After a flawless performance in last night’s single-game slate, our season record now stands at an impressive 138-78, with an accuracy rate of 63.9%. Tonight, the stakes are higher as we dive into the NBA Cup quarterfinals with a thrilling 2-game slate, where we aim to keep our perfect streak alive.
The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, face the Orlando Magic, a team brimming with young talent and energy. Expect this to be a test of the Bucks’ experience against the Magic’s rising potential in a win-or-go-home matchup.
In the West, the Oklahoma City Thunder, currently atop the conference, take on the Dallas Mavericks in a battle of two elite offensive juggernauts. This clash will likely come down to which team can execute better defensively in the clutch moments.
Let’s break these matchups down and aim for perfection in tonight’s predictions.
Orlando Magic At Milwaukee Bucks – 7:00 PM EST
Magic Current Record: 17-9
Bucks Current Record: 12-11
Magic Injuries: Jonathan Issac – Day To Day (Hamstring), Gary Harris – Out (Hamstring), Franz Wagner – Out (Oblique), Paolo Banchero – Out (Oblique)
Bucks Injuries: Giannis Antetokounmpo – Day To Day (Knee), MarJon Beauchamp – Day To Day (Hamstring), Khris Middleton – Day To Day (Ankle), Chris Livingston – Out (Ankle)
Last 5 Meetings: Bucks Lead 3-2
The Orlando Magic take on the Milwaukee Bucks in the NBA Cup quarterfinals at Fiserv Forum. The Magic enter this game severely shorthanded, missing both Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero due to injuries.
Despite their absences, Orlando has maintained a competitive edge, recently defeating the Phoenix Suns. Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. will need to step up offensively, while the team’s league-best defense, allowing just 103.3 points per game, will be their primary weapon against the Bucks’ high-powered attack.
The Milwaukee Bucks, led by MVP frontrunner Giannis Antetokounmpo, have been on a roll, winning eight of their last ten games. Giannis has been dominant, averaging 32.5 points per game, and will be a major challenge for the Magic’s defense. With Damian Lillard orchestrating the offense and Brook Lopez anchoring the defense, Milwaukee boasts both firepower and experience. The Bucks are also unbeaten in NBA Cup play, showcasing their consistency in high-stakes matchups.
The Magic’s depleted roster will struggle to keep up with Milwaukee’s depth and offensive firepower. Expect the Bucks to secure a comfortable win and advance to the semifinals.
Prediction: Bucks def. Magic 118-102
Dallas Mavericks At Oklahoma City Thunder – 9:30 PM EST
Mavericks Current Record: 16-8
Thunder Current Record: 18-5
Mavericks Injuries: P.J. Washington – Day To Day (Illness), Naji Marshall – Out (Illness), Jaden Hardy – Out (Ankle), Maxi Kleber – Out (Illness), Dante Exum – Out (Wrist)
Thunder Injuries: Adam Flagler – Out (Wrist), Jaylin Williams – Out (Hamstring), Alex Ducas – Out (Hip), Ousmane Dieng – Out (Finger), Chet Holmgren – Out (Hip), Nikola Topic – Out (ACL)
Last 5 Meetings: Thunder Lead 3-2
The Oklahoma City Thunder host the Dallas Mavericks in the 2024 NBA Cup quarterfinals at Paycom Center. Both teams are entering this highly anticipated matchup in exceptional form. The Mavericks, riding a seven-game winning streak, have been bolstered by Luka Doncic’s return to peak form. Doncic’s recent 30-point triple-double against Toronto highlights his ability to dominate games, while Kyrie Irving and Klay Thompson add veteran scoring and playmaking.
The Thunder are coming off a hard-fought victory over New Orleans. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jalen Williams combined for 58 points in that contest, showcasing Oklahoma City’s dynamic offensive capabilities. However, injuries to key players like Chet Holmgren and Jaylin Williams leave the Thunder shorthanded in the paint, which could be a factor against Dallas’ versatile frontcourt led by P.J. Washington and Dereck Lively II.
This game is expected to be a close contest, with both teams showcasing strong defenses and efficient offenses. While the Thunder’s home-court advantage and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s MVP-caliber play make them formidable, the Mavericks’ depth and recent success in head-to-head matchups tip the scales slightly in their favor.
Prediction: Mavericks def. Thunder 120-116
