Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder 12/17/24 – This Tuesday, NBA Cup Championship, promises to be riveting for basketball fans as the Milwaukee Bucks visit the T-Mobile Arena. The Bucks are going up against the Thunder who have an impressive record of 20-5 and look to be quite the challenge for Milwaukee who sits at 14-11. Not only should this matchup be entertaining for fans and those betting on the game, but it should also be an important match for both teams as both have aspirations for the playoffs. For those who want to witness this game which commences at 8:30 PM ET will be available for viewing on ABC.
| When: | Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 8:30 PM ET |
|---|---|
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena |
| TV: | ABC |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
GOOD MORNING. pic.twitter.com/YCYvhS6UBy
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 17, 2024
The betting lines show the Thunder as strong favorites with a moneyline of -200 and a spread of -5 given their superior record of 20-5 with a favorable recent run. The total for the match stands at 216.5 whilst the odds seem to suggest a high-scoring game. In addition, the good form of the Thunder in the recent games against the spread should– be a consideration for the bettors as they tend to cover when they are the favorite.
| Team | SP/RL | TOTAL | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bucks | +5 (-114) | 216.5 over (-110) | +166 |  |
| Thunder | -5 (-106) | 216.5 under (-110) | -200 | |
| ||||
Giannis Antetokounmpo (PF) vs. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG
Milwaukee, with Giannis Antetokounmpo still on their side, continues to stand tall. He had an impressive season, averaging 32.7 points and 11.5 rebounds per game. Not only does he control the paint, but he can stretch the floor, too. Every game is made easier because of him; however, his turnover average of 3.3 could work against his playing style when faced with a very defensive Thunder team.
On the other hand, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has been spectacular for Oklahoma City as he is contributing an average of 30.3 points per game as well as 6.3 assists and 1.9 steals in every game. This has contributed to his superb scoring power which has been elemental to the Thunder this season. With regards to the tenor of this game, how Antetokounmpo plays inside and Gilgeous-Alexander outside will be virtually decisive.
The confrontation between Antetokounmpo and Gilgeous-Alexander is bound to astound the audience considering that both stars are capable of singlehandedly winning their respective matches. Giannis’s strength and size give him an advantage in rebounding while Shai’s quickness and shooting are a constant threat from the three-point line. Their ability to exploit the other’s weaknesses may be the breaking point.
Dynamic Bucks: Analyzing the Stalwarts
In their last outing against Atlanta, Milwaukee showcased their balanced attack and defensive tenacity, securing a vital win. The team averages 113.3 points per game, with a notable 48.4% shooting from the field. However, their tendency to turn over the ball (13.4 per game) has occasionally stymied their momentum, something they’ll need to control against a high-caliber Thunder defense.
Thunder’s Consistent Excellence: A Closer Look
Oklahoma City enters the game on the back of a solid win against Houston, extending their impressive run. The Thunder have not only been winning but covering spreads consistently, especially on the road (8-3 ATS). With an average scoring of 115.6 points per game and a robust defense that averages 12.2 steals and 6.3 blocks per game, they look poised to challenge the Bucks’ resilience.
Trends
Milwaukee Bucks Betting Trends
Thunder are 5-0 in their last 5 games.
Thunder are 5-0 in their last 5 games against the spread
Thunder are 8-3 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Thunder’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 6 of Thunder’ 13 last games at home
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Bucks are 3-2 in their last 5 games.
Bucks are 2-3 in their last 5 games against the spread
Bucks are 5-6 in their road games against the spread
The totals have gone OVER in 2 of Bucks’ last 5 games
The totals have gone OVER in 6 of Bucks’ 14 last games at home
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Prediction
After considering everything, the Thunder seem to have the advantage, both in terms of statistics and form. Their capacity to cover spreads and offensive effectiveness place them in a competitive position. In spite of this, Giannis and the Bucks possess enough talent to keep the competition tight; hence, the +5 spread for Milwaukee is reasonable for value-seeking bettors.
In the end, the final outcome will most probably depend on the performance of the star players as well as the bench strength of both teams. Even though the Thunder are the favorites to win, an upset victory is not totally inconceivable if the Bucks can take advantage of their strengths while keeping turnovers low. Sign up today to make your NBA betting prediction!
Score Prediction: Thunder 112, Bucks 107.
