We have two NBA props for the Emirates Cup Final on Tuesday night, and our staff of basketball betting experts is focused on some key markets that could be worth targeting in tonight's championship matchup between the Thunder and Bucks. Tipoff from T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas is set for 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
Read below for our NBA prop picks for Tuesday, December 17.
NBA Cup Final Props: Tuesday, Dec. 17
- Khris Middleton Over 7.5 Rebounds & Assists (-105, BetMGM)
- First Quarter Total Points – Under 55.5 (-110, bet365)
- Isaiah Hartenstein Over 23.5 Points & Rebounds (-105, Caesars)
Khris Middleton Over 7.5 Rebounds & Assists (-105)
Bucks vs Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET
By Joe Dellera
The Bucks have benefitted from Khris Middleton’s return even though he’s been on a minutes limit.
Considering they are ring chasing, I don’t think he will see a complete deviation from the restrictions. However, seeing closer to mid-20s would provide a boost.
Middleton has been able to provide counting stats even though he’s struggled a bit with his shot-making. He’s recorded 8, 8, 12, and 7 rebounds + assists (RA), with slightly above-average Assist conversions, but below-average rebound conversions.
Considering this is a tough matchup offensively for Middleton, I like the assists + rebounds number. Oklahoma City has improved on the glass with Hartenstein, but they still aren’t quite a juggernaut in that department.
I’ll grab Middleton over 7.5 RA at -105.
Pick: Khris Middleton Over 7.5 Rebounds & Assists
First Quarter Total Points – Under 55.5 (-110)
Bucks vs Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET
This NBA Cup title game matchup is an absolute banger. We get the best team in the West against a red-hot East contender. Let's go!
I'm expecting a playoff atmosphere here. OKC just played a gritty battle against Houston in the semifinals. This game could play out the same, especially early on.
The Thunder lead the league in defensive rating (103.1), and they've posted a stellar 99.4 in the 1st quarter. OKC has allowed the 2nd-fewest 1st-quarter points per game.
Milwaukee hasn't been as sturdy on defense, but they may have unlocked something with Andre Jackson Jr. in the starting lineup. Their defensive rating has improved by 6.3 with Jackson on the floor.
The foursome of Brook Lopez, Damian Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Taurean Prince has started consistently, but the 5th spot has bounced around.
That group has a solid 101.5 defensive rating in the 1st quarter, while struggling on the offensive end (108.8 offensive rating).
Jackson Jr. might not play a ton of minutes or help out on the offensive end, but he should be a boost to Milwaukee's 1st-quarter defense. I'll take the first quarter under.
Pick: First Quarter Total Points – Under 55.5
Isaiah Hartenstein Over 23.5 Points & Rebounds (-105)
Bucks vs Thunder, 8:30 p.m. ET
By Kyle Murray
Love this number for Isaiah Hartenstein, who is averaging 25 points + rebounds per game this season.
Hartenstein has also cleared this number in 8 of his last 10 games overall. And I am actually expecting an above-average game for him in terms of minutes tonight.
Hartenstein is averaging 30 minutes per game this season, but with this being the NBA Cup Championship, he may wind up playing 33+ minutes tonight, which should lift him well over this number, if he sees that type of run time.
Pick: Isaiah Hartenstein Over 23.5 Points & Rebounds
