The Milwaukee Bucks (8–8, 10th in the Eastern Conference) host the Detroit Pistons (13–2, 1st in the East) at Fiserv Forum on Saturday (8 ET, NBA TV). Milwaukee is coming off a 123–114 overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday, while Detroit hasn’t played since Tuesday’s 120–112 win over the Atlanta Hawks.
Here are three key storylines heading into Saturday’s matchup.
- Are the Pistons the best team in the East?: Detroit has been steadily improving since last season, but its 13–2 start exceeds even the most optimistic expectations. The Pistons own the best record in the Eastern Conference and the second-best mark in the NBA, riding an 11-game winning streak while ranking in the top three in both points allowed and defensive efficiency. Cade Cunningham is already a proven star, but Jalen Duren’s leap has been the biggest catalyst. The newly-turned 22-year-old is averaging 20.6 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks on a blistering 67.4% shooting. As long as Cunningham and Duren stay healthy, Detroit looks like one of the most dangerous teams in the league.
- The Bucks are patching things together without Giannis: Giannis Antetokounmpo was off to a historic start before a groin strain sidelined him earlier this week. He was averaging 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists, but will remain out for 1–2 weeks. After opening 4–1, Milwaukee has slipped into a three-game losing streak and a 2-5 stretch overall. The recent skid reflects the tough challenges they’ve faced. The Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers and Philadelphia 76ers are all high-level teams, and the challenge doesn’t get any easier against a red-hot Detroit team. One bright spot: Ryan Rollins’ emergence. The young guard posted 32 points, six rebounds and 14 assists in the OT loss to Philly, giving Milwaukee a promising backcourt piece who could pair well with Giannis once he returns.
- A lopsided series history: As divisional foes, these teams see plenty of each other and for years, the Bucks have dominated the matchup. Milwaukee has won 13 straight meetings and 25 of the last 26, a run that dates back to 2018. Detroit pushed two of last season’s four meetings to overtime, though, a sign that the gap is closing. Given how strong the Pistons have looked early on, it wouldn’t be surprising if that long stretch of Bucks dominance ends at some point this season.
