What happens in Las Vegas might not stay there, especially concerning the NBA Cup Finals. Reports suggest that starting next year, the NBA Cup Finals might move away from Las Vegas due to dissatisfaction with the lukewarm reception over the past three years. This could signal the end of the event’s run in Sin City, similar to how certain iconic sports events have moved or disappeared before. Tonight’s NBA Cup Finals, featuring the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs at the T-Mobile Arena, might be the last one held there. If the Knicks win, a potential parade in New York City’s Canyon of Heroes could be on the horizon.
The Knicks, currently on a five-game winning streak and boasting an 18-7 record, recently defeated the Magic 132-120 to secure their spot in the finals. Meanwhile, the Spurs, also 18-7, edged out the reigning NBA champions, the Thunder, with a 111-109 victory, halting Oklahoma City’s impressive 16-game win streak — their only loss this season. New York enters the game as a 2.5-point favorite for Tuesday night.
Besides the highly anticipated Knicks versus Spurs showdown, other sports events to watch and bet on Tuesday, December 16, include the full college basketball schedule and the Salute to Veterans Bowl.
For the NBA Cup Final:
– Game Time: 8:30 pm
– Location: Las Vegas
– TV: Prime Video
– Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
– Expert Picks: Jalen Brunson Over 29.5 Total Points; SportsLine model favors total points over 231.5.
San Antonio’s star Victor Wembanyama might not start again as he recovers from injury, having missed 12 games. However, he made a strong comeback in the semifinals with 22 points and nine rebounds in 21 minutes. Jalen Brunson has been in phenomenal form, scoring 30+ points in four straight games, including a 40-point performance in the semifinals, and is expected to play heavy minutes in the final. Both teams have roughly a 61% chance to hit a combined score of 232 or more.
For the Veterans Bowl Salute: Jacksonville State vs. Troy:
– Game Time: 9 pm
– Location: Montgomery, Alabama
– TV: ESPN
– Streaming: Fubo (free trial)
– Picks: Jacksonville State favored by 1.5; expert suggests a +3.5 spread.
Troy faces challenges with key players sidelined due to injuries and opt-outs, including crucial offensive linemen and running backs. Offensively, Troy has struggled, while defensively they allow a high rushing yard average. Jacksonville State boasts a top rushing offense, giving them a decent chance to cover the spread.
In college basketball:
– No. 11 Louisville vs. No. 20 Tennessee at 7 pm in Knoxville, Tennessee on ESPN and Fubo (free trial), with Tennessee favored by 2.5.
– South Carolina at Clemson at 7 pm in Clemson on ESPN2 and Fubo (free trial), with over 142.5 points projected.
Louisville’s strong trio of guards leads an offensive powerhouse, while Tennessee bats for a bounce-back after a recent tough stretch. Clemson, ranked 30th nationally, faces rival South Carolina whose record splits between power and non-power conference games. The models expect a high-scoring game at Clemson.
Fan Take: This news holds major significance for basketball fans as the NBA possibly moving the Cup Finals away from Las Vegas reflects the evolving priorities of the league in growing its fanbase and events. If the Finals shift locations or formats, it could reshape the way fans experience key basketball events and influence the sport’s broader appeal and revenue streams.
