How to watch Pistons vs Bucks NBA preseason game with & without cable

You’ll get your first chance to see the 2024-25 Detroit Pistons in a preseason match against the Milwaukee Bucks at Little Caesar's Arena.

This will be our first look at rookie Ron Holland II and Bobi Klintman in action against NBA players, as well as the debuts of Tobias Harris, Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr. and Paul Reed. 

We won’t be seeing Ausar Thompson, who is still not been cleared to play, which is a disappointment and a concern given the seriousness of his issue and the rapidly approaching regular season. 

Here’s all of the information you need to watch or listen to the game whether you have cable or not. 

How to watch Pistons vs. Bucks without cable: Full streaming guide 

Pistons vs. Bucks is on Sunday October 6th at 8:00 PM ET. Those outside the Detroit region can stream the game on NBA League Pass with a subscription. 

There are also options like FuboTV, Youtube TV, Sling and Hulu + Live TV for those who use these services. 

Streaming has been a contentious issue for fans over the years, as NBA League Pass is blacked out in the Detroit region, something that will hopefully be remedied. 

How to watch Pistons vs. Bucks on TV: Cable guide 

The game will also be broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit and ESPN. You can listen on the radio at 97.1 FM The Ticket. 

The Pistons have still not announced their full broadcast schedule for the regular season and there has been a lot of speculation about what that means, as there could be some games aired on local TV this season. 

Possible Pistons starting lineup vs. Bucks 

I’m sure the Pistons starting five will be fluid throughout the preseason as JB Bickerstaff tries different combinations of players. What we see tomorrow won’t necessarily be what we’ll see once the games are real, and Ausar Thompson’s potential return will also play a part. 

Here’s my prediction for game 1: 

-Cade Cunningham 

-Jaden Ivey 

-Malik Beasley 

-Tobias Harris 

-Jalen Duren 

It’s possible Simone Fontecchio will be inserted at the three with Beasley at shooting guard, which would be my preferred starting five with Thompson out. 

But coach Bickerstaff will likely want to get a look at Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey as a backcourt early to decide how he is going to use Ivey throughout the season. He’s talked about staggering the two, but will it be with Ivey coming off the bench or as a starter? My guess is that he gets the start in this one. 

Cunningham and Ivey have never played together with proper spacing around them, so it will be interesting to see the effect Beasley and Harris have right away, and if Harris amps up his 3-point attempts to leave the middle of the court more open for Cunningham. 

Excitement is somewhat muted for this season, but it will be nice to have basketball back and to get our first look at what should be a far more entertaining product than the one we endured last season.