Pistons vs. Bucks game two preview: Looking to keep it respectable

Game one was an easily anticipated disaster with the Bucks essentially winning in the first quarter.

Giannis Antetokounmpo only played 23 minutes, but that was plenty of time to post 24 points and 17 rebounds.

If the Pistons are going to have a chance at being something more than just a doormat on the Bucks’ way into a playoff run, they’re going to have to figure out how to have an effective offense without Blake Griffin.

The Pistons scored just 86 points in game one, shooting 29 percent from three and a miserable 44 percent true shooting percentage. Luke Kennard was the only effective offensive weapon, scoring 21 points on 8-14 shooting.

But Reggie Jackson and Andre Drummond will have to carry the load for the starters. The two combined for just 24 points on 10-23 shooting in the first game.

The Bucks make for a tough matchup for Drummond in particular. Brook Lopez manages to force Drummond to cover a considerable amount of space while not giving up any size advantage.

Slowing down the Bucks’ offense is another story, but it’ll be of little consequence if they can’t figure out how to get the ball into the hoop.

Game Vitals

When: Wednesday, April 17 at 8 p.m. ET
Where: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee, WI
Watch: Fox Sports Detroit, NBA TV

Projected Lineup

Pistons
Reggie Jackson, Bruce Brown, Wayne Ellington, Thon Maker, Andre Drummond

Bucks
Eric Bledsoe, Khris Middleton, Sterling Brown, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Brook Lopez