Bucks vs Pistons Preview: Can Cunningham Outshine Giannis in the Preseason Opener?

The NBA preseason kicks off on October 7th with a matchup between the Pistons and the Bucks.

Let’s start by looking at the Bucks’ situation. Last season, despite having Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks did not achieve their expected results. They finished third in the East with a regular-season record of 49 wins and 33 losses, advancing to the playoffs. Due to Giannis’ injury during crucial times, the Bucks were eliminated in the first round by the Pacers. This performance fell short of expectations, and despite this, the Bucks did not make significant changes in the offseason due to salary cap constraints.

They retained the core structure, signing four free agents: Torian Prince, Gary Trent Jr., Stanley Umude, and Delon Wright. They also drafted AJ Johnson and Tyler Smith with the 22nd and 33rd picks respectively. Departing players include Beasley, Beverley, and Washington.

In summary, the Bucks have kept their core lineup from last season while replacing some role players. They should remain competitive in the East, but their playoff success still hinges on a healthy Giannis. Rookie AJ Johnson is worth watching.

Lillard recently spoke about his condition, stating that he did not meet expectations last season due to the trade and personal issues. He promises that fans will see the real Lillard this season. The chemistry between him and Giannis will be something to look forward to.

The Bucks struggled in Summer League play, but this is not very indicative. Focus should be on the two rookies, with AJ Johnson showing flashes but lacking consistency, while Smith maintained a good form. In the final loss against the Wizards, Johnson went scoreless (0-for-12), while Smith contributed 8 points and 11 rebounds. Giannis commented that the rookies need confidence and to play the right way, expressing approval of both Johnson and Smith’s potential contributions.

The Pistons, on the other hand, had a disastrous season, finishing last in the East with a 14-68 record and missing the playoffs. They even suffered a 28-game losing streak, breaking an NBA record. This was partly due to injuries, with Cunningham and Jalen Duren missing multiple games. The Pistons, relying heavily on young players, lacked depth.

In the offseason, the Pistons made some changes, re-signing Cunningham and Fontecchio, while Buddy Boeheim, James Wiseman, Quentin Grimes, and Ty Gibson departed. They added Malik Beasley, Tim Hardaway Jr., Harris, Paul Reed, and Wendell Moore Jr.

The Pistons also announced JB Bickerstaff as their new head coach. In terms of rookies, they selected Ron Holland with the 5th pick and Cam Spencer with the 53rd pick. Re-signing Cunningham was a top priority, and he revealed working on his finishing ability around the basket. As a franchise cornerstone, Cunningham averaged 22.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.5 assists last season.

The Pistons’ Summer League performance was acceptable, with Holland showing promise. Despite ending Summer League with two losses, Holland scored over 20 points in both games. His impact on the team next season is something to watch.

Last season, the Pistons only won 14 games. If Cunningham and Duren stay healthy, they should improve on that record. With a new coaching staff and management, this is a positive sign for the Pistons. For the Bucks, the aging roster is a concern, and their success relies on Giannis, Lillard, and Middleton staying healthy and effective in the playoffs. Overall, the Bucks still possess championship-caliber talent.

In previous matchups, the Bucks dominated. For tomorrow’s game, Middleton and Davis are questionable for the Bucks, while Thompson’s status for the Pistons is uncertain. Who will win the preseason opener? We’ll have to wait and see.

>>”>More predictions for this game can be found here>>>