

 

 

Oklahoma City Thunder: I Wanna Talk About Me

The Oklahoma City Thunder finished the 2023-24 season as the number one team in the Western Conference. They are currently first in the West this season, and have a chance to win the Emirates NBA Cup. Yet still people are talking about the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, anyone but the Thunder.

They may be collectively singing the Toby Keith song, ‘I Wanna Talk About Me’ and their great team. They have a chance to make a bold statement with a championship win without Chet Holmgren.

The truth is the challenger has to make a name for themselves, losing in the Western Conference Semifinals is not the announcement. However, winning the Cup could be a way of saying they have arrived.

 

 

 

Milwaukee Bucks: Push It

The Bucks started out as hot Garbage this season, but are now screaming Push It. The former champions have an opportunity to regain their fame, and legitimize their championship window.

Just like several great heavyweight champions, a new manager/trainer was called into action. Doc Rivers is like the great Lou Duva and coached many players to all-star games and Hall of Fame careers.

Doc’s main two are currently Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, one a former Finals MVP and the other seeking his first NBA championship of any kind. The criticism reigns down, and the chants of ‘has beens’ and being too old are sentiments Lillard and Rivers hear. 

In case you have forgotten the immortal words of two-time champion Head Coach Rudy Tomjanovich, ‘Never underestimate the heart of a champion!’

 

 

 

Oklahoma City Thunder Starting Lineup

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Thunder vs. Bucks Predictions & Picks Today: Tuesday, 12/17

Just like an epic heavyweight battle this should have back and forth momentum with each team winning ‘rounds’.

The bet today stays away from picking a winner, taking a spread, and looks at teased player props with a total.

 

 

 

Thunder vs. Bucks Prediction: Over 216.5, Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ P, Middleton 10+ P (+330 SGP on DraftKings) *0.5U

DraftKings Sportsbook has a No Sweat promotion going for the NBA Cup tonight. Implying that if the bet is unsuccessful, DraftKings will supply a free bet up to $20. So, with that in mind, a Same Game Parlay has been put together and it has fantastic odds. 

The total has moved from 215, to 215.5, and is currently 216.5. It is still too low, even with the Thunder having a great defense, this should be a high scoring game. No one has been able to stop Giannis Antetokounmpo this season, and the Thunder do not have the front court to stop him either.

Meanwhile the Bucks are playing better defense than they were earlier, but will gladly play with a quicker pace, which the Thunder enjoy. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander should take control of this game and seek out his first MVP of any kind. 30 points teases his points down just a little, and thirty points should be well within grasp.

Khris Middleton will once again be the X factor for the Milwaukee Bucks. Antetokounmpo will always do his thing and Lillard has been doing more than his share of heavy lifting. Should Middleton shake the rust and score double digits he will be helping his team immensely. 

Just as he did in the NBA Finals, he can be THE difference in winning and losing. Put no more than half a unit on this Same Game Parlay and have something to root for in tonight’s Emirates 2024 NBA Cup. 

 

 

 

Bet Smart, Be Lucky -Iggy-