The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Milwaukee Bucks will compete in the 2024 NBA Cup Championship on Tuesday, with the Thunder currently holding an impressive record of 20-5, while the Bucks sit at 14-11. The Bucks are entering this championship on a high note, having won three consecutive games, including a victory against the Atlanta Hawks in the semifinals, where they triumphed 110-102. The Thunder, on the other hand, are riding a five-game winning streak, most recently defeating the Houston Rockets with a score of 111-96 in their semifinals.
In their previous season encounters, both teams were evenly matched, splitting their two games with each team claiming a victory at home. Each player on the winning side of the NBA Cup will earn over $500,000, whereas players from the losing team will receive just over $200,000. It’s worth noting that Khris Middleton will be unavailable for the Bucks due to illness.
The championship game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The Thunder opened as 4.5-point favorites but have moved to a 5.5-point favorite in the latest betting odds, with an over/under set at 216 points. Oklahoma City is at -219 on the money line, while the Bucks are listed at +181.
A notable aspect of this matchup is the individual performances of key players from both teams. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a dominant force, currently leading the league in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game. He is also contributing significantly on the boards and defensive plays. Alongside him, Damian Lillard brings additional scoring and playmaking capabilities, making Milwaukee a formidable opponent.
Conversely, the Thunder are driven by their star guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who ranks fourth in the NBA with an impressive average of 30.3 points per game. Jalen Williams has also emerged as a reliable scorer, consistently contributing to the Thunder’s offensive efforts.
As both teams prepare for this exciting championship, the anticipation builds for fans and analysts alike. The matchup embodies the spirit of competition and showcases some of the league’s most talented players. Regardless of the outcome, this game promises to be a thrilling exhibition of basketball excellence, with both teams having the potential to elevate their game to seize the championship title.