NBA Playoffs 2019: Power ranking the first-round matchups

DETROIT, MI - JANUARY 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons on January 29, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – JANUARY 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks handles the ball against Blake Griffin #23 of the Detroit Pistons on January 29, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

8. Milwaukee Bucks vs. Detroit Pistons

With Blake Griffin hobbled by a balky left knee, the Detroit Pistons’ already negligible upset chances have officially faded to black.

On Friday, Pistons head coach Dwane Casey told reporters Griffin is “day-to-day” heading into the playoffs. Griffin missed four of the Pistons’ final seven regular-season games and left early in a must-win game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday, which hardly suggests he’s ready to guide his team to victory over Giannis Antetokounmpo and the heavily favored Milwaukee Bucks.

Even if Griffin were healthy, the Pistons wouldn’t have much of a chance in this series. Led by Antetokounmpo, the Bucks had the league’s best defense and fourth-best offense in the regular season. They were second in both 3-pointers made and attempted, although Detroit limited opponents to the fewest made 3s and second-fewest 3-point attempts.

Personnel issues figure to bite the Pistons in this series, as they lack the sort of stretch-5 who can punish the Bucks for dropping Brook Lopez back near the rim on defense. They’re also woefully thin on the wing, which makes it difficult to imagine how they’ll slow down the likes of Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton.

Even if the Bucks make quick work of the Pistons, it’s worth watching this series to see Antetounmkpo fully unleashed in the playoffs. The Greek Freak will be looking to send a statement to the rest of the Eastern Conference: With LeBron James on the Los Angeles Lakers, the path to the NBA Finals now runs through Milwaukee.

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