Is the NBA Cup final in mid-December a preview of the NBA Finals next summer? It’s not out of the question, as the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder are two of the most talented teams in the association. They will play for the NBA Cup on Tuesday night in Las Vegas, where Milwaukee advanced by beating the Atlanta Hawks this past Saturday while Oklahoma City defeated the Houston Rockets. The Bucks have won 10 of their last 12 games and the Thunder lead the Western Conference with a 20-5 record, so this has all the makings of a blockbuster matchup.
With the game tipping off at 8:30 pm ET on ABC, it’s time to take a look at the odds and NBA Cup Final best bets to be made for Bucks vs Thunder.
- MILWAUKEE BUCKS +5 (-110)
- UNDER 214.5 (-110)
- GARY TRENT JR. OVER 1.5 THREE-POINTERS MADE (-120)
Bucks +5 Over Thunder (-110)
Following a disastrous start to the 2024-25 campaign in which they were 1-6 through seven games and 2-8 through 10 games, the Bucks have become what they were supposed to be: one of the best teams in the NBA. Their hot streak continued on Saturday with a 110-102 semifinal victory over the Hawks, the only team they have lost to other than the Boston Celtics since November 16. Giannis Antetokounmpo has scored at least 30 points in nine of the last 10 contests and he was one assist short of a triple-double against Atlanta. He has also blocked 11 shots in the last three games – a big reason why head coach Doc Rivers’ defense is looking formidable. The Thunder are a great team, but with Chet Holmgren sidelined they aren’t at their absolute best right now.
Under 214.5 (-110)
You won’t often find a total of 214.5 for a matchup between two teams that average more than 113 points per contest, but that is the case in the NBA Cup final. Nonetheless, this is a game that can still stay under the number. Although this isn’t the playoffs, it should feel like it on Tuesday night in Las Vegas. A substantial amount of money is on the line in addition to the prestige of the second-ever in-season tournament title, so players aren’t going to be messing around out there – the effort level is going to be worthy of the postseason. The Thunder already boast the best interior defense in the league, while the Bucks have given up more than 109 points just once in a cup game this season.
Gary Trent Jr. Over 1.5 Three-Pointers Made (-120)
Gary Trent Jr. should be in line for a productive day at the office. The Duke product has made multiple three-pointers in five of the last six outings, including three on four occasions during this stretch. With Middleton having played only four games this season and still trying to round back into form, Trent’s shooting volume should continue to be sizable. He has attempted at least four triples in six consecutive contests and in 13 of the last 14. He now faces an Oklahoma City squad that leads the league in fewest points in the paint allowed per game, so Milwaukee will likely be forking up plenty of shots from the perimeter.
