On Saturday, 03/15, the Detroit Pistons (37-30) will host the Oklahoma City Thunder (54-12) in an inter-conference Regular-Season match-up. The Pistons are in the sixth spot in the East, not far away from the fourth spot, whereas the Thunder have all but seized the 1st position in the West. Will Detroit hamper Thunder’s rollicking ways here? Read about the preview, total predictions, and player props here.
Pistons: A bit shaky after an exuberant period
The Pistons will enter the match after an unprecedented 4-point loss against the Washington Wizards as Cade Cunningham exploded for a fiery 38-point effort. It was their third loss in five games, and they are 4-4 after a 10-2 period. The surging franchise is set to make the playoffs after a long period, and they have built a solid foundation on the back of Cunningham. Their frontcourt has been superb, especially on the offensive end, but they need to upgrade it further in the offseason. Will the Pistons be able to finish on a high and make some noise in the post-season? By the way, their offense has been sky-high since February as they have accumulated 120+ PPG since then.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Cade Cunningham | SG: Tim Hardaway Jr. | SF: Ausar Thompson | PF: Tobias Harris | C: Jalen Duren
Key Injuries/Updates: Jaden Ivey is OUT for the season.
Thunder: High-caliber squad on both ends
The Oklahoma City Thunder will come into this game after a 6-point win against the defending champs, Boston Celtics, as MVP candidate Shai-Gilgeous Alexander erupted for 34 points. They have won four or more games seven times this season and haven’t lost two in a row since mid-November. They have scored 119.7 points per game(4th) while conceding just 107.2(2nd). Their +/- of -12.5 is the best in the league, indicating their dominant ways. SGA has been on a tear, while the young core is deep at every position, especially on the defensive end.
Expected Starting Lineup
PG: Shai-GIlgeous Alexander | SG: Cason Wallace | SF: Aaron Wiggins | SF/PF: Lugentz Dort | C: Chet Holmgren
Key Injuries/Updates: Jalen Williams is OUT for the long term. The status of Alex Caruso is UNCLEAR.
The Pistons’ offense has clicked on all cylinders throughout the season, and the Thunder have done a similar job. The Thunder’s defense has been stellar but lately, they have engaged in shootouts, giving up 111+ regularly. Meanwhile, Detroit has consistently conceded 115+. Overall, I believe the total score will go over 235 here, but let’s see what range bookmakers determine.
Projected Predictions:
Cade Cunningham to be limited under 25.5 points: The Pistons’ guard 27 or more in six straight games, averaging 27.8 PPG in March. However, I expect the Thunder to limit him to under 25 points here.
Jalen Duren to score over 14.5 points: The Pistons center has tallied 11.5 PPG for the season but 15 PPG in March. He has scored 15 or more in three straight games, and I expect him to continue the trend here.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to score over 35.5 points: SGA is the best scorer in the league currently, scoring 32.8 PPG. He tallied an incredible 37 PPG in March, and I expect him to hit his season average here.
Chet Holmgren to block over 2.5 shots: The Thunder center has tallied 2.7 blocks per game, rejecting 3 or more shots in two of the four shots. I expect him to be in the 3-4 blocks range here.
The Pistons will come as underdogs in this game against the Thunder, who has been stellar against winning teams. Detroit’s defense will espescially be tested against a picky OKC team that has done a lot even without their star, Jalen Williams. However, I expect Cunningham and Co. to show a fierce showing here. Although I am unsure if they will upset the SGA-led team, I do fancy a close game here.
Safe Spread Pick: Pistons +4.5 for +105 at BetMGM
Photo Credit: Alonzo Adams- Imagn Images
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