The Milwaukee Bucks are rolling into Detroit tonight, bringing a six-game winning streak with them as they face off against the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. This game isn't just another regular-season matchup—it's a chance for the Bucks (currently 10-9) to clinch the top spot in the East Group B pool. Both the Bucks and the Pistons are undefeated in their pool play with 3-0 records, and a victory for Milwaukee tonight would secure their place in the quarterfinals, or knockout round, next week. While there are several ways the Bucks can still advance even with a loss, the easiest and most straightforward path is to win tonight.
In their last matchup, the Bucks set the tone early with a sizzling 9-of-14 shooting performance from three-point range in the first half. This included three triples each from Taurean Prince and Damian Lillard, and as a result, Milwaukee built a commanding 78-59 lead over Detroit by the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo played just 16 minutes but still managed to score 11 points and dish out six assists, while Prince also contributed 11 points. Lillard led all scorers with a stellar 18 points at halftime, showcasing why he’s one of the most exciting players to watch this season.
Detroit, on the other hand, struggled to keep pace. Despite putting up 36 points in the paint and getting 12 second-chance points, the Pistons fell behind by as much as 20 points in the first half. They turned the ball over nine times, which Milwaukee capitalized on to score 12 fast-break points. It was clear that the Pistons had their work cut out for them if they were going to claw back into the game.
The Bucks were on fire from the start, shooting 65% from the field and hitting 5 of their first 8 three-pointers. After one quarter, they were already ahead 36-31, with Lillard scoring 12 points and Andre Jackson Jr. adding 8. Despite the Pistons' balanced effort, with seven players getting on the scoreboard, they couldn’t close the gap and were outpaced by Milwaukee’s offensive firepower.
As the Bucks prepare for tonight’s showdown in Detroit, they expect a charged atmosphere. The Pistons have been fighting for relevance this season, and this game is shaping up to be the biggest one they've played since their 2019 first-round playoff series against the Bucks. The excitement is palpable, and the Bucks are ready for what promises to be a high-intensity matchup.
Bobby Portis Jr., a key forward for the Bucks, shared his thoughts on the in-season tournament and the competitive level: "I like the in-season tournament outlook and how it's going. Just the competition level. It’s always fun just to compete, especially for something.” The energy in the arena is bound to be electric as both teams are hungry for the win.
As for the big question on fans' minds—Is Giannis playing? Yes, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be taking the court tonight. Despite being listed as probable due to right patella tendinopathy, Giannis participated in shootaround on Tuesday morning after sitting out Monday's practice due to a stomach illness. If history is any indication, he’ll be ready to perform at a high level. After all, he put up a jaw-dropping 59 points against the Pistons earlier this month in a Bucks win at Fiserv Forum.
Fans can catch the game locally in Wisconsin, as the 6 p.m. CT tipoff will not be part of the national TV schedule. Instead, it will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson, and Melanie Ricks providing the commentary. It's a game you won't want to miss!
Bucks' Clinching Scenarios Tonight for the Emirates Cup
Milwaukee has a few scenarios to clinch the group or secure a wild-card spot in the quarterfinals, depending on the outcome of tonight’s game:
- Milwaukee clinches the group: This is the easiest and most straightforward scenario. A win tonight locks up the group for the Bucks.
- Milwaukee clinches a wild-card spot: If the Bucks lose by no more than six points—or if the game goes into overtime—they will still secure a wild-card spot. However, if they lose by more than six points or in overtime, there’s a chance that Boston could leapfrog them for the wild-card position.
The stakes are high, and the pressure is on. But no matter the outcome, the Bucks will keep their momentum heading into the next few games, including their upcoming matchups against Atlanta, Boston, and Brooklyn.
What's Next for the Bucks?
After their game in Detroit, the Bucks will head back home to face Atlanta on Wednesday. But there’s little time for rest; the schedule heats up quickly with another tough contest in Boston on Friday, followed by a road game in Brooklyn on Sunday.
Doc Rivers, the Bucks’ head coach, weighed in on the intensity of the upcoming stretch: "I guess if I was a lay person I would say well, you're playing hard every night. But obviously the Cup games matter. They're a big deal. (Tuesday) in Detroit my guess is it's going to be an incredible atmosphere. If I could plan something better, for us, I don't think I could plan it better than (Tuesday). It's early in the season and you have a game that has some meaning behind it. The team that you're playing, it's a must-win for them. It's a must-win for both teams in some ways. You don't get this this early. So, I think it's good for everybody."
Rivers also spoke about the league's scheduling: “One thing the league has to do on those, on the last Cup games there should be no back-to-backs. Especially because we have all this cushion (coming up). I think it's just a bad job by the league in scheduling. But it is what it is. Atlanta, they're gonna be ready, so we're gonna have to be ready.”
Bucks Injury Report:
- Khris Middleton: Out (underwent surgery on both ankles)
- MarJon Beauchamp: Out (neck spasms)
- Taurean Prince: Probable (right quad contusion)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: Probable (right patella tendinopathy)
Bucks Starting Lineup:
- Guards: Damian Lillard, Andre Jackson Jr.
- Forwards: Taurean Prince, Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Brook Lopez
Bucks vs. Pistons: Odds & Over/Under
The Bucks are favored by 4.5 points over the Pistons, and the over/under for the game is set at 221.5 points, per BetMGM.
Tonight’s game in Detroit is shaping up to be a must-watch for NBA fans. With both teams at a pivotal moment in the in-season tournament, the intensity is sure to be high, and Milwaukee will need to bring its A-game to keep their streak alive and secure their spot in the next round. Will the Bucks continue their dominant form, or will the Pistons shock the basketball world with an upset? Only time will tell!
Login