Is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing tonight against Detroit Pistons? Exploring 2x MVP's status for Bucks' preseason opener (Oct. 6)

Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks open their preseason against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. The Bucks haven't listed Antetokounmpo on the injury report, making him a likely participant against Detroit. He had a busy summer after leading Greece to the quarter-finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Antetokounmpo was a full participant in training camp, further improving his chances of playing in Sunday's game. With the Bucks playing only four preseason games, the two-time NBA MVP could suit up for all matchups to get some quality reps in.

Giannis Antetokounmpo gives Bucks a reality check ahead of new season

The Bucks begin this season with renewed motivation with the pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard after last year's struggles. Despite the star-studded addition and signing veteran coach Doc Rivers midway through the year, Milwaukee fell short in the playoffs, losing in the first round to the Indiana Pacers.

Antetokounmpo's injury absence hurt the team again as it failed to make it past the opening round for the second consecutive year. The All-Star forward gave the Bucks a reality check ahead of the new season by mentioning their lack of playoff success on Monday's Media Day when asked about the team's conference finals or finals expectations.

"Conference Finals? Finals? We gotta get out of the first round first. Let's start there."

The Bucks get a fresh start with their first full season under Rivers. They have also made marginal upgrades to their roster that could resolve some of their issues on both ends. Milwaukee added veterans Gary Trent Jr., Delon Wright and Taurean Prince this summer, bolstering their two-way balance, which they lacked with last year's offense-heavy team.

Meanwhile, Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo will get to develop their chemistry further under Rivers. The 2008 championship-winning coach improved their two-man game, which didn't look as sharp during Adrian Griffin's coaching.

The Bucks seemingly begin next year as one of the underrated teams in the East, with the Sixers forming a new big three after adding Paul George and the Knicks signing Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges.

How to watch Bucks vs. Pistons preseason game?

ESPN will nationally televise the Bucks-Pistons preseason game at Little Ceasars Arena, Detroit's home court. Bally Sports Detroit and Bally Sports Wisconsin will provide local coverage. Viewers abroad can watch the contest online via NBA League Pass. The game begins at 8:00 p.m. ET.