Pistons vs. Bucks: Big-game vibe, injuries and how to watch NBA Cup group final
It’s not hyperbole to say the Detroit Pistons are playing one of their biggest games in recent history tonight against the Milwaukee Bucks.
It’s not a playoff game, but the Pistons have had painfully few of those in the last 15+ years and all of them have ended in losses.
A win tonight would send the Pistons through to the knockout stage of the NBA Cup, and while they certainly aren’t going to hang a banner in LCA (I hope) over this, it is a meaningful game for a young team that hasn’t played any of them.
Related Story. Short-term trade targets vs. long-term problems for Pistons. Short-term trade targets vs. long-term problems for Pistons. dark
There will be a playoff atmosphere (if you are going to go and chant Jared Goff for some reason, stay home please) in downtown Detroit for the first time since 2019, when the Pistons were swept by these very same Bucks.
Detroit is automatically through and will host a game in the knockout stage with a win, but a loss doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t move on.
NBA Cup scenarios for the Pistons
If the Pistons lose by fewer than five points and the Magic beat the Knicks, then Detroit will clinch the Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.
Obviously, Detroit doesn’t want to count on other teams to help them, but there is a scenario where the Pistons move on even if they lose, albeit an unlikely one.
Detroit took Milwaukee to overtime in their first meeting this season only to eventually lose, but the Bucks have been playing much better since, as Milwaukee has won six in a row and eight of their last 10 since a slow start.
Pistons injuries vs. Bucks: Will Giannis Antetokounmpo play tonight?
The Pistons only have Bobi Klintman on the injury report for tonight, so they should be at full strength with Cade Cunningham getting an extra day of rest after sitting out against Philly.
The Bucks will be missing Khris Middleton, who has been ruled out, and Marjon Beauchamp, Taurean Prince and Giannis are all listed as probable for tonight. Giannis will definitely play, so the Pistons won’t get any shortcuts if they want to make it to Vegas.
How to watch Pistons vs. Bucks
Tonight’s 7:00 PM ET tip-off will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit or you can listen on 950 AM.
There are also myriad streaming options you can find here.
If you live near downtown Detroit, why not go to the game and be loud? I live overseas or I would be there. I will make a pilgrimage to Detroit sometime in the new year, and I wish it could be tonight.
manual