Milwaukee (46-34) at Detroit (44-36)
- When: Apr 11 2025, 7:00 PM
- Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, MI, USA
- TV: FDSDET
NBA Betting Preview & Predictions: Bucks vs Pistons
Spread: Detroit -6.0 | Total: 229.0
The Detroit Pistons are stepping into a high-stakes situation with real playoff consequences when they host the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. With the season winding down, both teams are jostling for positioning in the Eastern Conference standings — and this two-game set could be the difference between securing the fifth seed or falling to sixth.
Detroit Pistons Outlook
Detroit (44-36) enters this back-to-back series needing to win both games to leapfrog Milwaukee for the No. 5 seed. The Pistons delivered a strong message Thursday night by taking down the New York Knicks 115-106 — a win that showcased exactly how dangerous this team can be when it locks in defensively and plays with urgency.
Cade Cunningham was electric in that win, finishing with 36 points and turning it up in the second half with 20. Jalen Duren gave the Pistons a boost inside, going a perfect 9-for-9 from the field for 18 points and 13 rebounds. Rookie Ronald Holland II added key bench production, chipping in 13 points — including two clutch layups in the fourth quarter.
Detroit looked like a team that’s not only playoff-bound but ready for the postseason fight. With the home crowd behind them and momentum from a quality win over a top Eastern Conference team, the Pistons will be looking to finally end their long losing streak against Milwaukee — having dropped 11 straight and 23 of their last 24 to the Bucks.
Milwaukee Bucks Outlook
Milwaukee (46-34), on the other hand, kept pace with a blowout 136-111 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with 28 points and 11 rebounds in limited minutes, as Doc Rivers kept his starters fresh — none logging more than 28 minutes.
The Bucks are peaking at the right time, winners of six in a row, and showing off their depth. Kevin Porter Jr. put up 20 points, seven assists, five rebounds, and five steals off the bench, while Gary Trent Jr. and Bobby Portis combined for 31 points. Milwaukee’s balanced scoring and veteran experience make them a tough out, especially when playoff energy kicks in.
Doc Rivers knows Detroit will bring the intensity, especially at home, and expects his team to match it. The Bucks only need one win over these next two matchups to lock in the fifth seed and extend their recent dominance over the Pistons.
Betting Analysis & Predictions
Despite Milwaukee’s dominance in the head-to-head series, this feels like the Pistons’ moment to punch back. They’re playing with playoff-level urgency, and with Cade Cunningham leading the way, the Pistons should edge out a win at home.
However, don’t expect a blowout — the Bucks’ bench depth and history in this matchup keep it competitive.
Prediction: Pistons 117, Bucks 109
Pick ATS: Detroit -6
Pick O/U: Under 229
Best Player Prop Pick: Cade Cunningham Over 26.5 Points
Look for Cade to rise again in this crucial spot and guide Detroit to a narrow, but meaningful victory to keep their playoff seeding hopes alive.
- NBA Odds source: Bovada Sportsbook
