The 2024 NBA Cup will end its group stage part on Tuesday with 11 video games. Among these 11 video games, solely three are utterly devoid of stakes. The 76ers and Hornets, Wizards and Cavaliers, and 76ers and Pacers have all been mathematically eradicated from advancing to the knockout stage.
However, that leaves eight video games left on the slate wherein there are significant stakes for at the very least one of many groups concerned. Some of them are clearly extra significant than others. In the Eastern Conference, for instance, we’ve got two head-to-head clashes amongst undefeated groups that can determine group winners. Other video games function solely point-differential penalties, or have just one workforce that’s nonetheless eligible to advance. But, in brief, eight of those 11 video games matter on some degree.
So let’s undergo these video games. Below, we’ll cowl when these video games tip, the place you may watch them, what the stakes are for every, and make one finest guess per recreation. Most of Tuesday’s video games are additionally accessible streaming regionally on fubo (Try totally free).
All odds beneath are from BetMGM. Fans can take motion on the NBA Cup by utilizing the most recent BetMGM promo code.
Start time: 7 p.m. ET
Where to observe: NBA League Pass
The stakes: Winner wins East Group B. Loser might probably be the Eastern Conference wild-card workforce.
Best guess: Let’s preserve this one easy. The Bucks have gained six straight. Giannis Antetokounmpo is averaging a sturdy 34.4 factors, 11 rebounds and eight assists through the streak. The Pistons have rim protection, however there is no such thing as a protection for Antetokounmpo proper now. The streak retains rolling. The Pick: Bucks -3.5
Start time: 7:30 p.m. ET
Where to observe: TNT
The stakes: Winner wins East Group A. Loser might probably be the Eastern Conference wild-card workforce. If New York wins an in depth recreation, Orlando, by advantage of its monumental point-differential benefit (at +60, 30 factors larger than every other Eastern Conference workforce) is more likely to be the Eastern Conference wild-card workforce.
Best guess: In this recreation we’ve got an unstoppable drive (New York’s No. 1 rated offense) towards an immovable object (Orlando’s No. 3 ranked protection). When Jalen Brunson bumped into that immovable object final season, he shot 4-of-15 and scored 20 factors in a loss within the lone recreation each he and Jalen Suggs performed in. Suggs is wholesome, so count on him to proceed inflicting issues for Brunson this time round. The Pick: Brunson Under 23.5 Points
Start time: 8 p.m. ET
Where to observe: NBA League Pass
The stakes: If Oklahoma City wins and San Antonio loses, Oklahoma City wins West Group B. If Oklahoma City wins and San Antonio wins, Oklahoma City might probably be the Western Conference wild-card workforce.
Best guess: The line right here is inflated as a result of Vegas is aware of that the Thunder want a excessive point-differential to advance. Right now, the Thunder are favored by 13.5 factors, however Utah has coated that unfold in 11 of its final 12 video games and its solely larger loss was by simply 19 towards Denver. The Jazz are extra aggressive than their numbers point out, at the very least by the usual this line units. The Pick: Jazz +13.5
Start time: 8:30 p.m. ET
Where to observe: NBA League Pass
The stakes: Both the Mavericks and Grizzlies might nonetheless probably be the Western Conference wild-card workforce. The path for Dallas is clear: with a 2-1 report and a +41 point-differential, it could be favored to advance with a win and will solely be knocked off if one other 3-1 workforce picked up a blowout on Tuesday. Memphis would wish fairly a little bit of assist to advance even with a win.
Best guess: Luka Doncic returned from harm with a bang on Sunday, scoring 36 factors and racking up 13 assists and 7 rebounds in a win over Portland. Historically, that is roughly the purpose on the calendar wherein Doncic begins to ramp up statistically. Grab his total numbers prop. The Pick: Doncic Over 45.5 Points+Rebounds+Assists
Start time: 9 p.m.
Where to observe: NBA League Pass
The stakes: If San Antonio wins, it wins West Group B. If Phoenix wins, it wins West Group B with an Oklahoma City loss. If Phoenix wins and Oklahoma City wins, the Suns are nonetheless a possible Western Conference wild-card workforce.
Best guess: No workforce will get to the basket lower than the Suns. The presence of Victor Wembanyama solely encourages extra 3-pointers. Your transfer right here is simply to select a Suns shooter you count on to hit a bunch of 3-pointers. I’m going to take Tyus Jones, who’s enjoying towards his brother Tre Jones, however can be likeliest to have Chris Paul, the least harmful perimeter on the Spurs, defending him when the starters are on the ground simply due to how harmful each different Suns scorer is. The Pick: Tyus Jones over 1.5 3s
Start time: 10 p.m. ET
Where to observe: TNT
The stakes: Golden State has already gained West Group C, however its seeding within the knockout stage will rely upon its total group play report and/or point-differential relying on quite a lot of outcomes on Tuesday. Denver remains to be eligible to be the Western Conference wild-card workforce, however would wish fairly a little bit of assist.
Best guess: I’m enjoying a hunch right here. Stephen Curry spoke brazenly concerning the troublesome gamers have had to find a rhythm to this point this season as a consequence of Steve Kerr’s deep rotations after Saturday’s loss to Phoenix. I’m anticipating issues to tighten up a bit for the Denver recreation, and a technique that might manifest is extra Curry minutes. I’m anticipating his scoring to go up consequently. The Pick: Curry Over 23.5 Points
Start time: 10 p.m. ET
Where to observe: NBA League Pass
The stakes: Houston has already gained West Group A, however its seeding within the knockout stage will rely upon its total group play report/and or point-differential relying on quite a lot of outcomes on Tuesday.
Best guess: Houston’s stellar protection is outlined by two reserves: Amen Thompson and Tari Eason, the Terror Twins. My play right here is to select an below on a Sacramento scorer more likely to play a bunch of minutes towards these bench lineups. Malik Monk began on Sunday, however that was his first begin of the season, so I’m nonetheless comfy taking his below and hoping he struggles towards Houston’s unimaginable bench protection. The Pick: Monk Under 15.5 Points
Start time: 10:30 p.m. ET
Where to observe: NBA League Pass
The stakes: Portland might nonetheless probably be the Western Conference wild-card workforce, however would wish some assist.
Best guess: James Harden’s scoring has gotten the majority of publicity over the previous two video games, however I’m extra enthusiastic about his passing on this matchup. Donovan Clingan is out with a knee harm, and with Harden sizzling, I’m anticipating Portland to promote out to cease him on drives. That will open up simple lob passes that the large Clingan will not be round to interrupt up. The Pick: Harden Over 9.5 Assists
NBA Cup odds
The eight-team NBA Cup bracket can be set after Tuesday evening’s motion. The quarterfinals are slated for subsequent week earlier than the semifinals (Dec. 14) and closing (Dec. 17) in Las Vegas. Here are the percentages to win the competitors from BetMGM sportsbook.
- Knicks: +500
- Warriors: +500
- Thunder: +550
- Bucks: +650
- Rockets: +650
- Mavericks: +800
- Magic: +800
- Celtics: +1400
- Suns: +1800
