The Detroit Pistons and OKC Thunder lock horns on Monday for the second and final time before the playoffs. The Pistons hold a 1-0 head-to-head advantage after winning the first matchup 124-116 at home on Feb. 25. However, OKC was severely shorthanded, playing in the absence of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, Jalen Williams, Isaiah Hartenstein, Ajay Mitchell and Alex Caruso.
The Pistons had a nearly fully healthy team available. Cade Cunningham and Jalen Duren recorded 29-point double-doubles each to lead the Pistons to a well-deserved win. The Thunder will hope to level things up as health and homecourt advantages swing in their favor this time.
Detroit Pistons vs. OKC Thunder Game Details
NBC Sports Network will nationally televise the Pistons-Thunder game at 9:30 p.m. ET. Peacock will nationally stream the contest online, while NBA League Pass will have the rights to cover this game globally.
Pistons vs. Thunder Odds
Moneyline: Pistons +550, Thunder -800
Spread: Pistons +13.5 (-111), Thunder -13.5 (-109)
Total over/under: Pistons o219.5 (-109), Thunder u219.5 (-111)
Pistons vs. Thunder Preview
The Pistons continue to win in the absence of Cade Cunningham. They are 5-1 since he went down with a collapsed lung on Mar. 18. Detroit recorded impressive wins over the Los Angeles Lakers and Minnesota Timberwolves. However, it seems unlikely that the Pistons get over the hump on Monday. They have their entire starting lineup on the injury report, which could result in an ugly loss.
On the other hand, the OKC Thunder are cruising after getting healthy at the right time. They have one loss over their past 15 games. OKC’s defense remains unparalleled in this stretch. Without Cade Cunningham, the Thunder will inevitably dominate the Pistons on Monday.
Pistons vs. Thunder Betting Tips
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s odds are split to score over or under 29.5 points.
Dennis Jenkins is favored to record over 5.5 assists.
Paul Reed is favored to grab fewer than 9.5 rebounds.
Pistons vs. Thunder Injury Reports
Pistons
The Pistons have listed Jalen Duren, Duncan Robinson and Tobias Harris as doubtful. They are unlikely to play. Duren is managing a right knee injury. Robinson and Harris are nursing hip injuries. Ausar Thompson is questionable, citing right ankle injury management. He could be a game-time decision.
Thunder
The Thunder have yet to submit their injury report as they are playing on the second night of a back-to-back. They were fully healthy in Tuesday’s win over the Knicks.
Pistons vs. Thunder Starting Lineups
Pistons
PG – Denis Jenkinss, SF – Caris LeVert, SF – Ausar Thompson*, PF – Isaiah Stewart, C – Paul Reed
Thunder
PG – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, SG – Lu Dort, SF – Jalen Williams, PF – Chet Holmgren, C – Isaiah Hartenstein
Pistons vs. Thunder Prediction
The Thunder are overwhelming 13.5-point favorites to level the season series against the Pistons. They are likely going to be healthier and with the Pistons potentially missing all their starters, it will likely be a lopsided contest.
