2024 NBA Cup Odds and Predictions

Another season of intense NBA basketball is upon us, which naturally means we need to figure out who will win the In-Season Tournament. I know, that’s probably the last NBA wager you thought you wanted to bet on, but you’re here, so let’s see which angle is worth taking.

The NBA Cup officially begins on November 12 and runs until December 17, which will be the Cup Championship game. We have a full breakdown of the NBA Cup Tournament Schedule at the end of the article.

The Los Angeles Lakers won it all last year, which is a friendly reminder that perhaps not everyone takes this thing all that seriously. That said, the defending champion Boston Celtics own the best NBA Cup odds and are expected to win.

So, is Boston the play, or should bettors go for a bit more betting value? Let’s look at the 2024-25 NBA In-Season Tournament odds and see who you should back at NBA betting sites.

Do NBA Cup Games Count?

Another popular question for anyone looking to bet on the NBA in general is if NBA games actually count. They do, except for the championship itself.

This means the games that are scheduled are built into the regular 82-game regular season schedule, but if you make it to the NBA Cup title game you would be on the court a little longer than anyone else.

Who Won the NBA Cup in 2023-24?

If you’re new to betting on the NBA Cup, you might think the first title was won by the Boston Celtics or Dallas Mavericks. But no, it was actually won by the Lake Show.

Last year’s first ever In-Season tourney title game went down between the Los Angeles Lakers and Indiana Pacers. Anthony Davis balled out en route to the championship.

The big question, of course, is if the Lakers can go back-to-back.

2024-25 NBA Cup Odds

NBA betting sites everywhere are offering NBA In-Season Tourney odds. Here are the latest:

The NBA odds for this market are interesting, as some of the top NBA Finals contenders project the best, but honestly may be really bad bets here.

Why? Because winning this thing simply is not going to be a priority for serious title threats. It’s a big reason why neither of the teams that played in the NBA Cup title game were championship material.

Seriously, the mighty Celtics didn’t even make it out of the quarter-finals last year. Out west, heavy-hitters like OKC, Denver, Dallas, and Minnesota didn’t even make it that far.

In addition, we have no clue where teams will stand from a health perspective. If players are even remotely banged up, it stands to reason that true NBA Finals contenders won’t force the issue to win a relatively meaningless tourney.

All you get for winning the NBA Cup is a trophy and every player (who already makes millions) gets a $500,000 cash bonus. Okay, maybe that’s an incentive for some – but not all.

Keep all of this in mind when trying to precinct who will win the 2024-25 NBA In-Season Tournament. With that, let’s look at the top contenders and gauge the likely NBA Cup winner.

Top Contenders to Win the 2024-25 NBA Cup

There are a lot of viable options when considering the top NBA Cup contenders, and it’s only right to start off with Boston.

Boston Celtics +425

Boston makes sense as the favorite due to them being the defending champs, and there’s no denying that they’re the best team in professional basketball.

Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are a dynamic duo, while Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White round out the league’s best starting five. The team did say good-bye to ageless wonder Al Horford via retirement recently, but they remain quite stacked.

The problem? They (probably) couldn’t care less about winning this. They certainly are more worried about winning the Eastern Conference again.

Boston is preparing for a title defense, so wasting time and energy on an in-season tourney feels like a joke. They’re the best team on the table, but I think they’re one of the worst NBA picks for this betting market, all things considered.

New York Knicks +1000

The New York Knicks are one of my favorite NBA Cup bets this year. They couldn’t get out of the quarter-finals, but they proved the rest of the way that they’re one of the best teams in the entire Eastern Conference.

If you’re betting on the Eastern Conference odds this year, they have to be near the top of your list. I’d imagine that will be the case when betting on who will win the NBA Cup as well.

Jalen Brunson exploded as one of the game’s top point guards last season, and he’s a huge reason the Knicks could make a run for the In-Season Tournament championship.

On top of that, we know Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau has no qualms about running his guys into the ground. It keeps his teams competitive and aligned, but it tires them out come playoff time.

Assuming he doesn’t change his ways, we can bank on New York not holding back. On paper, that makes them one of the best bets to win the NBA Cup in 2024-25.

Milwaukee Bucks +1000

The Milwaukee Bucks are also in play, as they housed the Knicks (146-122) in the quarter-finals last year, and then got edged out by the Indiana Pacers in the semi-finals.

Milwaukee clearly came to play in this thing last year, and they have incentive to give it another go in 2024-25. Obviously given the rash of injuries they dealt with last year, there is some risk involved if you want to bet on them.

That said, there is just as much to gain, as the Bucks did not see their Big 3 spend a ton of time on the court together at the same time last season. 

Keeping Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, and Khris Middleton together for as much as possible – especially competing for a hard-earned in-season trophy – could be beneficial for this team in the long run.

