Thunder Game Day: A Chance to Bounce Back at Home Against Pistons
Following a hot start to the season, winning both of their first two contests, the Oklahoma City Thunder experienced a wake up call of sorts on Sunday against the Denver Nuggets. It was OKC's home opener, taking on the reigning NBA champions with real momentum.
With that in mind, it was a game that got away quickly as Denver dominated and pulled away early in the contest.
Luckily for the Thunder, Monday provides a new opportunity as they host the Detroit Pistons on the second night of a back-to-back. While playing two games this close to one another can be physically taxing, it's early in the season and Oklahoma City is young.
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ODDS:
The Thunder enter the day as 5.5-point favorites against the Pistons, and the total over/under is 226.5 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
While Nikola Jokic is arguably the best player in the entire NBA, things won't get much easier for the Thunder when it comes to frontcourt matchups today. The Pistons may not have an MVP-caliber center, but they do have tremendous strength in those two frontcourt spots.
For starters, Jalen Duren is having a breakout season and has been dominant in the paint and on the glass through his first few games. From there, Isaiah Stewart is undersized but one of the strongest bigs in the NBA. Furthermore, Marvin Bagley and James Wiseman provide depth as 7-footers, so Chet Holmgren and the Thunder's frontcourt will have their hands full.
This could ultimately come down to the battle in the paint, as Oklahoma City has struggled with strength this season.
Furthermore, Pistons rising guard Cade Cunningham — who played his lone college season at Oklahoma State University — will go head-to-head with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. This will be a fascinating matchup between two of the most exciting young guards in the NBA.
RECORDS:
Oklahoma City Thunder (2-1) vs. Detroit Pistons (2-1)
INJURIES:
Check out our live injury tracker, along with our game day injury report that will release later today.
WHEN:
Monday, Oct. 30, 2023 at 7:00 PM CT
LOCATION:
Paycom Center - Oklahoma City, OK
TV/RADIO:
Bally Sports Oklahoma, NBA League Pass, 98.1 FM The Sports Animal
FINAL WORD:
After a humbling loss on Sunday, this will be a huge opportunity for the Thunder to prove they can overcome adversity. Following tonight's matchup against Detroit, Oklahoma City will then host the New Orleans Pelicans on Wednesday.
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