After a successful NBA Cup opener, the Detroit Pistons are back in action against the Milwaukee Bucks in Tonight’s game. Lately, the Pistons have been playing some of the most thrilling battles. After losing to a buzz-beater against the Hornets just a week back they’ve played some more very close games.
They defeated the Hawks by just a single point before they lost to Houston, and in the Cup Opener, they took a Jimmy Butler-less Miami to OT and eventually came through with a 123-121 victory. On the other hand, the Bucks are 3-8 so far and their struggles have been clear and obvious, even their star man Giannis Antetokounmpo’s patience is beginning to wear thin.
The Greek star did not hold back after the loss against the Knicks as he said, “We didn’t compete. Are we OK with not competing? I don’t know. I’m not OK with that [expletive].” In the very next game, he saw his 43-point effort lead to nothing again as they fell short to the Celtics.
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However, they did win their NBA Cup opener against another struggling opposition as they defeated the Raptors 99-85. Giannis was the star of the show scoring 23 and assisting 7, but now they face a Pistons side who have won four of their last six games and are 5-7 for the season. This will be a good measuring stick for the two as Milwaukee will miss a few key players for the clash. Let’s look at the availability through injury reports.
Bucks vs Pistons Injury Reports
Milwaukee Bucks Injury Report
The Bucks go into this game not knowing if one of their biggest stars will play or not. Damian Lillard is on concussion protocol, listed as questionable for tonight, and missed the game against the Raptors. It is still not clear how he picked up the injury but nonetheless, it will be a big loss for Bucks ahead of the game.
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Can Giannis carry the Bucks past the Pistons, or will Detroit's momentum prove too strong?
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Khris Middleton is also ruled out with an ankle injury and will not play. Lastly, Ryan Rollins is probable after suffering from left shoulder instability.
Detroit Pistons Injury Report
Pistons also miss several names including Tim Hardaway Jr. who is questionable as he underwent a CAT scan after exiting the Heat game with an injury, the results however came back negative. Ausar Thompson will remain out with an illness. Bobi Klintman is still in recovery from his calf injury and will remain out from tonight’s action.
Depth Charts
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Milwaukee Bucks Depth Chart
Position | Starters | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation |
PG | Damian Lillard (probable) | AJ Green | Ryan Rollins (probable) |
SG | Khris Middleton (out) | Gary Trent Jr. | Pat Connaughton |
SF | Taurean Prince | Andre Jackson Jr. | Khris Middleton |
PF | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Bobby Portis | Taurean Prince |
C | Brook Lopez | Bobby Portis | Giannis Antetokounmpo |
Detroit Pistons Depth Chart
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Position | Starters | 1st Rotation | 2nd Rotation |
PG | Cade Cunningham | Jaden Ivey | Marcus Sasser |
SG | Jaden Ivey | Malik Beasley | Tim Hardaway Jr. |
SF | Ausar Thompson (out) | Tim Hardaway Jr. (probable) | Ronald Holland II |
PF | Tobias Harris | Simone Fontecchio | Ausar Thompson |
C | Jalen Duren | Isaiah Stewart | Paul Reed |
The Bucks have a superior record in recent times against the Pistons as they have won nine in a row, sweeping the past two seasons. However, given their current form, the Pistons are not to be taken lightly. It will be a great contest nonetheless, as Giannis will have to once again carry the offensive burden on his shoulder if Lillard doesn’t return. In the meantime, Cade Cunningham and Co. will look to exploit Milwaukee on the road.
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Debate
Can Giannis carry the Bucks past the Pistons, or will Detroit's momentum prove too strong?