The first game today is action between an up and coming team versus a former champion who has been knocked out. It is very similar to a heavyweight boxing feud, where the promoters want to display a young, flashy boxer against a former champion who is making a comeback to win a championship belt. 

There are four major belts in boxing, and the NBA has three major championships in a season. The NBA Finals, The All-Star game (East vs West), and now the Emirates NBA Cup. The NBA Finals would be the WBC, the most prestigious of belts, and the winner becomes the linear champ, the best. 

The NBA Cup is like being the winner of the WBO Belt, still prestigious, but the youngest of the sanctioned leagues. No matter which belt/trophy someone/some team possesses, they are always special. 

 

 

 

Atlanta Hawks: Player’s Ball

So the Atlanta Hawks are billed as the young and upcoming contender and have their first worthy match against a proven linear champion. It’s a nationally televised game and the Hawks will be getting the most attention they have received in the past three years. Can they rise to the moment?

Although Outkast speaks of a different Player’s Ball, the Hawks are looking to ball out in Las Vegas. Jalen Johnson and Trae Young are a great tandem, capable of playing off of each other's strengths. Look for the Hawks to come out aggressive to begin the game.

 

 

 

Milwaukee Bucks: Add It Up

The Milwaukee Bucks have really turned around their season, and Doc Rivers’ philosophy has begun to grow roots. There was serious doubt, there were several loud calls for Rivers to be fired last year and this year. Major circulations about Giannis Antetokounmpo being unhappy and wanting to trade out of MIlwaukee, and calls to sell off the vets and load up on draft picks.

Now there are talks of a return to the Finals, and Antetokounmpo being an MVP candidate. Both of those could come true, but what is important is today’s game. Becoming the second team to win the NBA Cup would be a special achievement. For Head Coach Rivers and Antetokounmpo it would be another badge on a hall of fame career.

 

 

 

Atlanta Hawks Starting Lineup

Milwaukee Bucks Starting Lineup

 

 

 

Hawks vs. Bucks Predictions & Picks Today: Saturday, 12/14

These two teams are sixth and seventh in the Eastern Conference, only one game separating their records. They key is they both are playing their best basketball of the season right now. One more win and they play for the NBA Cup Trophy, and a decent cash bonus ($500,000). Look for stars and role players to be playing with max effort.

 

Hawks vs Bucks Prediction: Damian Lillard Over 24.5 Points (-120 on Bet365) 

One star that has stressed the importance and relevance of the NBA Cup is Damian Lillard. Although he has won a gold medal (2020), been the All-Star MVP (2024), and is considered one of the 75 best players of all-time, he is still chasing a team championship. 

In part he was traded to Milwaukee because he believed he would have a good opportunity to win a championship. Now he has an opportunity to put the Bucks in the championship game of the NBA Finals. Once again something the players of the Bucks have emphasized as being important. 

Lillard has scored 27 or more points in his last three games, and is averaging 25.8 points per game this season. The Atlanta Hawks allow 119.1 points per game, third most in the Eastern Conference. Lillard could be the highest scoring player today, and earning his average should come easy. Put a unit for him to do so.