Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons: Preview, odds, and prediction | October 6, 2024

The Detroit Pistons host the Milwaukee Bucks in their first preseason skirmish ahead of the 2024-25 NBA season. Both teams had contrasting runs last edition with the Pistons ending with a league-worst 14-68 record, while Milwaukee — a bonafide title contender after the blockbuster Damian Lillard trade crashed out in the first round of the playoffs. Now, their preseason campaigns hold more importance as they look to set the tone for what will be a decisive regular season for the two outfits.

The Bucks have rung in changes. They replaced Malik Beasley (now with the Pistons), Jae Crowder, Thanasis Antetokounmpo, Patrick Beverley, and Danilo Gallinari with free-agent signings Delon Wright, Taurean Prince, and Gary Trent Jr. The Pistons have new leadership and a string of talent as they traded for Tobias Harris who will suit up for his second stint in Detroit. Tim Hardaway Jr., Paul Reed, and Wendell Moore Jr. provide a new look to the side.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons preview predicted starting lineups, odds, and prediction

The Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons tips off at 8 pm ET at the Little Caesars Arena on Sunday (Oct. 6). Local coverage will be on ESPN and Bally Sports DET. The game can also be streamed live on the NBA app with a subscription to the NBA League Pass.

Here's a quick look at the odds as listed at the time of writing:

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total (o/u)
Milwaukee Bucks	+1	-108	o219.5 (-108)
Detroit Pistons	-1	-112	u219.5 (-112)

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons preview

It might be preseason but for a team gunning for a championship in the Giannis Antetokounmpo-Damian Lillard era, the approach is to start with a win record in the fine-tuning phase and translate it to a healthy run in the regular season. The Bucks have no shortage of contenders with potential title candidates in the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and the Philadelphia 76ers. The East comes in with ample playoff contenders, and for Milwaukee to remain on top, they will bank on a hot start to the season.

The Pistons made moves flexing their cap space, but that doesn't necessarily project them as playoff contenders. J.B. Bickerstaff has enough options to cement the side as play-in contenders at best, but that will be a huge win for the franchise considering they have ended with worst records for the last two seasons. But to even get to the play-in, they will need to play organized ball consistently, and much depends on how their preseason goes.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons predicted starting lineups

The Pistons will begin with Cade Cunningham and Jaden Ivey as their backcourt. Tobias Harris and Tim Hardaway Jr. will be their forwards with Jalen Duren at center. Paul Reed, Malik Beasley, Marcus Sasser, Ron Holland II, and Isiah Stewart will be their second unit.

The Bucks will may end up resting up their superstars in the first game, but should they give their guns some game time, Damian Lillard and Gary Trent Jr. will take over guard duties. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis at the frontcourt, and Brook Lopez at the five will be their likely starting five. Taurean Prince, AJ Wright, and Delon Green will be their bench options.

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Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons prediction

The Bucks are favorites to win this on paper, but the Pistons are a team desperate to do well. Winning against Milwaukee irrespective of the roster they play with serves as a massive confidence booster. It will be a new-look side learning to play Bickerstaff ball but chalk up a win for the Bucks on Sunday.