Sacramento Kings +2000

One more contender to win the 2024-25 Emirates NBA Cup I like will be the Sacramento Kings.

They are not the locked in title threat the Knicks and Bucks are, but that’s actually a big reason why I like them. Sacramento is young enough to have incentive to give it a go in the In-Season Tournament, but they also have a new face on the roster and may want more time on the floor as a unit.

DeMar DeRozan is their new addition, and it’s possible adding him to the starting lineup does elevate the Kings to title contender status. If that’s going to be the case, though, Sacramento probably needs all the time together on the floor they can get.

The NBA In-Season Tournament does a good job replicating that playoff atmosphere, too, so getting the likes of DeRozan working with De’Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis could give this organization a sizable boost.

Plus, the Kings have an inviting +2000 price tag considering they were in the quarter-finals of the tourney a season ago.

Best 204-25 NBA Cup Value Bet

My favorite betting value for this market is easily the Memphis Grizzlies. There’s honestly quite a bit of value to access with this bet, as you can even get the Lakers (+2800) at a nice price despite them winning last year.

L.A. could opt to chill out during the in-season tourney this time around, however. Instead, I’d look to younger teams who have incentive to play these games and make a deep run.

A few franchises stand out, but none more than the Grizz.

Who would benefit more from keeping their main guys together for a hard-fought NBA Cup title? I think it has to be Memphis, just because their star players missed so much time last season.

Ja Morant is the big one who missed almost the entire year, and the Grizzlies have to prioritize both health and continuity. The fact that they missed so many games could make them a risk of bowing out, but there is value to them playing together for something they could deem meaningful.

At these appealing +3300 betting odds, I think it’s a gamble worth taking.

Best NBA Cup Longshot for 2024-25

Memphis isn’t a good enough value bet for you? Hey, I don’t blame you; especially with a volatile betting market like the NBA Cup.

To be frank, it seems just about any team that is reasonably decent could win this. The fact that the Lakers won and faced the Pacers for the title tells you all you need to know.

With that in mind, my favorite NBA Cup longshot has to be the San Antonio Spurs. 

Wemby was a revelation during a season where he coasted to NBA Rookie of the Year, and he promises to only keep getting better.

The Spurs also had some nice picks in the NBA Draft, possibly setting themselves up for an expedited rebuild. I don’t really think they’re a safe bet to make a playoff run just yet, but if they play their cards right they could be in the In-Season tourney.

Once in, their +8000 NBA Cup betting odds would look rather inviting. Of course, to capitalize on their current price, you need to have the stones to place that bet now – not later.

2024-25 NBA Cup Prediction

So, who will win the 2024-25 NBA In-Season Tournament? It’s truly anyone’s guess. There is precious little history to go off of for this tourney, as last year was the inaugural run of this event.

It’s also worth questioning if the incentive is strong enough for certain teams to even care about winning it. 

On paper, Boston is a slam dunk pick at their current price. You could also argue for the Denver Nuggets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and many others. However, considering injuries and motivation, I think anyone betting on the NBA really needs to think twice before backing a would-be threat to win this thing.

That has me taking the Memphis Grizzlies.

I think the best NBA Cup bets are teams that have the talent to make a deep run, but also have a good reason for trying to do it. Anyone looking for some extra cash will want to win, but franchises that want more time on the floor and the recreation of a playoff experience will take priority for me.

New York is my second favorite bet, but the Grizzlies are going to surge back up the standings after dealing with a lost season last year. Their +3300 price is also way too juicy to ignore.

They might not be the best bet to win the Western Conference, but Memphis is capable of winning the NBA Cup.

Bet: Memphis Grizzlies +3300

NBA Cup Prop Bets

In addition to picking the NBA Cup winner, online betting sites also have some intriguing prop bets. Let’s take a closer look at some of the popular NBA Cup props:

NBA Group Winner for 2024-25

Eastern Conference Group A

• Philadelphia 76ers +140
• New York Knicks +160
• Orlando Magic +275
• Charlotte Hornets +2800
• Brooklyn Nets +4000

The Brooklyn Nets and Charlotte Hornets are horrible and don’t stand a chance. The Orlando Magic are a little sneaky, as they have great team defense and some star power with Paolo Banchero.

However, Group A in the Eastern Conference comes down to the 76ers and Knicks. New York won’t rest anyone and you never can trust Joel Embiid to stay healthy. He’s an NBA MVP winner, but the guy is completely unpredictable when it comes to injuries.

Fortunately, the Knicks also offer superior betting value compared to Philly.

Bet: New York Knicks +160

Eastern Conference Group B

• Milwaukee Bucks +110
• Indiana Pacers +200
• Miami Heat +275
• Detroit Pistons +4000
• Toronto Raptors +4000

I don’t know what it is, but the Indiana Pacers have a serious mental hold over the Milwaukee Bucks. They edged them out in the NBA In-Season Tournament last year, and then later knocked them out of the NBA playoffs.

