MILWAUKEE @ OKLAHOMA CITY (OKC -4.5, 216.5)
NBA ODDS, NBA PREDICTIONS, NBA PREVIEWS
BUCKS @ THUNDER 12/17/24
The basketball universe is set for a spectacular showdown as the Milwaukee Bucks, spearheaded by Giannis Antetokounmpo, clash with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the coveted NBA Cup glory. Antetokounmpo, known for his dominance on the court, put forth an impressive performance in the Bucks' 110-102 semifinal victory against the Atlanta Hawks. He missed a triple-double by one assist. The Bucks star scored 32 points and had 14 rebounds in the semifinal win. Winning the NBA Cup would mark a significant improvement in the Bucks' early-season performance, having secured 12 wins in their last 15 games after a slightly shaky start.
Antetokounmpo, currently leading the league with a remarkable average of 32.7 points across 23 games this season, is a strong contender for his third MVP honor. The Bucks' recent upswing can also be attributed to Damian Lillard's noteworthy contribution. He’s averaging 25.7 points per game.
The Thunder also secured a berth in the final of the NBA Cup, emerging victorious over the Houston Rockets, 111-96. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 32 points, grabbed eight rebounds, dished out six assists, and recordedfive steals in the win. The Thunder currently lead the West with a solid 20-5 record..
Winning the NBA Cup, especially against the experienced Bucks and in the absence of their star player Chet Holmgren, would certainly amplify the Thunder's stature in the league. The NBA Cup final is a great platform for the Thunder players to acclimatize to the high-pressure scenarios often seen in playoffs.
Gilgeous-Alexander's averages of 30.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 6.3 assists makes him a potential MVP contender. Other notable contributors include forward Jalen Williams and center Isaiah Hartenstein who has stood tall in Holmgren's absence, averaging 12.5 points per game and scoring 21 points in the semifinal.
This will be the first meeting of the season between these two teams. Oklahoma City won the last meeting back in April. The Thunder covered as 14-point favorites. Milwaukee won the prior six meetings. The Bucks are just 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games this season. OKC is 7-2-1 ATS in their last ten.
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COACH RICK FREE PICK:
OVER 216.5
This total opened at 214 and it’s up 2.5 points already. That is a sign. Milwaukee has won three straight and 10 of the last 12. The Bucks scored 114 points or more in 7 of the 10 wins. Six of Milwaukee’s last eight games and 14 of the last 20 have gone Over tonight’s total. It’s a similar story for the Thunder. OKC is a top 10 scoring team averaging 115.6 points per game. The Thunder have won five straight and scored 118 or more in 4 of the 5 games. Yes, they are the NBA’s top defensive team, but 7 of their last 10 games have gone Over the total. Five of their last six games have gone Over tonight’s number.