The excitement surrounding the NBA’s inaugural In-Season Tournament continues to grow, and Wednesday’s slate of NBA Cup games provides another chance for fans and bettors alike to get in on the action. With high-stakes matchups across the league, several player props and game lines stand out as promising bets. Here’s a breakdown of some of the best player prop picks and game predictions for Wednesday’s NBA Cup games.
Player Prop 1: Jayson Tatum Over 29.5 Points
The Boston Celtics take on the Philadelphia 76ers in what promises to be a tightly contested battle between two Eastern Conference powerhouses. Jayson Tatum has been in stellar form this season, consistently delivering as the Celtics’ go-to scorer.
Against a Sixers defense that has struggled at times to contain elite wings, Tatum is well-positioned to exceed his points prop of 29.5. Philadelphia will likely throw different looks at him, but with his ability to create off the dribble, score from deep, and finish at the rim, Tatum should have no problem reaching the 30-point mark. With Boston looking to secure a key win in their NBA Cup campaign, expect Tatum to carry the offensive load.
Player Prop 2: De’Aaron Fox Over 8.5 Assists
De’Aaron Fox has been a catalyst for the Sacramento Kings’ high-octane offense, and his playmaking ability will be critical as they face the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors’ perimeter defense, while solid, has shown vulnerabilities against dynamic guards who can attack the paint and kick out to open shooters.
Fox has averaged over 7 assists per game this season, but his recent performances suggest he’s primed to surpass the 8.5-assist line. With teammates like Domantas Sabonis and Kevin Huerter ready to convert his passes into points, Fox is a strong candidate to rack up assists in this matchup. Additionally, with the added motivation of the NBA Cup stakes, expect the Kings to play with extra intensity, giving Fox more opportunities to create.
Player Prop 3: Nikola Jokic Over 11.5 Rebounds
The reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, has been a force on the boards all season, and he’ll have a favorable matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. With the Clippers often relying on small-ball lineups, Jokic should dominate the glass, particularly on the defensive end.
Jokic has averaged nearly 12 rebounds per game this season, and his ability to control the boards is integral to Denver’s success. In a game where the Nuggets are likely to lean on their star big man, betting on Jokic to hit the over on 11.5 rebounds is a smart play.
Team Prop: Milwaukee Bucks Over 119.5 Total Points
The Milwaukee Bucks face the Indiana Pacers in a game that promises plenty of scoring. The Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, have one of the most potent offenses in the league. The Pacers, while dynamic offensively, rank near the bottom of the league in defensive efficiency, often finding themselves in high-scoring shootouts.
Milwaukee has consistently surpassed the 120-point mark this season when facing teams with subpar defenses, and with their NBA Cup aspirations in play, they’re unlikely to take their foot off the gas. Expect the Bucks to exploit Indiana’s defensive lapses and hit the over on their team total.
Game Prediction: Phoenix Suns vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – Suns Moneyline (+125)
The Phoenix Suns and Minnesota Timberwolves matchup is one of the most intriguing games on the slate. The Timberwolves have been a defensive juggernaut this season, but the Suns’ trio of Kevin Durant, Devin Booker, and Bradley Beal has started to find its rhythm.
Minnesota’s interior presence, led by Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns, will challenge the Suns, but Phoenix’s ability to score from the perimeter could tip the scales. At +125 on the moneyline, the Suns represent strong value as a team with championship-level talent looking to assert themselves in the NBA Cup standings.
Parlay Option for Wednesday
For those looking to combine multiple bets, here’s a parlay to consider:
- Jayson Tatum Over 29.5 Points
- De’Aaron Fox Over 8.5 Assists
- Milwaukee Bucks Over 119.5 Total Points
This three-leg parlay combines individual player brilliance with a high-scoring team performance, offering a solid chance for a high payout.
Final Thoughts
Wednesday’s NBA Cup games are filled with opportunities for bettors to capitalize on player and team trends. Whether focusing on individual stars like Jayson Tatum and Nikola Jokic or taking advantage of favorable team matchups, there’s plenty of action to enjoy. As always, approach betting responsibly, and enjoy the excitement of this unique addition to the NBA calendar.
