Milwaukee has been on a hot streak lately. They are currently on a six-game win streak, which has moved them all the way to fifth in the East. This couldn’t have come soon enough, as they struggled to do anything earlier in the year. With injuries keeping Khris Middleton sidelined for the entire season so far, it’s been up to Damian Lillard and Giannis to keep the ship right. The problem is that they haven’t been great at doing that together.
They have both excelled as lead options when the other has been sidelined with an injury, but it’s taken some time to find rhythm together. Things appear to be leveling out now as the entire roster seems to be warmed up, but it’s been a worrying trend. We still think this combo can be elite, especially when Middleton comes back, but they’re still far from being a title team.
They have been beating up on some relatively soft competition of late. Their best win during their win streak has been against the Rockets. The other five teams all have losing records and have been struggling this season. A win is a win, but this has hardly done enough to squash our fears from October.
The matchup tonight will be intriguing. Detroit has been on the rise lately, and with a much deeper roster than Milwaukee, they could pose some challenges. Cade could be an issue with Dame and Gary Trent, likely coving the 6’6 guard. He’s been solid this year, and the rest of the team has benefitted. Right next to Cade, Ivey has finally shown some flashes of what we thought he could be. This combo could pose a real issue to a soft defensive backcourt.
Detroit’s record might not look good, but his team has been on the rise. Cade Cunningham is finally looking like the all-star-level guard we thought he could be. Despite this, Detroit has still slipped in a few games, losing to a slightly more healthy Philadelphia without Cade on Saturday. They should be hungry to win this NBA Cup matchup.
We like the matchup Cade and Ivey will force tonight, taking advantage of a porous defensive frontcourt. Dame, Andre Jackson Jr. and Gary Trent can’t slow down this much more athletic backcourt combo.
We do worry about the Giannis problem. He has been playing at an elite level lately, and without a true wing-stopper, they’ll be relying heavily on their rim protectors tonight. Duran and Isaiah Stewart have been solid, but Giannis is another animal. This game will probably won or lost through the efforts of Giannis. If he’s looking to dominate tonight, it may be hard for Detroit to take this one.
Regardless, Detroit still has a solid chance to steal this one. Detroit has the better overall team without the superstars that Milwaukee does. If the role players show up for Detroit and they can keep Giannis under control, they’ll be able to keep this one close at the very least!
Pistons Injuries:
Bobi Klintman Out
Bucks Injuries:
Giannis Antetokounmpo Day to Day
MarJon Beauchamp Probable
Taurean Prince Probable
Khris Middleton Out
Spread: MIL -3 (-110) / DET +3 (-110)
Total Points: 220.5
Moneyline: MIL (-148) / DET (+124)
Cade Cunningham Over 23.5 Points (-115)
Giannis Antetokounmpo 50+ Combined Points + Rebound (+180)
Damian Lillard 4+ Made 3s (+115)
Jalen Duren 1+ Block (-175)