With just one game on Tuesday’s NBA slate, the stakes for the NBA Cup Championship between the Milwaukee Bucks and Oklahoma City Thunder are high.
Here’s a look at the top bets for today’s NBA Cup Championship on DraftKings Sportsbook.
Bucks +5 (-115)
The Bucks are 12-3 in their last 15 games after beginning the season 2-8. They have been playing solid team basketball to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo’s MVP-level play. Antetokounmpo had a monster game in the semifinals, scoring 32 points and grabbing 14 rebounds in a 110-102 win over the Hawks, nearly recording a triple-double.
With Antetokounmpo leading the charge, the Bucks have shown they can beat any team in the league on their best night. His 32.7 points per game this season lead the league, and his consistency has been crucial to Milwaukee’s resurgence.
Although the Thunder remain without Chet Holmgren, they’ve often found ways to win games, led by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Nevertheless, the Bucks’ experience in high-stakes games gives them an edge, and they should cover the +5 spread in this championship showdown.
Damian Lillard Over 23.5 Points (-115)
Damian Lillard has stepped up for the Bucks, contributing to their resurgence with his scoring and play making ability. He dropped 25 points in the Bucks’ semifinal win over Atlanta, adding 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals. He’s averaging 25.7 points per game this season, and with Antetokounmpo commanding attention on the floor, Lillard is often given opportunities to exploit mismatches.
Against the Thunder’s defense, which is ranked in the top 10 in points allowed, Lillard will likely be tasked with creating his own offense as the focal point for the Bucks’ second unit. Expect Lillard to exceed 23.5 points in what will likely be a high-paced, close game.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 37.5 PTS + AST (-120)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having a career year and is a key contributor to Oklahoma City’s success. The Thunder’s superstar guard posted 32 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 steals in the semifinal against the Houston Rockets, and he’s averaging 30.3 points and 6.3 assists per game on the season. He will be called upon to carry the offense to set the tone, whether scoring or distributing to his teammates.
Another element to remember: this game could be a prime opportunity for Gilgeous-Alexander to send a message in his MVP candidacy. He only trails Nikola Jokic with +275 odds on DraftKings Sportsbook, with a seemingly building narrative behind him.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 43.5 PTS + REB + AST (-110)
Giannis Antetokounmpo is playing at an MVP level and will be crucial for the Bucks’ success in the NBA Cup final. He has averaged 32.7 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season, and he was dominant in the semifinals against Atlanta. With the stakes higher than ever, expect Antetokounmpo to deliver another monster performance.
His ability to impact the game in multiple facets — scoring, rebounding, and play making — makes him a prime candidate to exceed 43.5 combined points, rebounds, and assists. Given the matchup against the Thunder’s defense, which will likely struggle to contain him, Antetokounmpo should hit this mark comfortably.
Jalen Williams Under 22.5 Points (-110)
Jalen Williams has been a breakout star for Oklahoma City this season, averaging 21.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. However, in the Thunder’s semifinal win over Houston, Williams scored 20 points, adding 5 rebounds and 5 assists. While Williams has the potential to score big, the odds are favorable enough to take the risk that he doesn’t quite reach 23 points.
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All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
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