Hot three-point shooting gave the Bucks a 78-59 halftime lead over the Pistons

DETROIT – The Milwaukee Bucks bring a six-game winning streak to Detroit tonight when they face the Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Additionally, the Bucks (10-9) have a chance to win East Group B pool play with a win over the Pistons (9-13). Both teams are 3-0 in group play. There are several ways Milwaukee can advance to the quarterfinals or knockout rounds next week even with a loss, but the easiest way to get there is with a win.

The Bucks made nine of 14 three-pointers in the first half, including three each from Taurean Prince and Damian Lillard, to take a 78-59 lead over the Pistons at the break. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 11 points and six assists in 16 minutes, while Prince also contributed 11. Lillard led all scorers with 18.

Detroit scored 36 points in the game and had 12 second-chance points, but fell behind by as many as 20 in the first half when it scored nine points to 12 Milwaukee points.

Milwaukee was 5 of 8 from behind the three-point line and shot 65% overall from the floor to take a 36-31 lead after one quarter. Lillard scored 12 points and Andre Jackson Jr. had eight for the Bucks. Seven different Pistons scored, and they had eight points on second chances.

Bucks players said they expect a loud atmosphere tonight as it is the “biggest” game the Pistons have played since the 2019 first-round playoff series against the Bucks.

“I like the tournament outlook for the season and how it’s going,” said Bucks forward Bobby Portis Jr. “Just the level of competition. It’s always fun to compete, especially for something.”

Is Giannis playing?

Yes. Giannis Antetokounmpo likely started the day with right patellar tendinopathy. He was at shootaround Tuesday morning after missing Monday’s practice with a stomach illness.

Antetokounmpo scored 59 points against Detroit in the Bucks’ win at Fiserv Forum on November 13th.

What channel are the Bucks on?

The Bucks will not be part of the national game television package as tipoff will be broadcast locally on FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin at 6 p.m. CT with Lisa Byington, Marques Johnson and Melanie Ricks featured.

What are the key scenarios for the Bucks in the Emirates Cup tonight?

Milwaukee secures group victory with a win.
Milwaukee will clinch a wild-card spot if it loses by no more than six points or in overtime. If the Bucks lose in overtime or by more than six points, Boston could overtake them and clinch a wild-card spot.

Bucks schedule

The Bucks immediately head home to face Atlanta on Wednesday.

Doc Rivers: “I guess if I were a layman I’d say you play hard every night. If I could plan anything better, I don’t think I could plan it better than (Tuesday) and you have a game that one has certain meaning. I play it’s a “must have for them.” In some ways, it’s a must for both teams to get this so early. “I think it’s good for everyone.” There shouldn’t be back-to-back games in cup games. Especially since we have all this cushion (coming soon). I think it’s just a poor job of scheduling by the league. But it is what it is. Atlanta, they will be ready, so we have to be ready.

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