Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons Predicted Starting Lineups and Depth Chart | 2024 NBA preseason (Oct. 6)
The NBA preseason is underway and the Milwaukee Bucks start their season by facing the Detroit Pistons. The Bucks have four games in the preseason, while the Pistons are scheduled for five matchups.
Last season, Milwaukee finished third in the Eastern Conference standings with a 49-33 record. The Bucks' season experienced inconsistency right from the jump as they couldn't fully utilize the tandem of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. They also had two coaches during the first 43 games in Mike Budenholzer and Adrian Griffin and appointing Doc Rivers.
Meanwhile, Detroit finished 15th in the East with a lowly 14-68 record. The Pistons ranked 27th offensively and 25th defensively in the NBA.
Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons: Predicted starting lineups and depth chart
The Bucks made some offseason moves to bolster their depth in the hopes of strengthening their championship chances. They acquired Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince and Delon Wright. Outside of Khris Middleton, the team's front office knew they needed more options at the wing position.
Their Starting 5 for Sunday should be Damian Lillard - G, Gary Trent Jr. - SG, Khris Middleton - SF, Giannis Antetokounmpo - PF, Brook Lopez - C.
Milwaukee Bucks depth chart:
The Detroit Pistons also took a similar route by adding some veteran players to their young roster. They landed Tobias Harris, Tim Hardaway Jr., Malik Beasley and Paul Reed.
Their starting lineup should feature Cade Cunningham - PG, Jaden Ivey - SG, Ausar Thompson - SF, Tobias Harris - PF, Jalen Duren - C
Detroit Pistons depth chart:
Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons: Players to watch
When it comes to the Milwaukee Bucks roster, Gary Trent Jr. is an intriguing piece for the team considering what he brings to the table. He is regarded as one of the most reliable shotmakers from beyond the arc. Last season with the Toronto Raptors, he put up 13.7 points (42.6% shooting, including 39.3% from 3-point range), 2.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.
Trent Jr. has the capability to strengthen the team's spacing while also being an excellent pairing alongside Lillard at the backcourt.
The Pistons, on the other hand, envision Tobias Harris as an integral part of the development of their younger players. Harris already played for the franchise for parts of three seasons from 2015 to 2018. He made a significant leap in his production during his stint there as he was handed more responsibilities offensively.
Harris previously played five-and-a-half seasons with the Philadelphia 76ers where he was a consistent starter for them alongside Joel Embiid.