Pistons vs. Bucks preview: Detroit running out of winnable games in attempt to end losing streak

The Detroit Pistons are coming off two consecutive humiliating defeats at the hands of the Philadelphia 76ers. On the second night of a back-to-back, Detroit goes from facing reigning MVP Joel Embiid to facing former MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo. Even if Giannis sits out, it’s not like Detroit has been able to capitalize on opponents that are missing its best player. During their franchise-record 22 game losing streak, several games have seen stars miss to injury or early ejection and the Pistons have still lost. Also, if there is anyone who can make Milwaukee’s Brook Lopez look like Joel Embiid, it is these Pistons.

Game Vitals

When: 6 p.m. ET
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Watch: Bally Sports Detroit
Odds: Pistons +17

Analysis

Good news, good news …. what could be good news? Hmmmmm. Well, the last time these two teams played each other, the Pistons ONLY lost by two — 120-118. Of course, it took Giannis getting ejected from the game midway through the third quarter to make that happen. Lightning probably won’t strike twice in that regard. Bojan Bogdanovic, Alec Burks, and Isaiah Livers missed that game with injury, so hypothetically, the Pistons will have reinforcements who provide a different look to the Bucks. It’d help if the later two folks on that list were actually playing well. In the previous matchup, Jalen Duren had 11 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. His presence will be missed.

The bad news is that Milwaukee might secretly have the most dangerous offense in the NBA. It is only masked by the fact that even with the fifth-fastest pace of play, they are way behind the kentic action on display in Indiana. The Bucks shoot a mind-boggling 58% of their twos and 38% of their threes while also getting to the line more than 26 times per game. This is all extremely bad news for the Pistons.