Here are five things to know before watching these Eastern Conference foes battle for the East Group B crown in the Emirates NBA Cup.

1. Race for the Emirates NBA Cup 

It’s rare to see a game in December with so many implications, but these teams are battling for the top spot in East Group B. Milwaukee and Detroit are both 3-0 in the NBA Cup, and a win guarantees a spot in the Knockout Round.

2. Detroit’s biggest game in years

The Pistons haven’t played many meaningful games in recent years, finishing with 23 wins or fewer in six straight seasons. They also haven’t advanced out of the first round of the playoffs since 2008. A chance to reach this stage of the NBA Cup would represent a significant accomplishment for this growing team.

3. Milwaukee’s resurgence

The Bucks got off to a slow start this season, losing eight of their first 10 games but have seemed to turn things around. Entering Tuesday’s matchup, the Bucks are on a six-game winning streak and have won eight of their last nine games.

With Khris Middleton expected to make his season debut sometime this week, the Bucks are poised to continue their ascent in the East. Additionally, two-time Kia MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is coming off the first 40-point triple-double of his career in a win over the Washington Wizards on Saturday.

4. Pistons surprise start

This new-look Detroit team has a 9-13 record, sitting at .500 since an 0-4 start. That might not sound special, but a 9-9 stretch is quite an accomplishment considering this team only had 14 wins last season.

5. Milwaukee’s dominance over Detroit

The Bucks have won 10 straight games against the Pistons. The stretch extends much longer with Milwaukee winning 22 of its last 23 meetings in this series, dating back to 2018. Detroit came close earlier this season, forcing Milwaukee into overtime in a Nov. 13 matchup, but the Bucks prevailed, 127-120.