The Milwaukee Bucks (8-8) host the Pistons (13-2) on Saturday night coming off three straight losses and in danger of making it four. It will be their second game since Giannis Antetokounmpo suffered a groin strain against the Cavaliers that is projected to hold him out for around two weeks.
Detroit, meanwhile, is rolling, having won 11 in a row and sitting atop the Eastern Conference. The difficult matchup for the Bucks is reflected in the game lines. Doc Rivers’ squad is a 7.5-point home underdog and, by ESPN’s FPI projections, has only a 29% chance to win. The Bucks need some positive momentum, but getting in the win column tonight would feel like a bonus.
Bucks will once again rely on Ryan Rollins to give them fighting chance
Alongside Giannis, the Bucks remain without Kevin Porter Jr. (knee) and Taurean Prince (neck, out indefinitely). Kyle Kuzma is also listed as a game time decision with an illness.
Oct 9, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Cole Anthony (50) looks for a shot against the Detroit Pistons in the second quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Pistons come in with some injuries of their own. Both guard Jadey Ivey and forward Tobias Harris are questionable.
Without Giannis, the Bucks have relied heavily on Ryan Rollins for scoring and shot creation. That should be no different against Detroit. After pouring in 32 points and 14 assists in an overtime loss to Philadelphia, Rollins is averaging 29.7 points and 9.3 dimes when Giannis sits out. The Bucks are 1-2 in such games thus far.
Overall, Rollins is averaging 18.3 PPG/5.9 APG/3.9 RPG on 51/44/80 shooting splits. He is the second-leading scorer and passer after Giannis. He leads the team in steals at 1.6 per game.
Oct 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) looks for a shot against Golden State Warriors guard Will Richard (3) in the 3rd quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
The Pistons are led by Cade Cunningham, Rollins’ counterpart at point guard. Off to an inefficient start from the field, Cunningham is nonetheless providing 27.3 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.4 rebounds on a nightly basis.
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