The Detroit Pistons (4-13) travel to Fiserv Forum Wednesday to take on the Milwaukee Bucks (10-8). Tip-off is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Pistons at Bucks odds and lines, and make our expert NBA picks, predictions and bets.
The reigning champion Bucks haven’t had the start to the season that many expected. That championship hangover coupled with an injury bug has them just barely above .500.
Led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks finally have Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday back. They’ll be heavy favorites at home against Detroit.
The Pistons are led by No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham and F Jerami Grant. Cunningham is really starting to become a force for Detroit, having notched his first career triple-double a few games ago.
The Pistons are 8-9 ATS while the Bucks are 7-11 ATS and typically heavy favorites, which makes covering for an opponent much easier. Detroit is 8-8-1 O/U while the Bucks are 5-13 O/U.
Pistons at Bucks odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:30 p.m. ET.
- Money line: Pistons +800 (bet $100 to win $800) | Bucks -1600 (bet $1,600 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Pistons +15.5 (-115) | Bucks -15.5 (-107)
- Over/Under (O/U): 211.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
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Pistons at Bucks key injuries
Pistons
- PG Killian Hayes (thumb) out
- PF Kelly Olynyk (knee) out
- C Isaiah Stewart (suspension) out
Bucks
- G Donte DiVincenzo (ankle) out
-
C Brook Lopez (back) out
Pistons at Bucks odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Bucks 116, Pistons 102
Money line
PASS on the money line.
While the Bucks should come out on top, at -1600, there’s just no value in betting on them to straight-up win. Given how much better they are than the Pistons, Detroit’s +800 has little value as well.
Against the spread
“LEAN” slightly to the PISTONS +15.5 (-115) as that’s just too many points for a team that’s been stepping up their game lately.
Detroit started out as by far the worst shooting team in the NBA, but it has improved as Cunningham has started to pick up the pace of the team. The rookie has scored 13 points in four of his last five games, providing much-needed scoring.
The Pistons have lost by 15 or more than six times this season. It’s happened just once in the past six games. With the Bucks having destroyed Orlando, they may come out of the gate a bit sluggish.
This feels like a good situation in which the Bucks cover, especially given they have the 19th-worst offensive rating over the past five games. Drastically better than their 28th ranking on the season.
Over/Under
BET on the OVER 211.5 (-110) as Milwaukee has been absolute thrashing teams while Detroit has started to look competent. The Pistons have increased their shooting and offensive rating.
The Bucks play at the eighth-fasted pace in the NBA.
Milwaukee ranks second in 3-pointers made per game. The Bucks shoot early and often, even in transition. They’ve hit 117 in both their last two outings, taking on the Magic in back-to-back games.
With that in mind, they’ll want to get out and score, and without anyone to really contest Giannis, the Pistons may be forced to pick up the pace to stay in the game.
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