The Detroit Pistons (42-33) will visit the Oklahoma City Thunder (63-12) in the NBA tonight. Tipoff is set for 9:30 p.m. ET at the Paycom Center in Oklahoma City. The game will broadcast live on ESPN.
The Thunder are 13-point favorites over the Pistons on the spread (Thunder -13), with the over/under set at 233.5 total points. Oklahoma City is a -800 favorite to win outright, while Detroit is +550 to pull off the upset.
Let's get to my Pistons vs. Thunder predictions and NBA picks for Wednesday, April 2.
Pistons vs Thunder Prediction
My Thunder vs. Pistons best bet is on Oklahoma City to cover the spread, with the best odds available at Fanatics. But as always, make sure to shop for the best line using our live NBA odds page.
My Pick: Thunder -13
Pistons vs Thunder Odds, Spread, Picks
| Pistons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+13 -110 | 233.5 -110 / -110 | +550 |
| Thunder Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-13 -110 | 233.5 -110 / -110 | -800 |
- Pistons vs. Thunder spread: Thunder -13
- Pistons vs. Thunder over/under: 233.5 total points
- Pistons vs. Thunder moneyline: Pistons +550, Thunder -800
- Pistons vs. Thunder best bet: Thunder -13 (-110)
Detroit Pistons vs Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Preview
Last Friday, the Pistons defeated the Cavaliers to secure their 42nd win this season. In doing so, the Pistons became the first team in NBA history to triple their win total from the previous season. They have now wins over the Celtics and Cavaliers, and will look to secure a win against the Thunder tonight for a victory against each of the league's three title favorites. However, that may prove to be difficult.
All-Star Cade Cunningham has missed the last four games with a calf injury, and he is doubtful tonight. While missing their franchise player will certainly hurt, the team's depth will be tested as well following suspensions from Sunday's altercation with Minnesota. Isaiah Stewart was suspended two games, while Ron Holland and Marcus Sasser were each given one game. Stewart is one of the league's best interior defenders off the bench, but tonight Holland may be the most significant absence.
Ausar Thompson is one of the league's best young defenders, but he has been prone to fouls of late with at least four fouls in three of his last four games. Thompson will likely be tasking with guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander tonight, and if he gets in early foul trouble, Holland will not be available to relieve him. That means the Pistons' perimeter defense could be compromised if Thompson gets in foul trouble, and Gilgeous-Alexander already had 48 points in the first meeting.
Things got testy in the first meeting as well, as the Pistons were issued five technical fouls in the third quarter, which would prove costly, considering that the Thunder won the game by six points. Pistons head coach JB Bickerstaff was given a hefty fine for his postgame comments on the officiating. However, Gilgeous-Alexander only attempted 10 free throws in that game, just one above his season average.
The Thunder did not have Jalen Williams or Chet Holmgren for that game, but their Big 3 will available tonight. Williams has scored 20 points in two of three games since returning from injury, while Holmgren has grabbed eight rebounds in six of his last 10 games.
Pistons vs Thunder Betting Predictions
Over the last few seasons, the Pistons and Thunder have both been rebuilding, and thus have each won five of the last 10 meetings. The Thunder are a bit further ahead in their rebuild, clinching the best record in the West for the second consecutive season, while still being armed with ample draft capital. They are also the healthier team tonight, and that is reflected in tonight's spread.
The Thunder are 14-0 at home against Eastern Conference teams and 28-1 overall. They went 15-1 in March, and they enter tonight's game on a 10-game winning streak. During their winning streak, the Thunder are 10-0 against the spread, and they have covered four times as a double-digit favorite in that span. The Thunder are also 25-11-2 ATS as a home favorite this season.
Considering that the Pistons lost by 19 in Minnesota following the ejections and without Cunningham, I am comfortable backing Oklahoma City as a double-digit favorite tonight.
Oklahoma City's excellent month of March was led by Gilgeous-Alexander, who won Western Conference Player of the Month after averaging 34.7 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.4 assists. SGA has scored 30 points in seven of his last 10 games, and in five straight games against the Pistons. He has combined for 11 rebounds and assists in five of his last six games, and nearly averaged 12 per game last month.
Meanwhile, Williams has scored 18 points in nine of his last 10 games, and I like him to get there again to complete this parlay.
Pistons vs Thunder Best Bet
- Thunder -13 (-110)
Pistons vs Thunder Parlay Picks
- Jalen Williams 20+ Points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 30+ Points
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Over 10.5 Rebounds + Assists
Parlay Payout: +350
