NBA 2018-19: Predicted Starting Lineups and Match Prediction - Milwaukee Bucks vs Detroit Pistons
Match Details
Detroit Pistons (21-27) vs Milwaukee Bucks (35-13), Week 16
January 30th 2018, Wednesday 5:30am IST
Little Caesar's Arena, Detroit, MI
Head to Head (Regular Season):
Matches played: 244 games
Detroit Pistons won: 112 games
Milwaukee Bucks won: 132 games
Last game played: Bucks beat the Pistons 121-98
Match Overview
The Milwaukee Bucks face off against the Detroit Pistons at the Little Caesar's Arena in Detroit. The Bucks have been playing some really great basketball and are currently at the top of the Eastern Conference standings, tied with the Toronto Raptors, having a 35-13 record. The Detroit Pistons on the other hand, are enduring a really bad season, even though they had started off really well and are currently out of the playoff spots, in the 9th position with a 21-27 record.
The Bucks are on a great 8-2 run in the last 10 matches, but lost their most recent tilt against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, 112-118. The Detroit Pistons, however, are struggling with just 4 wins in their last 10 matches, losing most recently to the Dallas Mavericks, 101-106, on Saturday.
Injuries
Milwaukee Bucks: Guard Donte DiVincenzo is sidelined with a heel injury that is being monitored day to day while guard Trevol Duval is out with an eye injury and is being monitored day to day as well.
Detroit Pistons: Guard Ish Smith is considered day to day with a groin injury keeping him out while forward Henry Ellenson is sidelined with an ankle injury and is also on the day to day monitor.
Players to watch out for
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a superstar for the Bucks this season and has taken his game to another level under coach Mike Budenholzer. He has led the Bucks from the front, averaging 26.6 points per game, along with 12.7 rebounds as well. He has a massive 5.8 assists per game too, which is an elite quality in a big man and his defense has always been great, getting him 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks per match as well. It will be a tough task for the Detroit Pistons and they would like to try and stop the Greek Freak.
Last game stats: 27 points, 8-22 FG, 18 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 4 TOs against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Detroit Pistons: Blake Griffin
Blake Griffin has had a revival this season. After getting traded last season by the Los Angeles Clippers to the Detroit Pistons, nobody expected him to play this way this season, particularly after how his last season ended, with injury and mediocrity.
But this season, he has been injury free and is playing at an All Star level. Averaging a career high 26.5 points per game, Blake is trying his best to lead the Pistons towards the playoffs. He is also grabbing 8.1 rebounds and dishing out 5.2 assists a game as well. His defensive numbers have never been great, but he is still able to average more than 1 steal and block a game. It will a great matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks need to contain him to get a win.
Last game stats: 35 points, 12-24 FG, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal and 6 TOs against the Dallas Mavericks.
Predicted Starting Lineups
Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Bledsoe (G), Malcom Brogdon (G), Khris Middleton (F), Giannis Antetokounmpo (F), Brook Lopez (C)
Detroit Pistons: Reggie Jackson (G), Bruce Brown (G), Reggie Bullock (F), Blake Griffin (F), Andre Drummond (C)
Match Prediction: Milwaukee Bucks beat the Detroit Pistons
The Milwaukee Bucks are in great form and have continued to dispatch teams like the Detroit Pistons all season with ease. They will be favorites to win again as they have won all of the matches that the Bucks have played Pistons this season and will be hoping to get a clean sweep in the 4-match series. Barring any injury to Giannis Antetokounmpo, The Milwaukee Bucks will be in pole position to improve their record to 36-13.