Thunder Game Day: OKC Faces Detroit Pistons in Lu Dort's Homecoming

The Thunder and Pistons will tip off in Canada as both teams play their second preseason game.

The Oklahoma City Thunder’s preseason continues tonight with a game against the Detroit Pistons.

This will be a Thunder “home” game, but it will take place far from Oklahoma City.

The Thunder and Pistons will match up in Montreal, the hometown of Luguentz Dort. After missing the Thunder’s first preseason game, fellow Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may make his debut against the Pistons.

Gilgeous-Alexander would be going up against Detroit’s young star, Cade Cunningham. After missing most of last season, this game against the Thunder could provide the top pick in 2021 a chance to prove himself against one of the best in the league.

Luguentz Dort defends Pistons guard Cade Cunningham :: Rick Osentoski / USA TODAY Sports

ODDS:

The Thunder enter the day as 4.5-point favorites to the Pistons, and the total over/under is TBA.

KEYS TO THE GAME:

With Gilgeous-Alexander potentially making his first appearance this preseason, he is sure to have an immediate impact. The Thunder’s MVP candidate is unlikely to play big minutes, but it will be a glimpse into what the Thunder could look like this season.

Assuming everyone is playing, it should also be the first look at Oklahoma City’s new starting lineup of Gilgeous-Alexander, Josh Giddey, Dort, Jalen Williams and Holmgren. While Cunningham and Jaden Ivey will be a good challenge for Oklahoma City, Detroit’s frontcourt could cause problems.

The Pistons will give the Thunder a challenging matchup with a twin towers look of Isaiah Stewart and Jalen Duren in the starting lineup. Off the bench, former top-two pick Marvin Bagley will look to build on his efficient 25-point performance against the Suns in the Pistons’ preseason opener.

A couple of high picks from this year’s draft will be on display in Cason Wallace and the Pistons’ Ausar Thompson. Both players started in their preseason debuts, with Thompson posting a double-double in 39 minutes.

RECORDS:

Oklahoma City Thunder (1-0) vs. Detroit Pistons (0-1)

INJURIES:

Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.

WHEN:

Thursday, Oct. 12, 2023, at 6:00 PM CT

LOCATION:

Bell Centre - Montreal, Quebec, Canada

TV/RADIO:

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

FINAL WORD:

As they did in the first preseason game, most of the Thunder’s key players will likely play only in the first half, leaving minutes for others to fight for spots in the rotation and on the roster. With the Pistons also having many young players, it could open the door for some of the more experienced players on the Thunder to have impactful nights.

Next, the Thunder will head to Charlotte to face the Hornets on Sunday, Oct. 15, at 4:00 PM CT.

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