Last December, , the NBA Cup didn't do much to catapult the Lakers into a big season after their win over the Pacers in Las Vegas. Fast forward 12 months in the same competition, however, and the Thunder has a different feel about it after looking like the NBA's best team for much fo the first seven weeks of the season and having romped past the capable Mavs and Rockets to reach the finale tonight in Las Vegas. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is putting his personal stamp on this event and likely to win MVP honors if OKC wins, especially with another performance like the 32 points on Saturday vs. Houston or the 39 points last Tuesday vs. Dallas. What the NBA Cup has done for the Bucks is instill confidence after a slow start and gives the league a featured team and star (Giannis) for this showcase event. But despite reaching the finale, Milwaukee has flattened a bit the past couple of weeks, while Giannis, Dame Lillard, and Khris Middleton all appear on the injury report for tonight (though each expected to play). Play Thunder (at T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas)