The Milwaukee Bucks (28-13) travel to play the Detroit Pistons (4-37) on Saturday in a Central Division showdown. This is the third matchup of the season and Milwaukee has dominated the series as of late, winning seven straight head-to-head matchups against Detroit. On Dec. 16, Milwaukee topped Detroit 146-114. Giannis Antetokounmpo (shoulder) is listed as probable for Milwaukee, while Cade Cunningham (knee), Monte Morris (quad) and Isaiah Stewart (ankle) are out for Detroit.
Tipoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit. Milwaukee is a 13.5-point favorite in the latest Bucks vs. Pistons odds via SportsLine consensus. The over/under for total points is 245. Before making any Pistons vs. Bucks picks, you need to see the NBA predictions and betting advice from SportsLine’s advanced computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past five-plus seasons. The model enters Week 13 of the 2023-24 NBA season on a sizzling 42-23 roll on all top-rated NBA picks this season, returning nearly $2,000. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Bucks vs. Pistons and just locked in its picks and NBA predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Now, here are several NBA odds and betting lines for Pistons vs. Bucks:
Bucks vs. Pistons spread: Milwaukee -13.5
Bucks vs. Pistons over/under: 245 points
Bucks vs. Pistons money line: Milwaukee -1076, Detroit +683
MIL: The Milwaukee Bucks have hit the game total Over in 43 of their last 67 games
DET: The Detroit Pistons have hit the game total Over in 30 of their last 47 games
Bucks vs. Pistons picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why the Bucks can cover
Guard Damian Lillard has been a great addition to Milwaukee. Lillard has an effortless jumper from anywhere on the floor with a superb clutch gene. The seven-time All-Star also scans the court as a facilitator. Lillard averages 25 points, 4.3 rebounds and 6.8 assists per game. In the Jan. 14 win against the Kings, he tallied 29 points, eight assists and made five 3-pointers.
Forward Khris Middleton is an excellent scorer from mid-range and downtown. Middleton thrives off the ball and has a quick release in catch-and-shoot situations. The Texas A&M product is putting up 14.3 points, 4.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists per game. On Jan. 13 versus the Warriors, Middleton notched 24 points, 10 assists and went 3-of-5 from three. See which team to pick here.
Why the Pistons can cover
Center Jalen Duren brings tremendous size and power onto the court. The Memphis product averages 14.3 points, 11.5 rebounds and shoots 65% from the floor. The 20-year-old has recorded 20 double-doubles thus far. In his last game, Duren totaled 16 points and 11 boards.
Guard Jaden Ivey is a smooth three-level scorer for the Pistons. Ivey has a knockdown jumper and has the skillset to get into the lane regularly. The Purdue product logs 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.6 assists per game. He’s dropped 24-plus points in two straight games. In Wednesday’s loss to the Timberwolves, Ivey finished with 32 points, four boards and six assists. See which team to pick here.
How to make Pistons vs. Bucks picks
SportsLine’s model is leaning Under on the total, projecting 237 combined points. The model also says one side of the spread hits well over 50% of the time. You can only see the model’s picks at SportsLine.