Tomorrow sees the semi-finals of the NBA Emirates Cup taking place and we’re here to help you figure out who’s most likely to win the epic basketball tournament.
Here you’ll learn how sites such as Kalshi can be used to get an extra level of precision when making sports predictions. So that whether you’re backing the Knicks, Magic, Spurs or Thunder, you can do it all with an extra level of assurance. Perfect for making predictions with your head rather than your heart.
Best Current Prediction Market Site
Who Do Customers at Kalshi Think Will Win the 2025 NBA Emirates Cup
The prediction markets for the pro basketball Emirates Cup winner have been open at Kalshi since July 2025, and over $985,000 has been traded on the topic. Here is the current state of play for who’s looking most likely to win the tournament:
| NBA team | Chance of winning |
|---|---|
| Oklahoma City Thunder | 72% |
| New York Knicks | 18% |
| San Antonio Spurs | 10% |
| Orlando Magic | 6% |
Why Oklahoma City Thunder Are at the Top of the NBA Emirates Cup Predictions
It’s little surprise to find that the Thunder are the outright favorites to win the NBA Cup. After all, the team has matched the best 25-game start in the NBA to make it to the semis. Plus, traders at Kalshi will know that Oklahoma City lost the 2024 NBA Cup to the Milwaukee Bucks and will be keen to redress the balance.
The good news is that the Thunder are looking like they are going to retain their game-winning momentum thanks to a young roster that clearly enjoys playing together. Plus, Oklahoma City’s defence is currently ranked highest in the NBA and they will be able to hold off even the toughest of challenges.
Could the New York Knicks Cause a Surprise?
Chances are that it’ll be the Knicks facing the Thunder in the NBA Cup final game on December 16. Although the team only has an 18% chance of winning the whole tournament according to customers at Kalshi, New York are starting to finally show a real identity.
This was shown in brutal fashion when the team won an impressive 117-101 victory over the Toronto Raptors earlier this week. Momentum is clearly with the Knicks who have now won eight of their last nine games, and much of this is down to the skill of in-form players like Jalen Brunson.
All of this is all the more impressive when you consider that New York started the season with a rotten 3-6 away record. So could the Knicks resurgence carry them all the way to glory? We’ll know more when they play the Magic in the semi-finals tomorrow.
Why the San Antonio Spurs Are the Tournament Dark Horses
The San Antonio Spurs booked their place in the semi-finals opposite the Thunder thanks to a convincing 132-119 victory over the LA Lakers. Hopes are high that the team will have the hugely-important Victor Wembanyama back in their line-up for the big game.
The star has been absent with a calf strain since mid-November and the defensive anchor will be critical in staving off the fierce Oklahoma City attack. Not that it’s all about Wembanyama, as other players like Stephon Castle have more than met the challenge, while stars such as De’Aaron Fox and Keldon Johnson have also performed well. But whether the Spurs have what it takes to actually win the 2025 NBA Emirates Cup remains to be seen.
What About the Orlando Magic?
The Magic have quietly been building their form and now are one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. Much of this is down to the experience of head coach Jamahl Mosley, and his ability to get many different players to be the leading scorer over the course of the season.
There was a great example of this when the Magic beat Miami Heat in the quarter-finals 117-108 thanks to 37 points from the guard, Desmond Bane. There were also impressive performances from Jalen Suggs and Paolo Banchero who will need to be on top of their game to beat the tough New York Knicks tomorrow night.
Consider Making Your Predictions on the NBA Emirates Cup
The above analysis shows that prediction markets sites such as Kalshi can prove effective in providing a good barometer as to the public perceptions of any major event. While personal bias is always going to be a factor, such variables can often be ironed out purely by the sheer quantity of people making their trades.
Plus it’s worth noting that brands like Kalshi don’t feature any form of real money gambling and this makes them much more widespread legally than the average online sportsbook. So if you have any interest in making sports predictions, consider clicking on any of the links for Kalshi in the banners of this page and see if you can accurately predict the winner of the NBA Emirates Cup.
Why We Used Kalshi for This Basketball Analysis
- Accessible across the US
- Simple to use
- Explore niche and mainstream markets
- Integrated prediction tools
- Limited ongoing bonus offers
Kalshi has grown to be one of the market-leaders in the rapidly growing prediction markets industry for good reason. The brand gives customers the chance to make their predictions in a user-friendly manner via the app and site on everything from sports and politics through to the economy, the weather and even popular culture. Customer support is always on hand to give you help should you need it.
It’s a refreshing approach that has gained rapid traction in states where using regular online sportsbooks is forbidden. Just note that Kalshi is currently unavailable in the states of Arizona, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Montana, New Jersey, and Ohio.
