With two NBA Cup matchups scheduled for Saturday, December 14, solid opportunities are available on DraftKings Sportsbook. Here are my top betting picks for today’s NBA slate.
Here’s a look at the full schedule for today’s games:
Hawks vs. Bucks, 4:30 p.m. EST
Rockets vs. Thunder, 8:30 p.m. EST
Hawks +4 (-108)
The Bucks are back in the NBA Cup semifinals after making a short trip to Las Vegas last season. This year, they are up against one of the game’s most entertaining players, Trae Young, and the Atlanta Hawks. He led the Hawks to a 108-100 win over the Knicks in the quarterfinals and is playing some of his best basketball this season, averaging 21 points and 12.2 assists per game. The Hawks have been firing on all cylinders, winning seven of their last eight games, making them formidable opponents for the Bucks.
While the Bucks have Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard on their side, the Hawks’ momentum coming off a big road win over the Knicks should keep this one close. Given the momentum Atlanta has, the +4 spread is worth considering.
Thunder -5.5 (-112)
The Rockets face off with the Thunder in another exciting NBA Cup semifinal. The Thunder have been on a tear this season sitting at 19-5, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is averaging 30.2 points per game. Despite missing Chet Holmgren, the Thunder have shown they can compete at a high level. With a solid supporting cast around Gilgeous-Alexander, including Jalen Williams, Oklahoma City has found success and is one of the top teams in the West.
Houston has also performed well this season, with Jalen Green and Alperen Sengun leading the charge. Isaiah Hartenstein has thrived while taking on a larger role in Holmgren’s absence, and the Thunder have also shown an impressive ability to deploy small-ball lineups. Oklahoma City’s depth and experience should give it the edge in this semifinal matchup, and the -5.5 spread is a good option.
Trae Young Over 33.5 PTS + AST (-115)
Trae Young is having an outstanding season, leading the NBA in assists with 12.2 per game while also averaging 21.0 points. Over his last three games, he has ramped up his production, averaging 22.7 points and 13.7 assists. In the Hawks’ 108-100 win over the Knicks on Wednesday, Young posted 22 points and 11 assists, showcasing his consistent ability to contribute across the board. With Atlanta riding a strong 7-1 stretch and Young thriving as a scorer and playmaker as the clear-cut heavy-usage option surrounded by complementary talents, the Over on 33.5 PTS + AST seems like a solid bet.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 49.5 PTS + REB + AST (-120)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been dominating on both ends of the floor this season, averaging 32.7 points, 11.4 rebounds and 6.0 assists per game. His recent performance against the Magic made it clear that he’s at the top of his game right now as a scorer, as he put up 37 points, seven rebounds, and one assist. The main concern is whether he will get enough assists in this setting. However, with the Bucks looking to get past the Hawks in the NBA Cup semifinal, Antetokounmpo is expected to carry the load offensively, making the Over on this line a solid bet. Atlanta does have perimeter size to slow him down but lacks an elite rim protector to stifle him from producing a dominant performance.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 36.5 PTS + AST (-115)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been a force this season, averaging 30.2 points and 6.3 assists per game. His play has been a major factor in the Thunder’s success, and he’s shown no signs of slowing down. He posted a monster game against the Mavericks in the quarterfinals, scoring 39 points and adding eight rebounds and five assists. He’s grown into being one of those players that simply transcends what the opposition tries to do to contain him by often leveraging both his mid-range game and simply being a persistent downhill threat that doesn’t settle for deep jumpers often. Taking the Over for 36.5 PTS + AST offers good value considering all factors.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is grant-afseth) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.