Detroit hosts Milwaukee on Saturday: odds, predictions, viewing info

The Detroit Pistons are set to host the Milwaukee Bucks at Midtown Detroit’s Little Caesars Arena on Saturday, January 20. This will be the third matchup between the two teams this season, with tip-off at 3 p.m. ET.

The Bucks came straight off a 135-95 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers last Wednesday. Trailing 32-22 after the first quarter, the Bucks faced a halftime deficit of 66-41. Despite efforts, they could not stage a comeback.

The Bucks’ star power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo was absent in the agme due to a right shoulder contusion. However, point guard Damian Lillard scored 17 points, going 7 for 20, with center Brock Lopez contributing 11 points.

The Bucks, shooting 40 percent from the field and 28.6 percent from three-point range, allowed the Cavs to shoot 59.1 percent, leading to a 55-36 loss in the board battle.

On the other hand, the Pistons fell 124-117 to the Minnesota Timberwolves at home on January 18. While they held an initial 40-39 lead after the first quarter and fought competitively, they could not overcome an eight-point halftime deficit.

The Pistons shot 51.7 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from beyond the arc but struggled at the free-throw line, hitting only 68.4 percent. They allowed the Wolves to shoot 50.5 percent, with 50 percent accuracy from three-point range and committed 12 turnovers.

The game will be broadcast on Bally Sports Detroit and Bally Sports Wisconsin at 12 p.m. ET/9 AM PT, with streaming available on fuboTV.

Milwaukee favored, Detroit underdogs

The Bucks are currently favored by -12.5 points with a Moneyline of -850, while the Detroit Pistons are the underdogs at +12.5 points with a Moneyline of +590. The Over/Under is set at 241.5 points.

Milwaukee has secured victory in 28 out of 39 contests this season when designated as favorites, marking a success rate of 71.8 percent. In five games where Milwaukee was favored with a moneyline of at least -784, they remained undefeated.

Having won the season series 2-0, the Bucks secured victories of 146-114 and 120-118 in Milwaukee. They have won seven consecutive matchups against the Pistons, boasting a 9-1 record and 19-1 over the last 20. Additionally, the Bucks are undefeated in their last five games in Detroit and hold a 9-1 record at Little Caesars Arena.

Analyzing the odds, the Bucks, despite being a strong team, have struggled to cover the spread, holding a 16-24-1 record. On the road, they are 8-10 against the spread and 7-9 as a road favorite. In division play, they are 3-9 against the spread, and when having the same amount of rest as their opponents, they are 5-11-1 against the spread.

The availability of Antetoukounmpo, averaging 31.2 points and 11.4 rebounds per game, is a key factor. If he can’t play, Lillard, who is averaging 25 points per game, becomes crucial to driving the offense.

Meanwhile, the Bucks’ shooting guard Khris Middleton needs to bounce back. He is currently averaging 14.3 points per game. The team also needs to strengthen their defense to cover the spread against the Pistons.

On the opposite side, with guard Cade Cunningham sidelined due to injury, other players need to step up for the Pistons. Forward Bojan Bogdanovic is scoring 19.8 points per game with a 47 percent field goal and 40.8 percent three-point shooting. Jalen Duren is also reliable, averaging 14.3 points and 11.5 rebounds while shooting 65.1 percent.

For the Pistons to cover the spread, they must maintain consistent shooting and tighten their defense to limit the Bucks’ opportunities.