The Detroit Pistons used a big 4th quarter and a huge night from Cade Cunningham to defeat the New York Knicks last night, the team that would currently be their opponent in the first round of the playoffs.
It was the third time the Pistons have beaten the Knicks in four games this season, a record that has some feeling like the Knicks would be the best first-round matchup for Detroit, though they were missing key players last night in OG Anunoby and Josh Hart.
The Pistons can still overtake the Bucks by defeating them in the final two games, but there are still plenty of scenarios at play for all of the teams involved.
The Pacers are just a game behind the Knicks and could catch them for the 3rd seed, so even if the Pistons do overtake the Bucks, they could end up playing New York in the first round.
That leads to the question of whether anyone actually wants to win these games tonight, but the Pistons can’t worry about all of these seeding scenarios and just need to play their game, win and let the chips fall where they may.
It’s complicated by the fact that this is the second game of a back-to-back and all of the starters played big minutes last night. The Pistons have been nursing injuries, as have the Bucks, which could also factor into how the two coaches choose to use their rosters tonight.
It’s setting up to be a wild finish in the Eastern Conference, but Detroit can only control what they can control, which is their own games, and to try to go into the playoffs on a high note.
Little Caesar's Arena is sure to be packed and loud tonight, so this game will give the young players a nice preview of the playoff atmosphere they can expect.
Pistons injuries vs. Bucks
The Pistons’ injury report is clear for now except for Jaden Ivey, whose injury was updated yesterday. He has been cleared for basketball activities, which means there is still a chance he’ll return.
Both Jericho Sims and Damian Lillard are out for the Bucks, and Tyler Smith is listed as day-to-day.
How to watch Pistons vs. Bucks
The 7:00 PM ET tip off has been flexed to NBA TV and you can also watch on FanDuel Sports Network Detroit.
ALT 98.7 will be carrying the game on the radio, and you always have a number of streaming options available.