Pistons Look to Sharpen Skills in Home Finale vs. Bucks

Detroit aims to avoid major injuries before playoffs, while Milwaukee plays out the string

Apr. 8, 2026 at 9:10pm

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors depicting the fast-paced action of an NBA basketball game, with players' forms blending together in a flurry of energetic brushstrokes.The Pistons' home finale against the Bucks promises to be a high-energy affair as Detroit sharpens its skills ahead of the playoffs.Today in Detroit

The Detroit Pistons, who have already clinched the top seed and home-court advantage in the Eastern Conference playoffs, will host the Milwaukee Bucks in their final regular-season home game on Wednesday. The Pistons rested several key players in their previous game, a loss to the Orlando Magic, but are hopeful that Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart will see some action before the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Bucks are simply playing out the string, having lost 17 of their last 22 games. Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers has strongly suggested he will be stepping down after the season.

Why it matters

The Pistons are looking to sharpen their skills and avoid major injuries ahead of the playoffs, where they hope to make an extended run as the top seed in the East. The Bucks, on the other hand, are in the midst of a disappointing season and are preparing for an offseason of change, with their head coach potentially stepping down.

The details

The Pistons (57-22) rested several key players, including Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart, in their previous game against the Orlando Magic, which they lost 123-107. However, coach J.B. Bickerstaff said both Cunningham and Stewart are progressing and there is optimism they will see some game action before the playoffs. The Bucks (31-48) have struggled mightily down the stretch, losing 17 of their last 22 games. Coach Doc Rivers has strongly suggested he will be stepping down after the season, citing a desire to spend more time with his grandchildren.

  • The Pistons will host the Bucks in their final regular-season home game on Wednesday, April 10, 2026.
  • The Bucks will close out their season with a home game against the Nets on Friday, April 12, 2026, and a road game against the 76ers on Sunday, April 14, 2026.

The players

Cade Cunningham

The Pistons' franchise player, who has been sidelined since mid-March with a collapsed lung.

Isaiah Stewart

A key reserve for the Pistons, who has been out with a calf strain.

J.B. Bickerstaff

The head coach of the Detroit Pistons.

Doc Rivers

The head coach of the Milwaukee Bucks, who has strongly suggested he will be stepping down after the season.

Javonte Green

A wing player for the Detroit Pistons.

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What they’re saying

“Both of them are progressing. They are doing more and more each day. With both of these things, it is always about how you respond the next day. I don't want to jump out there and say anything, but so far, so good. They are taking steps in the right direction.”

— J.B. Bickerstaff, Head Coach, Detroit Pistons

“I am not sure what it was, but we know we can't have those mistakes, especially when we are down four or five guys. We can't do that. I feel like we know that now and will take that going forward.”

— Javonte Green, Wing Player, Detroit Pistons

“I have seven grandkids now, and they're all 8 years and under. It kills me every time I miss Grandparents Day with each one of them in school. It's probably time to go see them more, so I'll let you figure out the rest.”

— Doc Rivers, Head Coach, Milwaukee Bucks

What’s next

The Pistons will look to get Cade Cunningham and Isaiah Stewart some game action before the playoffs begin, while the Bucks will close out their disappointing season with two more games.

The takeaway

The Pistons are focused on sharpening their skills and avoiding major injuries ahead of the playoffs, where they hope to make a deep run as the top seed in the East. Meanwhile, the Bucks are simply playing out the string in a lost season, with their head coach potentially stepping down after the year.