The Oklahoma City Thunder, boasting a record of 20-5, will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks, who sit at 14-11, in the highly anticipated 2024 NBA Cup Championship on Tuesday. The Bucks arrive at this showdown having secured three consecutive victories, including a semifinal win over Atlanta, where they triumphed 110-102. Meanwhile, the Thunder come in on a five-game winning streak after their semifinal defeat of the Houston Rockets, which ended with a score of 111-96. Last season, these teams were evenly matched, each winning on their home court in their two encounters.
As the stakes heighten, players from the winning team stand to earn over $500,000, while those from the losing side will receive just over $200,000. However, the Bucks will be missing Khris Middleton due to illness, which could impact their performance.
The game will tip off at 8:30 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. Oklahoma City opens as a 5.5-point favorite in the latest odds, with the over/under set at 216 points. Current money lines show Oklahoma City at -219 and Milwaukee at +181.
Both teams are looking to establish dominance not only in this championship but also in the broader context of the NBA season. For the Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo has had an exceptional season, currently the league leader in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game, along with notable rebounding and assist statistics. His recent performances, including multiple double-doubles, highlight his capability as a game-changer. Alongside him, guard Damian Lillard, who averages 25.7 points and excels as a facilitator, adds depth to the Bucks’ offense.
On the Thunder’s side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been impressive, sitting fourth in the NBA in scoring with 30.3 points per game, showcasing his skills as a playmaker. Jalen Williams also contributes significantly with his scoring ability, giving Oklahoma City a multi-faceted attack.
Sports analysts are keenly focused on this matchup, with predictions suggesting a high-scoring game, projecting a total of 229 combined points.
As both teams vie for the championship title, fans are looking forward to an exciting contest that could very well be a pivotal moment in the NBA season. The thrill of competition and the chance for players to showcase their talents on a grand stage makes this matchup particularly special, promising an exciting evening of basketball.