The Detroit Pistons are gearing up to face off against the Oklahoma City Thunder in their final matchup of the season. The Pistons will be looking to secure their 43rd win of the season and maintain their position as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference. On the other hand, the Thunder will be aiming to continue their quest for a historic 70-win season, with 63 wins already under their belt. Despite their strong performance, the Pistons are considered heavy underdogs in this game, with a significant +10.5 spread working against them. Adding to their challenges, the Pistons will have to navigate the absence of their star player, guard Cade Cunningham, who has been ruled out due to a left calf contusion.
Cunningham’s absence will mark his fifth consecutive missed game, leaving Dennis Schroder and Malik Beasley to step up in his place against the Thunder. The young guard has been a crucial part of the Pistons’ success this season, averaging impressive statistics of 25.7 points, 9.2 assists, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.0 steals per game. Cunningham’s impact on the court has been undeniable, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team. The Pistons will also be without Ron Holland, Isaiah Stewart, and Marcus Sasser, who are serving suspensions following a recent brawl in their game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. While Holland and Sasser will be suspended for one game, Stewart will be out for two games, further complicating the Pistons’ lineup for their matchup with the Thunder.
In contrast, the Oklahoma City Thunder are entering the game on a strong 10-game winning streak, showcasing their dominance at home with an impressive 34-5 record. The Thunder have excelled in the paint, ranking ninth in the NBA with an average of 50.9 points per game in that area, led by standout player Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. On the other hand, the Pistons have maintained a solid 21-17 record on the road, making them a formidable opponent for the Thunder. Detroit has found success in transition, ranking second in the league with an average of 19.0 fast-break points per game, with Malik Beasley playing a key role in this aspect of their game.
As the Thunder aim to extend their winning streak, they will look to maintain their strong performance on both ends of the court. Over their last 10 games, the Thunder have been averaging 125.2 points, 46.6 rebounds, 28.2 assists, 8.6 steals, and 5.3 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 50.4 percent from the field. In comparison, the Pistons have shown solid basketball with a 6-4 record in their last 10 games. Detroit has averaged 121.0 points, 44.2 rebounds, 26.9 assists, 7.4 steals, and 5.1 blocks per game, shooting 48.4 percent from the floor. The Thunder will look to capitalize on their recent success and maintain their momentum, while the Pistons will seek to overcome the odds and secure a victory despite the absence of key players like Cunningham.
