Oklahoma City Thunder (31-13) vs. Detroit Pistons (5-39)
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons January 28, 2024 – In an intriguing David vs. Goliath matchup, the surging Oklahoma City Thunder are set to face the struggling Detroit Pistons this Sunday. With the Thunder boasting an impressive 31-13 record and the Pistons languishing at 5-39, this game presents a stark contrast in fortunes. Set to take place at Little Caesars Arena, this encounter is drawing significant attention, not just for the on-court action but also for those interested in daily free NBA picks, given the unpredictable nature of the sport.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons January 28, 2024 Game Info
| When: | Sunday, January 28, 2024, at 2:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Little Caesars Arena |
| TV: | BSDET |
| Stream: | NBA League Pass |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (PG) vs. Bojan Bogdanov (SF)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a massive leap this season, averaging 31.1 points, 6.4 assists and 2.3 steals per game. SGA has been nearly unstoppable on offense with his ability to get to the rim and draw fouls. He posts an insane 63.7% true shooting percentage. While his defense often goes unnoticed, Gilgeous-Alexander creates havoc pressuring ball-handlers and jumping into passing lanes for steals and transition opportunities. His two-way brilliance powers OKC.
Meanwhile, veteran Bojan Bogdanovic serves as the number one option for Detroit, scoring over 20 points per game. He provides essential floor spacing with his three-point shot and has a knack for creating his own shot. While not elite defensively, Bogdanovic battles bigger wings well with his strength. He will look to match Gilgeous-Alexander’s output, with the Thunder lacking a true wing stopper outside of Lu Dort. This matchup of dynamic scorers could determine Sunday’s contest.
With Bogdanovic lacking playmaking abilities, the Pistons struggle to generate offense outside of his shot creation. Conversely, Gilgeous-Alexander both scores and creates easy baskets for teammates, fueling a much more efficient OKC offense. Bogdanovic’s defensive issues could prove costly against SGA’s versatile scoring attack off the dribble.
Thunder’s High-Octane Offense
The Thunder’s offensive prowess can be seen in their season averages: 121.9 points per game on 50.5% shooting from the field and 13.1 three-pointers made per game at 39.2% conversion add a deadly edge to their play. Their high scoring offense, combined with their relatively low turnovers per game (11.7), makes them formidable opponents for any opponent.
Pistons’ Struggles and Silver Linings
Although Detroit’s record may indicate otherwise, their stats show some promise, such as an average score of 112.5 per game and field goal percentage of 47.2%. Their rebounding of 43.3 boards per game shows competitive edge while their higher turnover rate (15 per game) and lower defensive metrics suggest areas needing improvement against an offense as savvy as Thunder’s.
NBA Betting Odds: TBD, Over/Under: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but given the Thunder’s impressive record and the Pistons’ struggles, it’s likely that Oklahoma City will be the heavy favorites. Bettors should keep an eye on the spread and moneyline as they become available, considering the Thunder’s road game prowess and recent form.
Oklahoma City Thunder Betting Trends
Thunder are 4-1 in their last 5 games.
OKC Thunder are 3-2 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Thunder are 13-8 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Thunder’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 12 of Thunder’ 22 last games at home.
Detroit Pistons Betting Trends
Pistons are 2-3 in their last 5 games.
Detroit Pistons are 5-0 in their last 5 games against the spread.
Pistons are 10-11 in their road games against the spread.
The totals have gone OVER in 3 of Pistons’ last 5 games.
The totals have gone OVER in 11 of Pistons’ 23 last games at home.
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. Detroit Pistons Betting Picks
Considering the Thunder’s high-scoring offense and the Pistons’ defensive vulnerabilities, the smart money might be on Oklahoma City to cover the spread, particularly given their strong performance against the spread in road games. However, the Pistons’ recent success against the spread suggests they could keep it closer than expected, making them an intriguing underdog pick, especially for bettors looking for value.
Ultimately, the Thunder’s superior record and offensive firepower make them the safer bet, but the Pistons’ resilience against the spread cannot be ignored. For those interested in over/under bets, the tendency of both teams to hit the OVER in recent games suggests that a high-scoring affair could be on the cards.
Given the Thunder’s offensive capabilities and the Pistons’ struggles, expect Oklahoma City to secure a comfortable victory. However, for those exploring USA Legal Betting Sites, keep an eye on the spread and consider the Pistons’ recent success against the spread when making your picks.
Receiving Yards Prop: Thunder 118, Pistons 105
