The NBA Cup quarterfinals are finally here, and we have 2 excellent matchups on the slate tonight. So, our staff of basketball experts dug into the latest odds and identified all the best betting value on the board for today's duo of contests.
Our betting experts have looked over the odds and made 5 NBA picks for tonight's matchups. Continue below for our NBA best bets and predictions for Tuesday, December 10.
NBA Best Bets, Predictions, Picks: Tuesday, Dec. 10
| Game | Time (ET) | Pick |
|---|---|---|
  | 7 p.m. | |
  | 9:30 p.m. | |
| 9:30 p.m. | |
| 9:30 p.m. | |
| 9:30 p.m. | |
Specific betting recommendations come from the sportsbook offering preferred odds as of writing. Always shop for the best price using our NBA Odds page, which automatically surfaces the best lines for every game. | ||
Magic vs. Bucks Total Prediction
By Vince Akins
In one game without Franz Wagner, the Magic were able to generate offense. But against a motivated team in this one, I think they are going to struggle on the offensive end this time around.
Neither of these teams exactly drive a huge pace to begin with. Both teams rank in the bottom-4 in field goal attempts per game. Matchups of teams both averaging at least two field goals per game less than league average are typically a solid under-play.
And as for the Bucks, last game was a high-point for them in terms of pace, as they put up a total of 68 shots in a win over Brooklyn. Teams with rest that attempted 17+ field goals more than their season average last game are 164-205 OU. I'll stick to the trends and take the under here.
Pick: Under 215.5 (-115)
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Mavericks vs. Thunder Over/Under Pick
To me, this is an under-spot.
The Mavericks are back to having a top-10 defense, which has helped lead them to seven straight wins.
Additionally, the Mavs have won 11 of their last 12, and during this stretch, they've held teams to 115 points or lower five times.
Dallas has had some huge scoring explosions as of late, but the Thunder are the top-rated defense in the NBA, and in their last nine games, only one team has dropped more than 110 points on them (Houston).
The Mavs defense is improving, and OKC's is elite again.
Pick: Under 231 (-110)
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Mavericks vs. Thunder Player Prop Bet
By Joe Dellera
The Mavericks take on the Thunder in the NBA Cup quarterfinals tonight, and I am targeting Klay Thompson to lock in from deep.
Klay plays better with Luka Doncic in the fold, averaging 3.1 three-pointers made on 8 attempts per game with Luka. He has hit 3+ three-pointers in 10 of those 17 contests as well.
When the Mavericks played the Thunder back in November, Klay got plenty of strong looks but was just 1/8 from beyond the arc. However, the consistent volume was notable.
Oklahoma City allows the third highest distribution of 3-point shots, and although they defend them well, it is more about the looks for me here, since this has been a systematic thing for OKC over the last two seasons.
In nine games against OKC over the last three seasons, Klay has averaged 4.3 three-pointers per game, and has cleared this mark in 7 of those 9 games. Some of those numbers obviously came with the Warriors. However, it still demonstrates how comfortable he is in this specific matchup.
I’ll grab Klay to drain 3+ three-pointers in today’s contest.
Pick: Klay Thompson Over 2.5 Three Pointers (-125)
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Mavericks vs. Thunder Spread Prediction
This is a repeat matchup of a playoff series last year where the Mavs beat OKC in six games.
However, going into this season, the Thunder have stepped up another level. That starts with one of the leagues best defenses after the additions of Alex Caruso and Isaiah Hartenstein.
This should give Luka more trouble than before, who the Thunder also guarded well for most of the games.
Expect Lu Dort to be the first one Luka goes to with a bunch of different looks. It was PJ Washington who made a ton of threes in last year's playoff series, and it will most likely take a Mavericks role player shooting exceptionally well to keep this one close as well.
Give me the Thunder at any number below -5.
Pick: Thunder -4 (-120)
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Mavericks vs. Thunder Triple-Double Prop
Is Luka Doncic officially in mid-season shape now?
After failing to record a triple-double in his first 16 games, Doncic has posted one in each of his past two games. Further, Doncic has logged at least 10 points, assists, and rebounds in six of the Mavs' past 12 games (regular season and playoffs) against OKC.
He's trending in the right direction for this prop recently, and has a good historical output against the Thunder, despite their talented wing defenders like Lu Dort. As a matter of fact, Dort might force Doncic to pass more, opening the door for 10+ assists. We already know he's going to get 10+ points.
The question will be, Doncic's effort on the glass. However, he has reached double-digit rebounds in three consecutive games.
After all, this is an NBA Cup elimintation game. There is incentive to go all-out. At +500, this prop has value.
Pick: Luka Doncic Triple-Double (+500)
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