The Bucks must win one of their final two games against the Pistons to clinch 5th
Well, it’s all come down to the Milwaukee Bucks needing to beat the Detroit Pistons once in their final two games to clinch the five-seed, with chance one coming tonight. The NBA’s scheduling gods really outdid themselves on this one, didn’t they? With both teams coming off a back-to-back, the Pistons should theoretically have the advantage, being the younger team. That said, the Bucks made relatively easy work of the Pelicans last night and started sending players back to the locker room before the game had even ended to leave the arena earlier. Thus, who truly has the advantage is anyone’s guess. The Bucks won both previous matchups against the Pistons this season, but both games came before Detroit truly hit its stride. Should be a good one.
Where We’re At
The Bucks are playing well to end the season, winners of six straight games. Most recently, they beat the Pelicans (twice) and the Timberwolves in an insane fourth-quarter comeback. I would say there are still some lingering lineup questions with the Bucks, namely the starters (with Kuz and TP) seem to struggle, and the bench mob of KPJ, AJ Green, and GTJ seems to come in and improve things. So that isn’t ideal, but in the aggregate, they’re playing well.
After a hot streak a few weeks ago, the Pistons have come back down to earth a little, losing four of their last six. Things were looking good for the Bucks to clinch the five-seed a few nights ago after Detroit dropped a few big ones to the Grizzlies and Kings, but they responded to beat the Knicks last night and kept their hopes of overtaking the Bucks alive.
Injury Report
The Bucks’ injury report looks much the same as the last couple of games. Giannis Antetokounmpo is listed as probable with left shoulder tendinopathy. Tyler Smith is doubtful with a right ankle sprain. Jericho Sims and Damian Lillard are out as they have been for a while. In positive news, Pat Connaughton is off the injury report after dealing with an ankle sprain.
There are just two players on the Pistons’ injury report, with Jaden Ivey still out due to a left fibula fracture. The other (to the relief of every Bucks player’s ligaments) is Isaiah Stewart, out with right knee inflammation.
Player To Watch
Cade Cunningham dropped 36 points and eight assists last night. He looked back to his best after suffering a calf injury a few weeks ago. Cunningham is a load to defend, and the Bucks must be on their Ps and Qs all night to limit his impact.
How To Watch
NBA TV and FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 6:00 p.m. CDT.
Playback Streaming
We are streaming the game live on our Playback and YouTube channels. Read on to find out how you can get NBA League Pass on us!
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