The Miami Heat offer solid value at +275, but both they and the Bucks can’t be trusted when it comes to being able to stay on the floor. Detroit and Toronto are walking dumpster fires that probably don’t stand a chance.

I think it comes down to the Bucks and Pacers. Assuming Indy is still in Milwaukee’s head, they look like a terrific bet at their +200 price tag.

Bet: Indiana Pacers +200

Eastern Conference Group C

• Boston Celtics -200
• Cleveland Cavaliers +190
• Atlanta Hawks +2000
• Chicago Bulls +2500
• Washington Wizards +4000

Boston should coast to the NBA Cup quarter-finals. I do think motivation and potential rest for star players will ultimately derail them, but they could be a threat to win 70+ games this season.

The Atlanta Hawks are a fine punt and the Cleveland Cavaliers are a decent pivot. Atlanta is too volatile, however, and the Cavs need to offer more value for me to take the plunge. Chicago and Washington are wasteland teams without a prayer here.

Ultimately, the Celtics offer surprisingly decent value considering how likely it is that they emerge out of Group C unscathed.

Bet: Boston Celtics -200

Western Conference Group A

• Minnesota Timberwolves +150
• Sacramento Kings +225
• Los Angeles Clippers +375
• Houston Rockets +450
• Portland Trail Blazers +4000

It gets tougher out west, to be sure. However, Minnesota’s defense tends to only get them so far. I also like trusting in the Kings for regular season bets, and the addition of DeMar DeRozan could give them a considerable boost.

L.A. is tough to trust now that Paul George is gone, and we never know if Kawhi Leonard will show up. Houston offers value as a team on the rise, but this is a brutal Group to escape out of.

I like Minnesota and Sacramento the most, but I think the Kings are the better value.

Bet: Sacramento Kings +225

Western Conference Group B

• Oklahoma City Thunder +120
• Phoenix Suns +250
• Los Angeles Lakers +275
• San Antonio Spurs +1200
• Utah Jazz +2500

This Group isn’t as tough as it looks. OKC is the cream of the crop here, as only the Phoenix Suns can realistically challenge them. The +275 price for the Lake Show to run it back is fun, while Phoenix does have the star power to make some noise.

Utah is in full rebuilding mode, whereas the Spurs aren’t good, but a big leap from Wemby could change their fortunes in a hurry.

All roads still lead me back to OKC, though. Frankly, they’re an insane value at +120 in this Group.

Bet: Oklahoma City Thunder +120

Western Conference Group C

• Denver Nuggets +240
• Dallas Mavericks +260
• New Orleans Pelicans +350
• Memphis Grizzlies +450
• Golden State Warriors +550

Lastly, we have Group C, where the Denver Nuggets are favored. They’re one of the worst favorites due to the competition, as even the +550 Warriors aren’t an easy team to write off.

Dallas is coming off of a trip to the NBA Finals, so we need to consider them, too. There’s even the New Orleans Pelicans, who added Dejounte Murray, and could be a problem if Zion Williamson can actually stay healthy.

That said, I think a healthy Memphis team is going to be a problem. Since I have them as my 2024-25 NBA Cup winner, I have to pick them surviving Group C.

Bet: Memphis Grizzlies +450

NBA Cup MVP Winner Odds

Anthony Davis was your NBA Cup MVP winner last year. He was very deserving as a crucial piece to the Lakers’ NBA Cup title run, but as you can see, he’s not among the top contenders to win it in 2024-25.

SGA is your top NBA Cup MVP betting favorite, which is a little surprising considering his Thunder don’t even have the best NBA Cup odds. Jayson Tatum or Jaylen Brown would be more logical favorites, and you’re technically getting good value with either of them if you like the favored Celtics to win.

Personally, I don’t think a lot of the top teams will be in play to win the NBA Cup, much like last year.

That has me more interested in value bets, with Jalen Brunson and Paulo Banchero looking like the most appealing options from the list above.

I’d suggest shopping around, however, or digging even deeper for the right bet.

NBA Cup MVP Prediction

I am picking the Memphis Grizzlies to win the 2024-25 NBA Cup, so naturally it would make sense to target someone from their squad.

Memphis offers crazy value in a likely bounce-back year. If I’m correct about Memphis winning the NBA In-Season Tournament, then Ja Morant (+3500) is your best play here.

You could also look at Desmond Bane (+15000) because his price is crazy, but the most sensible bet figures to be Morant, based off of my NBA Cup winner prediction.

Just keep in mind that there’s some time yet for this betting market to be felt out. There could always be some big NBA trades to go down, while player injuries could change how we feel about some of these odds.

Bet: Ja Morant +3500

NBA Cup Schedule for 2024-25

Before you bet on the 2024-25 NBA Cup, consider the schedule (all times listed are EST):