The Oklahoma City Thunder (20-5) will face off against the Milwaukee Bucks (14-11) in the highly anticipated 2024 NBA Cup Championship on Tuesday evening. The Bucks enter the matchup with momentum, having secured three consecutive victories, including a 110-102 win over the Atlanta Hawks in the semifinals. The Thunder, on a five-game winning streak, advanced by defeating the Houston Rockets 111-96.
Last season, the two teams each claimed a victory in their head-to-head matchups, with home-court advantage proving key in those games. Players on the championship-winning team will earn over $500,000 each, while the runners-up will take home just over $200,000. However, the Bucks will be without Khris Middleton, who is sidelined due to illness.
The game is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. After opening with a spread of -4.5, the Thunder have climbed to a 5.5-point favorite in the latest betting odds, while the total points over/under is set at 216. Oklahoma City’s money line is at -219 (meaning a risk of $219 to win $100), while Milwaukee stands at +181.
When evaluating the teams’ performance, the Bucks have a current record of 10-14-1 against the spread this season, whereas the Thunder boast a better record of 16-9 against the spread.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a key player for Milwaukee, showing strong potential as a scorer and defender, leading the league in points. His recent performances include impressive statistics, making him a pivotal force for the Bucks. Similarly, Damian Lillard is expected to contribute significantly through his scoring and playmaking abilities.
On the Thunder’s side, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has also made headlines with his scoring ability and playmaking skills, consistently contributing 30-plus points in recent games. Jalen Williams adds to the Thunder’s offensive strength with impressive scoring averages.
According to analytical models, the projected total points for the game suggest a lively competition, aiming for an over of 229 combined points. With such strong performances anticipated from both teams’ star players, fans can look forward to an exciting matchup with high stakes.
Overall, this championship game presents an exhilarating opportunity for both teams, with the potential for standout performances and dramatic moments, highlighting the growing talent and competitiveness in the NBA.