The Detroit Pistons bring their 11-game winning streak into a road matchup with the Milwaukee Bucks tonight.
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury, my Pistons vs. Bucks predictions explain how Milwaukee can still exploit Detroit’s defense.
Read below for my free NBA picks for Saturday, November 22.
Pistons vs Bucks prediction
Pistons vs Bucks best bet: Bucks +8 (-110)
It’s not as if the Milwaukee Bucks are doomed without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who won’t suit up for a second straight game. They’ve gone 1-2 in the three games he’s missed this year, but one was an overtime loss to the Philadelphia 76ers, and the one win was over the Golden State Warriors.
The on/off splits would certainly point toward Antetokounmpo having a massive impact on the offensive side of things, but the defense has actually improved in the time he’s spent off the floor. The contrast has been far more stark than last year, too, and it speaks to just how poorly the team’s played overall on defense.
Well, the Detroit Pistons rank 13th in the league by efficiency metrics, but fortunately, their defense has been impenetrable, ranking second with just 109.6 points allowed per 100 possessions.
They’ve been at their best when defending the rim, sitting third in the league inside the restricted area, and it’s worth noting that the mid-range hasn’t been as kind to them, while Detroit has barely hung on inside the top 10 against the 3-pointer.
That’s worth noting, however, considering Antetokounmpo is responsible for a 10-point increase in the Bucks’ shooting frequency at the rim, and when he’s been off the floor, plenty more shots have gone up from deep.
Milwaukee currently ranks second in 3-point shooting, and while its rim defense has been suspect this year, it’s been better without Antetokounmpo.
That should help the Bucks slow Detroit down low, where it does its best work, while the offense should have a way into this game with an increase in outside shooting volume. Roll with the Bucks here.
Pistons vs Bucks same-game parlay
Cole Anthony has put up seven helpers in three straight games and will continue to operate as a primary ball-handler without Antetokounmpo.
We’ll also go after Gary Trent, Jr. and his terrible perimeter defense here and take Ausar Thompson to bounce back with some points. Milwaukee is weak against shots inside the paint, and Thompson should breeze by Clark to get some looks.
He’d scored 10 or more in over 30 minutes in three straight up until playing just 24 minutes against Atlanta, but Detroit’s still dealing with injuries to Tobias Harris and Jaden Ivey.
Pistons vs Bucks SGP
- Bucks +8
- Cole Anthony Over 5.5 assists
- Ausar Thompson Over 9.5 points
Our "from downtown" SGP: Kuzma from Downtown!
Kyle Kuzma should step into the starting lineup for the Greek Freak, and I think he can cash in on two outside shots here, given it’s technically the softest part of Detroit’s defense.
Pistons vs Bucks SGP
- Bucks +8
- Cole Anthony Over 5.5 assists
- Ausar Thompson Over 9.5 points
- Kyle Kuzma Over 1.5 made threes
Pistons vs Bucks odds
- Spread: Pistons -8 (-110) | Bucks +8 (-110)
- Moneyline: Pistons -310 | Bucks +250
- Over/Under: Over 224.5 (-110) | Under 224.5 (-110)
Pistons vs Bucks betting trend to know
The Milwaukee Bucks have hit the moneyline in 23 of their last 35 games at home (+10.85 Units / 13% ROI). Find more NBA betting trends for Pistons vs. Bucks.
How to watch Pistons vs Bucks
| Location | Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI |
| Date | Saturday, November 22, 2025 |
| Tip-off | 8:00 p.m. ET |
| TV | FDSN-DT, FDSN-WI |
Pistons vs Bucks latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
