3rd Quarter Report
This match looks nothing like the tight 120-118 margin from the Bucks' win over the Pistons in their previous head-to-head back in November. The Bucks are fully in control with a 114-83 lead over the Pistons.
If the Bucks keep playing like this, they'll bump their record up to 18-7 in no time. On the other hand, the Pistons will have to make due with a 2-24 record unless they turn things around (and fast).
Who's Playing
Detroit Pistons @ Milwaukee Bucks
Current Records: Detroit 2-23, Milwaukee 17-7
How To Watch
- When: Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 6 p.m. ET
- Where: Fiserv Forum -- Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- TV: Bally Sports - Detroit
- Follow: CBS Sports App
- Online streaming: fuboTV (Try for free. Regional restrictions may apply.)
- Ticket Cost: $28.50
What to Know
The Bucks will be playing the full four quarters on Saturday, but they're expected to have things wrapped up well before that. They will play host again and welcome the Detroit Pistons, where tip off is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. ET at Fiserv Forum. The Pistons took a loss in their last contest and will be looking to turn the tables on the Bucks, who come in off a win.
The oddsmakers set the bar high, but the Bucks and the Pacers didn't disappoint and broke past the 258.5 point over/under on Wednesday. Milwaukee enjoyed a cozy 140-126 victory over Indiana.
It was another big night for Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dropped a double-double on 64 points and 14 rebounds. The contest was his fifth in a row with at least 30 points.
Meanwhile, the Pistons' recent rough patch got a bit rougher on Friday after their 22nd straight loss. They were the victim of a painful 124-92 loss at the hands of Philadelphia. The loss unfortunately continues a disappointing trend for the Pistons in their matchups with the 76ers: they've now lost seven in a row.
Perhaps unsurprisingly given the score, the Pistons struggled to work together and finished the game with only 19 assists. They are winless (0-3) when they just don't pass the ball.
Milwaukee is on a roll lately: they've won 12 of their last 15 games, which provided a nice bump to their 17-7 record this season. As for Detroit, their defeat was their tenth straight on the road, which bumped their record down to 2-23.
This contest is shaping up to be a blowout: The Bucks haven't had any problem running up the score this season, having averaged 123.3 points per game (they're ranked second in scoring overall). It's a different story for the Pistons, though, as they've been averaging only 108.1 points per game. The only thing between the Bucks and another offensive beatdown is the Pistons. Will they be able to keep them contained?
The Bucks came out on top in a nail-biter against the Pistons in their previous matchup back in November, sneaking past 120-118. Will the Bucks repeat their success, or do the Pistons have a better game plan this time around? We'll find out soon enough.
Odds
Milwaukee is a big 17-point favorite against Detroit, according to the latest NBA odds.
The oddsmakers had a good feel for the line for this one, as the game opened with the Bucks as a 17.5-point favorite.
The over/under is set at 240.5 points.
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Series History
Milwaukee has won 9 out of their last 10 games against Detroit.
- Nov 08, 2023 - Milwaukee 120 vs. Detroit 118
- Mar 27, 2023 - Milwaukee 126 vs. Detroit 117
- Jan 23, 2023 - Milwaukee 150 vs. Detroit 130
- Nov 02, 2022 - Milwaukee 116 vs. Detroit 91
- Oct 31, 2022 - Milwaukee 110 vs. Detroit 108
- Apr 08, 2022 - Milwaukee 131 vs. Detroit 101
- Jan 03, 2022 - Detroit 115 vs. Milwaukee 106
- Nov 24, 2021 - Milwaukee 114 vs. Detroit 93
- Nov 02, 2021 - Milwaukee 117 vs. Detroit 89
- Jan 13, 2021 - Milwaukee 110 vs. Detroit 101
Injury Report for the Bucks
- Jae Crowder: out (Groin)
- Khris Middleton: out (Rest)
- Malik Beasley: out (Illness)
Injury Report for the Pistons
- Monte Morris: out (Quadriceps)
- Marvin Bagley III: questionable (Back)
- Isaiah Stewart: questionable (Shoulder)
- Jalen Duren: out (Ankle)