The second edition of NBA Cup action continues on Wednesday in what is the final day of group play. There are still a number of spots up for grabs for both grabs in both conferences which should make for an exciting slate. As always, we have you covered with our three best bets for the day’s action below!
Also, make sure to head over to our NBA Tips regularly, as we’ll be providing free tips for all the major slates for each and every week of the 2024-25 season!
NBA Betting Tips: Wednesday, December 4th 2024
San Antonio Spurs at Phoenix Suns (1pm AEDT)
The Spurs come into this matchup in fantastic form having won five of their past six games, including last start against the Kings where they rallied back from a near 20-point deficit. Victor Wembanyama continues to dominate in just his second year in the league, and recently posted a ridiculous 34/14/11 stat line. The Spurs are also currently 2-1 in the NBA Cup and can finish top of their group with a win here.
The Suns have had an up and down first quarter of the season mainly due to injuries to key players. The good news is both Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal are expected to suit up alongside Devin Booker here. The Suns recently went on a five-game skid but have recovered to win two of their past three games. The Suns are also in the hunt to top their group, although it’s likely they’ll need to secure a wildcard slot.
Although the Suns have proven to be a force this season when all of their stars are available, I still think the +7.5 line is disrespectful to the Spurs, particularly in their current form. The Suns don’t have any great rim protection and that spells danger in their matchup with the 7’4” Wemby. On top of that, the Spurs won three of their four meetings with the Suns a season ago.
Spurs +7.5
$1.90 (2 Units)
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets (2pm AEDT)
The Warriors began the season in excellent form and sat atop the Western Conference standings for the first month or so, but a current four-game skid has seen them relinquish their bragging rights. In fact, the Warriors have slipped down to fourth in the West and could even end the day down in seventh should results not fall their way. On a positive note, the Warriors have already locked in a spot in the final eight of the Cup thanks to a 3-0 record.
The Nuggets are yet to truly hit their straps this season but their best also look as though it’s not too far away. They were last start losers on the road against the Clippers, but now return home where they’ve won five of nine contests this season. In good news, Aaron Gordon is a chance to return after a long injury layoff which would have the Nuggets at virtually full strength.
The Warriors, having already locked in top spot in their group, have the luxury of resting a couple of players and have already ruled out Draymond Green from this clash. However, his absence means the Warriors have no clear matchup for Nikola Jokic, and I expect him to run riot as a result. With home court advantage also at play here, I love the Nuggets to cover the spread.
Nuggets -5
$1.88 (2.5 Units)
Portland Trail Blazers at Los Angeles Clippers (2:30pm AEDT)
The Trail Blazers have been competitive this season despite clearly being in another rebuild year. They’ve won eight of their 21 games to date and have been in most games right until the end. They recently split their two-game homestand at 1-1 with a gutsy win over the Kings followed by a narrow six-point loss against the Mavericks. In Cup play, the Trail Blazers have a healthy 2-1 record but would need some form of a miracle to clinch the wildcard spot in the West.
The Clippers have arguably exceeded expectations so far this campaign considering the number of injuries to key players they’ve had to deal with. Kawhi Leonard has been yet to suit up this season and Norman Powell has also now missed a chunk of games. That’s left James Harden to do a lot of the heavy lifting, and he’s performed magnificently to guide the Clippers to a 13-9 record.
The Clippers are rolling right now, particularly at home where they’ve won eight in a row. A number of those wins have been by healthy margins as well, which is exactly what I’m expecting here against the Trail Blazers who are 3-8 on the road – the third worst mark in the conference.
Clippers -8.5
$1.90 (1 Unit)
