Thunder Gameday: Bouncing Back on Second Night of Back-to-Back Against Detroit
In this story:
The Oklahoma City Thunder are below .500 once again as they look to stay in the play-in race. Following a bad loss last night, they'll be back at it again today against the Detroit Pistons at home, looking to get things back on track.
For both teams, injuries could play a big factor in how competitive this game is. Regardless, there should be a ton of young talent on the floor.
What do the Thunder need to do in order to get a key win down the stretch?
Rick Osentoski / USA TODAY Sports
ODDS:
The Thunder enter the day as 11-point favorites against the Pistons, and the total over/under is 227 points.
KEYS TO THE GAME:
The status of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight shouldn't matter, as the Thunder will have more talent on the floor regardless. However, if he's unable to go it does make things more difficult.
With that in mind, last night's loss wasn't about missing the points Gilgeous-Alexander would have provided. It was about a lack of defense by Oklahoma City. The Thunder had three players score 30 points, even with Gilgeous-Alexander being out of the lineup. It wasn't enough, as they allowed the Charlotte Hornets to score nearly 140 points.
In this contest, especially on the second night of a back-to-back, rotations will need to be crisp or it could be another upset loss. In the NBA, every team has the talent to win on any given night.
RECORDS:
Oklahoma City Thunder (37-39) vs. Detroit Pistons (16-59)
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 29, 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:
Following this contest, the Thunder will only have one day off before matching up with the Pacers in Indiana. Meanwhile, the Pistons travel south to take on the Houston Rockets.
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