OKC Stays in Play-In
The Detroit Pistons are eliminated from the playoffs with the worst record in the league. On the other hand, the Oklahoma City Thunder, a team many expected not to be involved in the postseason, still have their NBA playoffs odds alive and kicking.
In the Pistons’ last game on Monday, they lost to the Milwaukee Bucks 126-117, playing a lineup with very little chance of winning due to injuries. The Thunder, without their All-Star, lost the first of a back-to-back against the Charlotte Hornets, 137-134.
Pistons Have Small Silver Lining
There is not much to glean from this Pistons’ season other than now they have one of the best draft lottery odds, although tied with two other teams for the best chance of getting the No.1 pick. Regarding sports betting, the team has struggled against the spread (ATS) and has not had the offense or defense to be worth over/under bets.
Strictly on the court, there’s little to be excited about. Due to injuries to Detroit’s best players, Cade Cunningham and Bojan Bogdanović, the record has only gotten worse. The silver lining would be that young players have been given opportunities with real game experience, with little repercussions for mistakes.
Jaden Ivey tonight:
32 PTS (career-high)
8 REB
8 AST
3 3PFirst rookie to reach those numbers since Cade Cunningham last season. pic.twitter.com/HGn4mIje3U
— StatMuse (@statmuse) March 28, 2023
That strategy has not helped the team to become solid NBA picks, but some of the young players have been decent. Rookie Jaden Ivey had a big game against the Bucks, scoring 32 points. On top of that, the three centers, Marvin Bagley III, James Wiseman, and rookie Jalen Duren, have played well.
Thunder Keeping Playoff Hopes Alive
For the Thunder, it is becoming increasingly more realistic that they could be in the playoffs or at least in the Play-In. At the moment, they are 10th in the West but tied with the Dallas Mavericks, who are in 11th, and only 2½ games from possibly breaking into sixth, an automatic playoff spot.
The NBA news has focused a lot on the exceptional play of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fourth in points per game, 31.3. But his absence was surely missed facing the Hornets, dealing with an ankle injury.
Josh Giddey, Isaiah Joe and Jalen Williams are the 2nd trio in NBA history, all younger than 24, to each score 30 Pts in the same game.
The 1st trio also did it in a Thunder uniform: Kevin Durant, James Harden & Russell Westbrook in 2012. pic.twitter.com/myLc10aRgf
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) March 29, 2023
However, the play of Josh Giddey and rookie Jalen Williams has been a big part of Oklahoma City’s success. Over the last 15 games, Williams has played in 13, averaging 19.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. Giddey has also been impressive, playing in all 15 games, averaging 18.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 7.5 assists.
On top of that, the NBA lines are favoring the Thunder to stay in the Play-In, having one of the easier remaining schedules.
Pistons vs Thunder Game Injuries
Pistons vs Thunder Head-to-Head
Last season, the Pistons and Thunder split their two-game series, with the road team winning. In the only game this season, the Pistons beat the Thunder 112-103 on Nov. 7, but Gilgeous-Alexander still had 33 points.
Pistons vs Thunder Game Information
- Game: Pistons (16-59) vs Thunder (37-39)
- Location: Paycom Center, Oklahoma City, OK
- Day/Time: Wednesday, March 29, 8:00 p.m. EST
- Pistons vs Thunder Live stream: NBA Game Pass
Pistons vs Thunder Betting Lines
Pistons vs Thunder Picks and Prediction
The Thunder have put themselves in a great position to make the playoffs or at least the Play-In; they just have to follow it through. That means beating the Pistons, which the Thunder should be able to do as the more talented and healthier team.
Covering a large spread might be difficult for the Thunder, especially if Gilgeous-Alexander is out. In addition, the team could not beat the Hornets in their last game, making this game a little more complicated than it should be.
The Oklahoma City Thunder are listed at -650 in our Vegas NBA odds. This means that if you wager $100 on the Thunder, you have a chance to win $15. The Detroit Pistons are +480, offering a chance to win $480 on a $100 wager.
The implied probability attached to the betting lines gives the Oklahoma City Thunder an 86.67% chance to win, with the Detroit Pistons at 17.24%.
Pistons vs Thunder Trends
Pistons vs Thunder Edge
Pistons vs Thunder Results
Pistons vs Thunder Game Summary
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