Best Fliff Bets Today: Top NBA Betting Predictions for December 17

We’re nearly two months into both the NBA and NHL seasons. So far, the favorites are holding as favorites, but there are many teams making a case as contenders. One of those is the focus of our NHL pick for Tuesday: the Islanders.

LOS ANGELES, CA - OCTOBER 15: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the preseason game on October 15, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images)

The OKC Thunder have been good to us this season. We’re 3-0 in our Fliff game picks involving the Thunder. Today we have a point spread pick for OKC, which has the top record in the western conference.

As always, adhere to your sports betting budget when submitting your Fliff picks. Our wagers are based on a $100 per game bet or winning total. Download the social betting app Fliff to find the latest odds, or to locate in-game live betting odds on the NBA, NHL, NFL, and more.

Check back here later this week at Ball Is Life for our Thursday Night Football pick for the NFL.

Milwaukee Bucks (+5 at -120) at OKC Thunder

The final of the Emirates NBA Cup will be played on Tuesday night between the Thunder and Bucks, in Las Vegas. The winner will earn the second annual NBA Cup crown. The in-season tournament is gaining steam, with fans warming to the idea of something special to play for this time of year.

On a neutral court, we like the idea of a close contest. That means the Bucks getting 5 points is just what we’re seeking in an NBA wager. We’ll gladly take the 5 points and go with the -120 odds. If the Bucks win OR lose by fewer than five points, our $120 wager wins $100.

Fliff

4.7/5

Milwaukee Bucks +5 at -120 to cover the spread on Fliff

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See below for broadcast details of the NBA Cup final game.

NBA Game Prop Special (MIL vs. OKC, Giannis Antetokounmpo Over 24.5 Points: +155)

Joker this and Wemby all you want…we still love The Greek Freak as one of the best all-around performers in The Association. In a high stakes game like the Emirates Cup finale, we expect Giannis to go off for at least 25 points. Your $100 wager will win $155 if he does.

Player props odds for the NBA, NHL, and college basketball are available in the Fliff app, from within the betting menu for individual games.

New York Islanders (+175) at Carolina Hurricanes

These two teams are far more evenly matched than the oddsmakers would have you believe. The Islanders are -13 in puck differential, while the Hurricanes are +20. That’s not a remarkable difference at this stage of the season.

New York has won three of its last five, including a victory over these Hurricanes 10 days ago in NYC. GO strict moneyline, and hop on the +175 odds for the road team. The Isles are skating better this month, and we like their top two lines to find success against goalie Pyotr Kochetkov and the Carolina defense.

Where to watch

Here’s the TV schedule for these two games we pick for Tuesday:

• Milwaukee at Oklahoma City, 8:30 PM ET: ABC
• NY Islanders at Carolina,  7:30 PM ET: ESPN+ and Hulu

Best NBA Odds for Dec. 17

Only one game will be played in the NBA on Tuesday: the final of the in-season NBA Cup tournament. That contest is worth watching, and we plan to see every shot and pass. In college hoops there are at least four games pitting top 25 teams. Check out the Fliff social betting app, free to download, for odds on your favorite sporting events. The mobile app is in app stores, even in states without legal sportsbook applications.