OKC Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons: Game Preview, Betting Odds, Keys to Game

The Oklahoma City Thunder are taking on the Detroit Pistons in what will be an uphill battle for the OKC Thunder missing two of its two three scoring options.

Jan 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Monte Morris (5) in the first half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

The Detroit Pistons have been one of the most fun stories in the league and one of the best year to year turnarouns in the history of the NBA. The Pistons were a laughing stock less than a year ago and now sit No. 6 in the Eastern Conference as one of the most fun teams to watch on a nightly basis.

On Saturday, the Oklahoma City Thunder head to Detroit to take on the Pistons on the front end of a back to back. The Pistons have revitalized their fanbase in a big way and has earned a home court advantage when they step on the floor.

OKC will be behind the eight ball with its lengthy injury report but they remain the favorites in this cross-conference matchup. The Thunder have only fallen to an Eastern Conference foe once in the 2024-25 season.

Jan 28, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) is fouled by Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kenrich Williams (34) in the second half at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images / Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 6-point favorites against the Detroit Pistons, and the total over/under is 234.5 points according to Fanduel.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

The Oklahoma City Thunder will be without Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, two of their three best scoring options. This puts a lot on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to have a jaw-dropping scoring night and pick up for the minutes the Thunder would project to lose with him on the bench due to a lack of scoring punch. It is not impossible to envision a gaudy statline that the MVP front runner can put up to pull the Thunder to a win, but it is an uphill battle for OKC.

In that same vein, Cason Wallace needs to continue his run of high quaility scoring –– especially on the ball –– since the second half on Monday against Denver, Wallace has been able to get downhill and score for Oklahoma City, a trend that must continue to earn the Thunder a win.

A lights out shooting night from the Thunder's supporting cast such as Lu Dort, Wallace, Isaiah Joe and Alex Caruso. If Oklahoma City has a hot shooting night it can make up for its lack of shot creation.

Ultimately, this game will be won on the defensive end of the floor. It will take Oklahoma City harrassing Pistons ball handlers into turnovers to set up easy buckets and being strong inside against a Pistons front court capable of bully ball. If the Thunder can get this game into the mud of a low scoring back-and-forth affair, they have one of the best closers in the sport.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (54-12) vs. Detroit Pistons (37-30)

INJURIES:

Oklahoma City Thunder

• Jalen Williams (Hip) OUT
• Chet Holmgren (Rest) OUT
• Aaron Wiggins (Illness) Questionable
• Dillon Jones (GL) Probable
• Isaiah Hartenstein (Nasal Fracture) Available
• Branden Carlson (GL) OUT
• Alex Ducas (GL) OUT
• Ajay Mitchell (Toe) OUT
• Nikola Topic (ACL) OUT

Detroit Pistons

• Jaden Ivey (Leg) OUT
• Ron Harper Jr. (GL) OUT
• Daniss Jenkins (GL) OUT
• Bobi Klintman (GL) OUT
• Tolu Smith (GL) OUT

Check out  later today for an updated injury report.

WHEN:

Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 6:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Little Caesars Arena - Detroit, MI

TV/RADIO:

FanDuel Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal

FINAL WORD: 

The Oklahoma City Thunder are on the front end of a back to back that sees a pair of off days heading into the set and coming out of the short order tilts. After this game against the Pistons, the Thunder will take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night in an ESPN showcase.

This will be a tough game to win for the OKC Thunder as they are without its No. 2 and No. 3 options as Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren are sidelined.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
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