Tipoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET
Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan
TV: ESPN, FDSDET, FDSOK
This is a marquee early-season showdown between the top seeds in their respective conferences: the defending-champion Western Conference-leading Thunder and the surging Eastern Conference-leading Pistons. Both teams have been among the NBA’s elite all year, combining for an eye-popping 87-28 record entering the night. The Pistons host with home-court energy at Little Caesars Arena, where they’ve been formidable, while the Thunder arrive on the second night of a back-to-back after a gritty road win in Toronto.
Recent Form (Last 10 Games)
Pistons: 8-2, averaging ~118-119 points per game. Hot streak includes blowout wins over the Knicks (twice), Bulls, Raptors, and Hornets. They suffered a rare home loss to the Spurs on Feb. 23 (103-114) but bounced back strongly otherwise. Detroit is 7-3 ATS in that span and has covered in most home favorites scenarios.
Thunder: Strong 6-2 or better in recent stretches (5-1 SU in last 6 per trends), including wins over Cleveland (121-113 on Feb. 22) and Toronto (116-107 on Feb. 24). They’ve won without their two best scorers in multiple recent contests, relying on elite team defense, pace, and secondary scoring. OKC is playing with house money on the road despite the injuries.
Injury Report
Detroit Pistons:
- Isaiah Stewart (PF/C) – Out (league suspension; eligible to return ~March 3).
- Minimal other concerns; Bobi Klintman and a couple of two-way players on G-League assignment, but the rotation is essentially full strength otherwise.
Oklahoma City Thunder:
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) – Out (abdominal strain; missed at least the last several games, targeted return ~Feb. 27 or later).
- Jalen Williams (SF/PF) – Out (right hamstring strain; re-evaluation ~March 7).
- Ajay Mitchell (PG) – Out (abdomen/ankle).
- Thomas Sorber (C) – Out for season (right ACL recovery).
- Others (e.g., Alex Caruso or Chet Holmgren) listed as available or questionable in prior reports but expected to play.
OKC is without its two leading scorers and a key bench piece, forcing heavy minutes from Cason Wallace, Isaiah Joe, Luguentz Dort, Chet Holmgren, and role players.
Key Player Matchups
- Cade Cunningham (Pistons, ~25.3 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 9.8 APG, All-Star) vs. Thunder perimeter defense (Cason Wallace / Lu Dort / Caruso if available): Cunningham is the engine of Detroit’s offense and an MVP candidate. He’s been unstoppable in pick-and-roll and isolation. OKC’s switch-everything scheme and length will test him, but without SGA to guard him, Cunningham should have favorable matchups and could post 28+ points / 10+ assists.
- Chet Holmgren (Thunder, ~15-17 PPG / 10+ RPG without SGA this season, elite rim protector) vs. Jalen Duren (Pistons, strong rebounder/rim runner): Holmgren’s length and shooting (stretch-5 ability) give him an edge in space, but Duren dominates the glass and paint. This is a pivotal frontcourt battle for rebounding and second-chance points.
- Tobias Harris / Ron Holland / Ausar Thompson (Pistons wings) vs. Dort / Wallace / Joe (Thunder wings): Detroit’s depth and athleticism on the wings could exploit OKC’s thinner rotation.
- Bench edge: Pistons have more scoring punch available; Thunder rely on hustle, 3-point shooting, and defensive versatility.
Series History
The Thunder have owned recent meetings, winning the last two head-to-heads (including both in 2024-25) and holding a 3-1 or better edge in the last three seasons. All-time the series is close (Pistons lead slightly overall at ~71-78), but Oklahoma City is 2-0 ATS in the most recent matchups. Games tend to be competitive, with OKC often covering as underdogs or keeping totals in play.
Betting Trends
- Pistons are 7-3 ATS / 8-2 SU in last 10; strong as home favorites but 11-24 ATS as home favorites of 6+ in some broader samples.
- Thunder are 5-1 SU / solid ATS as road underdogs recently; 4-1 SU in last 5 vs. Detroit; totals have gone Over in 5 of last 5 road games for OKC and many Pistons home games.
- Combined scoring average for these teams this season exceeds the total by ~18 points; both rank high in pace and offensive efficiency.
- Pistons games hit the Over 34+ times this season; Thunder games also trend Over frequently.
Game Odds
Oklahoma City Thunder 219.5
Detroit Pistons – 7.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Tuesday, February 24, 2026
