After an undefeated run in the NBA Cup, the Milwaukee Bucks are at the cusp of making the victory lap. But before that, they have one big challenge ahead of them. Giannis Antetokounmpo & Co. should take on the in-form Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite being a young and fairly inexperienced roster, the team had all the essential ingredients to defeat the Wisconsin side. Meanwhile, the Bucks may miss out on a few valuable ingredients before the clash!
Will the Bucks have enough firepower to defeat SGA & Co.?
Both sides have lengthy injury reports. However, the Bucks’ reports seem like the most concerning as it has included three starters. The team has included Giannis Antetokounmpo (Knee), Damian Lillard (Calf), and Khris Middleton (Illness) in the Probable category citing various injuries. In short, Coach Doc Rivers does not have enough assets to compete against the Thunder.
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Especially, Giannis Antetokounmpo is amidst a career-high season, averaging 32.7 ppg and 11.5 rpg with a shooting percentage of 61.4 per game. Importantly, he hasn’t gone below 50% FG in any game this season. So, missing out on Greek Freak will be a massive drawback. Apart from these three starters, the Bucks also have another player on the list – Liam Robbins (ankle, questionable).
On the other hand, the Thunder have a bigger list than the Milwaukee side, but the damage on the side is comparatively less.
Alex Ducas (Back) – Out
Jaylin Williams (Hamstring) – Out
Adam Flagler (Fourth metacarpal fracture) – Out
Ousmane Dieng – (ring finger fracture) – Out
Chet Holmgren (hip) – Out
Nikola Topic (ACL) – Out
With only Chet Holmgren out from the starting lineup, the Thunder still has its core intact. Moreover, it also has found a temporary replacement for Holmgren in Isaiah Hartenstein. So, the OKC side is healthy and lethal for the much-awaited match-up.
NBA Cup Finals – Starting Lineups and Depth Charts
The Bucks’ starting lineup and depth look extremely weak after considering the injury report. However, the only positive is that all three starters are listed in the probable category. So, at least one of them will return to the playing five. Moreover, the team has all the necessary experience, heading into the NBA Cup Finals. Firstly, the experienced coaching unit. Darvin Ham, the assistant coach, has already been in the same spot and won the title as well. And Doc Rivers has turned it around for the Bucks in the last few weeks. So, it’s an even match-up. Above all, Giannis Antetokounmpo has the much-needed Finals experience from the 2022 championship.
The Milwaukee Bucks
POSITION STARTING LINEUP 2nd UNIT 3rd UNIT PG AJ Green Delon Wright Ray Rollins SG Gary Trent Jr. Andre Jackson Jr. – SF Taurean Prince – – PF Bobby Portis Pat Connaughton – C Brook Lopez – –
The Oklahoma City Thunder
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POSITION STARTING LINEUP 2nd UNIT 3rd UNIT PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Ajay Mitchell – SG Cason Wallace Isaiah Joe – SF Lu Dort Alex Caruso – PF Jaylen Williams Aaron Wiggins Dillon Jones C Isaiah Hartenstein Kenrich Williams Branden Carlson
This is an important match-up for the Thunder’s side, considering their disappointing end to the 2024 postseason campaign. So, this could be the team’s stepping stone for the 2025 playoffs.
Where to watch the NBA Cup Finals?
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The second edition of the In-Season Tournament will come to a close on Tuesday night. The Bucks will take on the Thunder at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. For the fans, looking to catch up on the live action, tune in to ABC at 8:30 PM E.T. And for the international audience, keep your NBA app subscriptions handy to catch up on the event.
Who do you think will win the NBA Cup this season? Let us know in the comments.