The Milwaukee Bucks are in the middle of a brutal stretch, and things don’t get any easier tonight. They’ll host the red-hot Detroit Pistons at Fiserv Forum, looking to snap out of a slump that’s seen them drop eight of their last nine and 10 of their last 13. At 9-13, this is one of Milwaukee’s roughest early-season runs in recent memory - and facing the top team in the East isn’t exactly a soft landing.
Detroit rolls into Milwaukee with a 17-4 record, riding a two-game win streak and carrying the kind of momentum the Bucks have been searching for. These two teams met just a couple of weeks ago, and the Pistons left Milwaukee with a convincing 129-116 win on Nov.
- That wasn’t just a bad night - it was a reminder of how far apart these teams have looked this season.
Giannis is in - but still not 100%
There’s some good news for Bucks fans: Giannis Antetokounmpo will suit up tonight. Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed pregame that the two-time MVP is available despite still being listed on the injury report with a left adductor strain that’s been managed since Nov.
- Giannis has played in each of the last three games, but the team is clearly keeping a close eye on his minutes and movement.
His presence alone changes the dynamic, but Milwaukee will need more than just Giannis to get back on track. The supporting cast has been inconsistent, and the injuries haven’t helped.
Injury report: Thin rotation could get even thinner
The Bucks are walking into this one with a handful of key players banged up:
- Taurean Prince is out following neck surgery.
- Kevin Porter Jr. is questionable due to lower back spasms.
- Bobby Portis Jr. is also questionable after suffering a corneal abrasion in his left eye.
- Gary Harris is dealing with soreness in his right Achilles and is listed as questionable.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo remains probable as he manages the aforementioned adductor strain.
That’s a lot of uncertainty, especially when you’re already trying to find rhythm and chemistry. If Porter Jr., Portis Jr., or Harris can’t go, Milwaukee will be leaning even harder on its younger players and rotational depth.
Projected starting five for the Bucks
Here’s how Milwaukee is expected to line up tonight:
- Guards: Kevin Porter Jr., Ryan Rollins, AJ Green
- Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Center: Myles Turner
It’s a group that has potential but hasn’t had much time to gel. Porter Jr. brings some scoring punch when healthy, and Rollins and Green are both still finding their footing. Myles Turner’s presence in the middle gives them a defensive anchor, but the Pistons’ balanced attack will test every level of this lineup.
Vegas sees Detroit as the favorite
The Pistons come in as 4.5-point favorites, according to BetMGM, with the over/under set at 230.5. That’s a nod to Detroit’s recent dominance and Milwaukee’s struggles - especially on the defensive end. The Bucks have had trouble getting stops, and if that trend continues, the over could be in play again.
Tip-off and broadcast info
Tonight’s game tips off at 7 p.m. CT, and fans can catch all the action on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin, with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson, and Melanie Ricks on the call.
Bottom line: Milwaukee needs a spark. Whether it comes from Giannis going into takeover mode, a breakout performance from a role player, or a collective defensive stand, something’s got to give. Because if the Bucks can’t flip the switch soon, they risk falling even further behind in an Eastern Conference that’s starting to separate contenders from the rest.