The Oklahoma City Thunder (20-5) and the Milwaukee Bucks (14-11) are preparing to face off in the highly anticipated 2024 NBA Cup Championship on Tuesday evening. Both teams come into the game with strong momentum; the Bucks are riding a three-game winning streak after their semifinal victory over the Atlanta Hawks, winning 110-102, while the Thunder have claimed five consecutive wins, defeating the Houston Rockets 111-96 in their own semifinal.
In their encounters from last season, both teams exhibited a balanced contest, with each securing a win on their home turf. The stakes are high for players, as those on the winning roster stand to earn over $500,000, while losing players will receive just above $200,000. Unfortunately for the Bucks, Khris Middleton is sidelined due to illness.
The game is set to tip off at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada, at 8:30 p.m. ET. Initially opening as 4.5-point favorites, the Thunder have slightly increased their lead to 5.5 points in the latest betting odds, with an over/under on total points set at 216. The money line odds show Oklahoma City at -219, risking $219 to win $100, while Milwaukee is at +181.
Both teams have shown strengths against the spread, with the Thunder holding a 16-9 record and the Bucks at 10-14-1 this season.
Stars on both sides will play a pivotal role. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is probable for the game due to a knee issue, leads the league in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game, complemented by 11.5 rebounds. Alongside him, Damian Lillard has been a reliable force, averaging 25.7 points and providing significant playmaking.
On the Thunder’s side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is showcasing exceptional skill as a top scorer and playmaker, ranking fourth in the league with 30.3 points per game. Jalen Williams is also making his mark, averaging 21.7 points and demonstrating versatility as a scorer.
As excitement builds for this championship clash, the SportsLine Projection Model has simulated the matchup 10,000 times, predicting a total of 229 combined points and favoring one side of the spread nearly 70% of the time.
As the game approaches, fans can look forward to a thrilling competition that showcases some of the league’s brightest stars and delivers exciting basketball action.
In summary, the match between the Thunder and the Bucks promises to be a noteworthy showdown, marked by talent, determination, and the pursuit of glory in the 2024 NBA Cup Championship.