Milwaukee Bucks: 3 things to watch for versus Detroit Pistons

A scoring affair from the reserves

Although both underwent substantial roster changes this offseason, the benches for these two teams have been clicking early. In fact, the Pistons and Bucks both rank within the top five in bench scoring per game six games into this season.

Milwaukee’s bench has been fantastic in the early going this year, especially after their reserve trio of Bryn Forbes, Bobby Portis, and Pat Connaughton having combined for 49 points in Friday’s 126-99 win against the Chicago Bulls.

Averaging 42.3 bench points through their first six games, the Bucks have had substantial contributions from those three. Portis leads the Bucks scoring punch in the second unit with 10.8 points per game, and he has been fantastic since the team signed him this offseason.

Meanwhile, Detroit ranks just ahead of Milwaukee in third place with 44.5 bench points per game. Former league-MVP Derrick Rose leads the Pistons’ bench with 14.6 points per game, and he will be a name to keep an eye on. Rose has always been a thorn in Milwaukee’s side since he came into the league a decade ago, and slowing him down will be critical.

These are two teams with benches that pack plenty of firepower, and that should make this a high scoring affair. Hopefully, Milwaukee’s second unit can stay red-hot and provide a considerable contribution as they did Friday night.