The Milwaukee Bucks lead the Eastern Conference with a 46-8 record, winners of eight of their last ten and still in pursuit of an elusive 70+-win season. They lost their last time out but look to start a new winning streak on Thursday night, as they head across the state line to take on the Detroit Pistons. The Pistons are in rebuilding mode this year, with a record of 19-38. They have dropped four in a row and eight of their last ten, so they look like a team that is a great opponent for Milwaukee to use to begin another streak. The line is fairly sizable, with the Bucks favored by 12 ½ points, so take a look at our sports betting thoughts about this Eastern Conference showdown before you lock in your wagers. Let’s see how the NBA odds will be for the Bucks vs Pistons.
Bucks vs Pistons 2020 NBA Game Preview & Betting Odds
- When: Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:00 pm ET
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
- TV: No National Broadcast
- Radio: WTMJ 620 AM Milwaukee / WXYT 97.1 FM Detroit
- Live Stream: CBS Sports App
- NBA Odds: Milwaukee -12.5 / O/U 224.5
Why should you bet on Milwaukee?
The Bucks had rattled off five straight wins before losing in Indiana, 118-111, in their last game before the All-Star break. They had beaten Phoenix, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Orlando and Sacramento — not a collection of top contenders, unless you think the 76ers will push hard in the playoffs. However, that game was in Milwaukee, and Philadelphia has a dreadful road record this season.
In their loss to the Pacers, Malcolm Brogdon got a bit of payback against his former teammates, putting up 17 points and 13 assists — scoring ten points in the fourth quarter, when Milwaukee was trying to make a comeback. Giannis Antetokounmpo had the night off, and George Hill (hamstring) and Kyle Korver (back) also did not play. Khris Middleton led the Bucks with 17 points, and Eric Bledsoe chipped in 15. Sterling Brown also made double figures with 14 points. It is worth noting that, even with all those players out, the Bucks made it over 100 points for the 78th straight game, the sixth-longest such streak in league history. With a rested roster, though, they should be ready to unload on the Pistons.
Why should you put your money on Detroit?
The Pistons’ four-game skid includes setbacks against Oklahoma City, New York, Charlotte and Orlando. Of those four teams, only Oklahoma City could be considered a contender at this point, as the rest of those teams are also in various stages of rebuilding. The loss in Orlando, right before the All-Star break, only came by four points as the Pistons’ offense showed renewed signs of life, but they could not get stops down the stretch.
In that game, Detroit actually trailed by 22 points at one point before mounting a furious comeback and ended up leading by seven during the fourth quarter. However, the heroics of Aaron Gordon, who put up 25 points on the night, along with nine boards and nine assists, and who tied the game at 103 with a three-ball with 1:03 remaining in the fourth quarter, were just part of the reason why Orlando was able to come back to force overtime. Christian Woods led the Pistons with 26 points and a dozen boards, but the Detroit offense fell off in overtime, only posting four points. One bit of good news for the Pistons was the return of Derrick Rose, who had missed five games with a hip injury. He played 17 minutes without suffering any ill effects, although he went just 1 for 13. Detroit should also get Luke Kennard (knee) and Khyri Thomas (foot surgery) back, but you’ll want to check the latest injury updates before locking in bets.
Bucks vs Pistons Final Score Prediction
Can a fresh Milwaukee team beat Detroit by more than 12 ½ points on the road? Both teams should be rested, and the Pistons should have a full squad. I see Milwaukee winning, but I’m not sure they cover. I predict a final score of Milwaukee 118, Detroit 109.
