The Milwaukee Bucks and Detroit Pistons will continue their first-round playoff series on Wednesday night. Milwaukee absolutely destroyed Detroit in the series opener; winning by a score of 121-86. Most experts thought that the Bucks would have little trouble with the Pistons in this series, but Game 1 was a laugher.
Detroit has shown the ability to bounce back all season long, and they are likely to play much better in this game. The Pistons are also hoping to get their best player back for Game 2 as well. Milwaukee looks like a real title contender this season, and they want to protect home court. The Bucks were the only team in the league to reach 60 wins during the regular season. Milwaukee is -15.5 over the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 of the series.
Griffin Likely Back For Detroit
The Pistons are likely to get back All-Star Blake Griffin back in this game, and that should be a huge boost. Griffin led the team with 24.5 points and 5.4 assists during the regular season and was the clear leader of the Pistons offense. Detroit managed to score just 107 points per game during the regular season, and they need all of their pieces on the floor in Game 2.
Detroit is also going to have to find a way to stop the Milwaukee Bucks’ offense without committing a ton of fouls. The Pistons allowed the Bucks to shoot nearly 50 percent from the floor in Game 1 and got beat back on defense a ton. Detroit gave up 15 three-pointers as well, and they were running in circles all game long. The Pistons have plenty of things to fix going forward.
“Greek Freak” Playing Through Contact
Detroit seemed to be committed to fouling Giannis Antetokounmpo on every one of his drives, but it didn’t slow him down in Game 1. The “Greek Freak” had 24 points and 17 rebounds in the series opener and looked like a man ready to lead his team on a deep playoff run. Antetokounmpo is on the verge of taking over as the best player in the league and is capable of triple-double almost every night.
The Bucks led the NBA with 118.1 points per game during the regular season and starting it off with 121 in Game 1 set a statement. Milwaukee is still without point guard Malcolm Brogdon, but they had seven different players score at least 10 points in game one. This Bucks team has the potential to put up some monster numbers in this series, especially against a bad defensive team like the Pistons.
Pistons Keep Game 2 Close
The return of Blake Griffin will make an immediate difference in this series and gives the Pistons a fighting chance. Milwaukee still has a huge edge in overall talent, but Griffin gives the Pistons an All-Star performer. Look for the Pistons to keep the game closer in Game 2 but eventually fall to the Bucks. Take the 15.5 points and bet the Detroit Pistons in Game 2 against the Milwaukee Bucks.
