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. will take on the in-form Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite being a young and fairly inexperienced roster, the team has all the essential ingredients to defeat the Wisconsin side. Meanwhile, the Bucks could miss out on just a few BUT valuable ingredients before the clash! So, do they have enough firepower to defeat SGA & Co.?

Both sides have lengthy injury reports. However, the Bucks’ report seems like the most concerning one, as it contains 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.

Especially, Giannis Antetokounmpo is amidst a career-high season, averaging 32.7 ppg and 11.5 rpg with a shooting accuracy 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 starting unit 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 actually healthier and ready 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 could 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.

Milwaukee Bucks Depth Chart (considering the three ‘probable’ stars don’t make it)

Oklahoma City Thunder Depth Chart

This is an important match-up for the OKC Thunder side, considering their disappointing end to the 2024 postseason campaign. So, this could be the team’s stepping stone and motivation booster to expectedly contend for the 2025 playoffs.

Where to watch the NBA Cup Finals? How much is the prize money?

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. Regardless of the result, though, it’s going to be a mega payday for either side. $205,988 per player on the losing side and $514,971 for the winners with the trophy, of course. For fans, looking to catch the live action, tune in to ABC at 8:30 PM E.T. And for the international audience, keep your NBA app subscriptions updated!

Who do you think will win the NBA Cup? Drop your predictions below.