The Mavericks have a unique opportunity to win a trophy because they are one of the eight remaining teams in this season’s NBA Cup knockout stage. Dallas will fancy their chances since the Celtics, with whom they lost in last season’s Finals, are no longer in their way. The Jason Kidd-coached squad is currently the league’s most-in form team, and they’re up for a tough road game against the Thunder tomorrow at the Paycom Center.
Meanwhile, the Bucks will take on the Magic for the first time this season. Both teams have compiled positive NBA 2024 results lately, but only one of them will advance to the semi-finals in this knockout game. After tomorrow’s games, the Hawks and the Warriors will visit the Knicks and the Rockets, respectively, on the other side of the bracket on Thursday.
Check out today’s preview of the two NBA Cup knockout matches we have tomorrow by continuing to read below.
Orlando Magic @ Milwaukee Bucks
The SBOTOP NBA 2024 odds are in favour of the Bucks due to several factors. The Doc Rivers-coached squad has won eight of their last 10, including going 8-4 at home, and the Magic are severely undermanned.
After losing to the Hawks and the Celtics, the Bucks returned to winning ways against the Nets on Sunday. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 34 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and three blocks on 14-for-22 shooting from the field and 6-for-10 shooting from the free throw line. Bobby Portis, Gary Trent Jr., and Khris Middleton combined for 54 points off the bench. Damian Lillard recorded a double-double, with 15 points, 11 assists, and six rebounds on 2-for-7 shooting from the field and 9-for-11 shooting from the free throw line.
Khris Middleton’s return from a long injury layoff has given Milwaukee a huge morale boost since he is one of the team’s best players. In his first two games this year, the three-time NBA All-Star averages 11.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game but is only shooting 27.7-per cent from the field. Middleton should continue to play a monitored role off the bench as he works his way back to his old form.
The Magic suffered a huge injury blow, as it was confirmed that Franz Wagner sustained a torn oblique – the same injury that Paolo Banchero has. Wagner carried the Banchero-less Magic over the last month, averaging 26.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists, and 1.8 steals per game.
With Orlando missing two of their young stars in Banchero and Wagner, they will need big games from Jalen Suggs, Tristan da Silva, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Anthony Black, Moritz Wagner, and Cole Anthony. But even so, the Magic will find it difficult to overcome the Greek Freak and Dame Time.
Betting tip – Milwaukee Bucks Asian Handicap -7.50 @ 2.03
Dallas Mavericks @ Oklahoma City Thunder
After a four-game losing streak to kick off November, the Mavericks have now won 11 of their last 12 games, including a seven-game winning streak. The Thunder, on the other hand, are winners of their last three.
Luka Doncic’s return from a wrist injury has given the Mavericks a major boost. In his last four games, the Slovenian guard has averaged 31.0 points, 10.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 3.3 steals per contest, and he has recorded consecutive triple-doubles against the Wizards and the Raptors.
Kyrie Irving is also doing well for the Mavericks, averaging 23.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 5.5 assists while shooting 42.7-per cent from three-point range in his last 10 appearances. The one-time NBA champion has scored at least 23 points in six of his last seven outings.
But if the Mavericks are going to beat the Thunder, they will need a superb performance from Klay Thompson, who is averaging 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game on the season. The good news is the four-time NBA champion found his shooting touch last Saturday against the Raptors, notching 20 points on 8-for-16 shooting.
The Thunder will continue to rely on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander for production. The two-time NBA All-Star has scored at least 30 points in all but one of his last seven outings, including a 31-point effort last Saturday in a win over the Pelicans.
Oklahoma City’s second option behind Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is Jalen Williams, who has posted at least 20 points in his last four games. The 23-year-old swingman is averaging 22.0 points, 6.1 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 2.1 steals per game on 51.2-per cent shooting from the field and 39.3-per cent from three-point range.
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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