Thunder vs Pistons Prediction, Odds & Game Preview 4/2/2025

The NBA's top team Oklahoma City Thunder (63-12) put their scorching 10-game winning streak on the line against the fifth-seeded Detroit Pistons (42-33), who'll be without several key players following suspensions from their recent brawl with Minnesota.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's MVP-caliber season (32.8 PPG) has powered the Thunder's league-leading defense, while Detroit must find answers without Isaiah Stewart and possibly Cade Cunningham, who's questionable with a calf injury.

The clash at Paycom Center pits the Thunder's elite 43.5% opponent field goal percentage against a Pistons squad that's scored 115.5 points per game but struggled defensively in recent outings, setting up what could be either a statement road win or another dominant performance by the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Detroit Pistons.

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Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons preview

The red-hot Oklahoma City Thunder will put their jaw-dropping 10-game winning streak on the line when they host the Detroit Pistons at Paycom Center on Wednesday night in what could be a statement game for either side.

Detroit's hopes took a massive hit after Monday's physical showdown with Minnesota that resulted in three key players—Isaiah Stewart, Ron Holland II, and Marcus Sasser—getting suspended following an on-court brawl.

Led by MVP candidate Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (32.8 PPG) and the emerging Jalen Williams (21.2 PPG), OKC's league-best defense has suffocated opponents while their offense has been downright explosive, most recently dropping 145 points on Chicago.

Detroit's Cade Cunningham (questionable with a calf issue) has been brilliant all season with 25.7 points and 9.2 assists per game, but his potential absence combined with the suspensions could leave Malik Beasley (fresh off a 27-point performance) carrying too heavy a load.

These teams have split their last 10 meetings with OKC taking the first game this season, but the Pistons' short-handed lineup faces a brutal challenge against a Thunder squad shooting over 51% in their last three contests.

Though Detroit ranks ninth in defensive efficiency, they've surrendered 113+ points in their last three outings, which doesn't bode well against an OKC team that leads the league in both defensive efficiency and steals.

Both teams play at a blistering pace—Detroit fifth-fastest in the league and OKC eleventh—setting up what could be an entertaining, high-scoring affair despite the Thunder's defensive prowess.

With the Thunder sitting atop the Western Conference and looking to lock up the #1 seed while Detroit fights to improve their fifth-place standing in the East, expect SGA and company to continue their dominant run at home where their swarming defense will likely be the difference-maker.