2024 NBA Cup Quarterfinals Preview

The NBA Cup enters the knockout stage with the quarterfinals, and the standout matchup so far features the Oklahoma City Thunder taking on the Dallas Mavericks.

Oklahoma is looking for revenge, as it was Dallas who eliminated them in last season’sPlayoffs.

In the West, the Rockets will face the Warriors, while in the East, the Knicks will host one of their nightmares: Trae Young and his Hawks.

The Milwaukee Bucks will aim to leverage their experience against the Orlando Magic, who are dealing with the absence of Paolo Banchero.

NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Milwaukee Bucks vs. Orlando Magic

The Milwaukee Bucks have overcome their poor start to the season, improving their record and securing the top spot in their group in the NBA Cup. Damian Lillard is having a strong season, averaging 26.2 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to post MVP-level numbers with 32.5 points and 11.6 rebounds per game. The key to this team’s success lies in its experience.

Under normal circumstances, the Orlando Magic would be favored to advance, but the injury to Paolo Banchero is a significant blow, as he is the team’s best player. Their chances will hinge on the contributions of German forward Franz Wagner, who is averaging 24.4 points, and the stout defense from players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jalen Suggs.

Bucks vs. Magic Betting Pick: Bucks

NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Dallas Mavericks

The Oklahoma City Thunder stands as the best team in the West and needs to showcase its greatness in this type of knockout game. Chet Holmgren remains sidelined, but Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a reliable star, averaging 29.8 points and 6.3 assists. Jalen Williams is another key player to watch, contributing 22 points per game this season.

Last year, the Dallas Mavericks eliminated Oklahoma, and they will aim to do so again. Their hopes rest not only on Kyrie Irving but also on the performance of their star player, Luka Dončić, who is averaging 28.7 points, 8.1 assists, and 8.1 rebounds this season. Klay Thompson adds to their offense, shooting 36% from three-point range on 7.7 attempts per game.

Thunder vs. Mavericks Betting Pick: Mavericks

NBA Cup Quarterfinals: New York Knicks vs. Atlanta Hawks

The New York Knicks were built to compete in the East and currently boast a strong offensive unit, though their defense leaves much to be desired. Karl-Anthony Towns is expected to contribute on the scoreboard in this game, but this lineup has plenty of offensive options, led by Jalen Brunson, who is averaging 25.4 points and 7.7 assists. Mikal Bridges adds another 16.7 points per game.

The Atlanta Hawks are a team capable of both the best and the worst, but they rely on Trae Young, one of the league’s top playmakers and a player who thrives against the Knicks. He averages 25.6 points and 9.6 assists against New York, including five games where he’s scored 40 or more points.

Knicks vs. Hawks Betting Pick: Hawks

NBA Cup Quarterfinals: Houston Rockets vs. Golden State Warriors

The Houston Rockets have enjoyed a strong start to the season, becoming the first team to qualify for the NBA Cup quarterfinals, and they aim to continue their path to success. Interestingly, no player on the team averages over 20 points per game, with Jalen Green coming closest at 19.0. However, Alperen Şengün is a player to watch, contributing 18.9 points and 10.6 rebounds per game.

For the Golden State Warriors, experience plays a key role, similar to the Milwaukee Bucks. The team has performed well in the regular season, with Steph Curry sharing the spotlight with other key contributors like Andrew Wiggins (17.2 points), Jonathan Kuminga (14.8), and Buddy Hield, who is shooting 42% from three on 7.3 attempts per game. Notably, Steve Kerr has opted to bring Draymond Green off the bench in recent games.

Rockets vs. Warriors Betting Pick: Warriors